WELCOME!
The Women’s Chorale of Corning is a regional community of singers drawn together by the shared joy of learning and performing treble music.
JOIN US
We always welcome new singers. Contact us now to learn more about The Women's Chorale.
Fall/Winter Session
Where:
United Church of Painted Post
201 N Hamilton St,
Painted Post, NY 14870
When:
Wednesdays
7:00 - 9:00 pm
For further information contact:
Wendy Hovey
607-765-8508
A BIT OF HISTORY
The Women's Chorale began as a madrigal singing class at 171 Cedar Arts Center in the summer of 1991.
Throughout our long history an inspiring line of directors, collaborators and coaches has helped us expand our musical repertoire and vocal skills. They have included founding mother Jayne Demakos, Elaine Fedchak, Jennifer Haywood, Marianna Raho, Carl Johengen and Sarah Dennis.
The Women's Chorale enjoys collaborating with a variety of other groups and musicians. We have sung with the Women’s Chorale of West High School (Corning), Svitanya (Philadelphia), Women’s Works (Ithaca), and Jubilation! (Hamilton NY). The Women's Chorale was a regular participant in the Festival of Women in the Arts, a Women’s History Month celebration sponsored by the Cantata Singers.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
New York Sings! A Composers’ Symposium
A collaboration among singers, composers, and prominent musicians, this event offered regional composers an opportunity to write music for women’s voices and to hear The Women's Chorale perform them live.
Francisco J. Núñez, Founder and Artistic Director of the Young People’s Chorus of NYC and Glenn McClure, composer, music collaborator, educator and advocate for people with special needs, conducted a composers' master class and chose the best works. These were featured in a public concert by The Women's Chorale.
New York Sings! was made possible with public funds from the New York State Council of the Arts Decentralization Program, administered locally by The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes.
Voices: A Celebration of the Music in All of Us – The Inclusive Choir Project.
We created singing/learning partnerships with adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our goal was for all the participants to experience the joy of singing, while getting to know each other and developing confidence in our skills. Together we learned healthy singing techniques and presented two concerts.
This Inclusive Choir Project was made possible by a grant from the New York State Music Fund, established by the New York State Attorney General and managed by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.
JOIN
THE WOMEN'S
CHORALE
The Women's Chorale calendar is divided into two periods, Fall/Winter and Winter/Spring. Each one concludes with a major concert and sometimes additional performances.
New singers are invited to try out the group during the first two rehearsals.
We make every attempt to make joining The Women's Chorale accessible and affordable. We collect fees, which cover our director's salary, accompanists, and music.
REHEARSALS
Where:
United Church of Painted Post
201 N Hamilton St,
Painted Post, NY 14870
When:
Wednesdays
7:00 - 9:00 pm
For further information contact:
Wendy Hovey
607-765-8508
Need Directions?
NOTE:
The first two rehearsals are FREE for new singers to “test drive” the ensemble before paying fees.
Corning, New York
The Women’s Chorale of Corning Welcomes New Musical Director and Accompanist
The Women’s Chorale of Corning is thrilled to announce the appointment of Lael Van De Water as its new Director. Lael, a local voice teacher, will bring her extensive conducting experience to the organization, which has been a cherished part of the Corning community for more than 30 years. Lael’s husband, Mark Van De Water will join as accompanist.
Lael has taught singing in upstate New York for 15 years, both in her private studio, and in group settings. She co-founded and conducted a regional children's choir, and has led choirs and taught music in a variety of local public and private schools. Her appointment marks a new chapter for the Women’s Chorale of Corning, known for its diverse repertoire that includes beloved American favorites, global music and original compositions. Lael’s vision and leadership will bring fresh perspectives and invigorate the Chorale’s musical journey.
Mark Van De Water, an accomplished musician and choral conductor at Campbell-Savona Jr/Sr High School and district music department chair, will join Lael as accompanist. Together, Lael and Mark represent a dynamic partnership that will enhance the Chorale’s sound and artistic expression.
“We are delighted to welcome Lael and Mark to our musical family,” said Wendy Hovey, President of The Women’s Chorale of Corning. “Their combined talents and shared passion for music align perfectly with our mission to celebrate and share the joy of singing. We are excited to embark on this new era and look forward to the wonderful musical experiences they will bring to our Chorale and our audiences.”
“One of my goals as a music teacher is to help women discover their voices and enhance their musical talents,” said Lael Van De Water. “We are thrilled to join such an established musical group in the Corning area and hope that together we can continue to grow this community.”
The Women’s Chorale of Corning is a vibrant ensemble of women of all ages who share a deep love for singing. The Chorale’s performances offer a rich tapestry of music from around the world, bringing together audiences in celebration of choral artistry.
