ABOUT US
Our History
Founded by Donna Parris in 1992, the PCC provides a valuable cultural experience to the people of Central and Upper Bucks County. Any resident with a passion for singing can join the Chorus and enjoy the opportunity to both study and perform sophisticated choral music under the professional direction of Dr. Jack Schmidt. It is a true community chorus in that we are a non-auditioned choir and registration is open to anyone wanting to be a part of our musical organization. Our concerts are offered to all residents of our rural area at an affordable cost.
The Chorus has performed a diverse classical repertory that includes major choral works such as A. Mozart’s Solemn Vespers KV 339, J S. Bach’s Christ lag in Todesbanden and Arvo Part’s , Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem, Mozart’s Coronation Mass, Handel’s Messiah, Schubert’s Mass in G, Haydn’s Creation, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, selections from Brahms and Telemann, John Rutter’s Gloria, and Handel’s Coronation Anthems. Maurice Durufle’s Requiem, Benjamin Britten’s “Rejoice in the Lamb, and Te Deum and Missa in tempore belli by Franz Joseph Haydn, and Alexander’s Feast, by Handel, , the United States Premiere work of Jan Dismas Zelenka Te Deum (z146), J.S. Bach’sTönet ihr Pauken!, Misa Criolla by Ariel Ramirez and Misa de Lima by Roque Ceruti, and Lux Aeterna by Morten Lauridsen, Mendelssohn’s Psalm 24, Dvorák’s Te Deum and Brahm’s Motet Op.74 no.1, and Joseph Haydn’s “The Seasons”. The Chorus has performed a sophisticated variety of American music which included works arranged by Alice Parker, Greg Gilpin, Richard Rogers, Randall Thompson, Henry Purcell, Eric Whitacre, David Dickau and John Corigliano as well as music of multicultural influences from around the world as part of its exploration of musical expression. The Chorus offers a unique cultural experience, the type of which is not readily available in this rural area.
The Palisades Community Chorus has provided a $500 scholarship each year to a graduating senior from Palisades High School who wishes to pursue higher education in music. These funds are provided through ticket sales, CD/DVD sales and other development events. Since 2015 we have used one of our concerts to raise awareness of the needs of the Homeless Shelter in Doylestown, PA. This has been a wonderful ongoing community relationship which unites many different walks of life brought together through music. We have steadily increased our audiences in the Upper Bucks area. In 2019 we collaborated with the “Arts on Campus” organization at Delaware Valley University. It was such a great collaboration for arts and music we are continuing the effort for 2020. To quantify our progress we have a printed survey in each program to monitor audience reaction to the concert, demographics, and impact of the concert for future marketing strategies. Our audiences have ranged from school age children to senior citizens. We believe the Chorus is a valuable asset to Bucks County. It provides a wonderful opportunity for talented singers and instrumentalists, while providing a welcome cultural outlet in the area.