Background Statement
In 1977 Elizabeth Elliott and others in Fort Collins acted on their vision of a local adult chorus with professional abilities, similar to those in major cities, by founding the Larimer Chorale. At first the Chorale welcomed all interested singers. Over the next few years, as the group grew, it began to require auditions so that it could do justice to more complex music. Current conductor/artistic director Michael Todd Krueger arrived in the fall of 2004 and began to diversify our programming and grow our musicianship, bringing us ever closer to the founders' original vision. Today the Larimer Chorale is one of the most accomplished choral groups in Colorado and is gaining reputation a reputation for excellence among fellow choruses nationwide. Current membership is approximately 120. The Chorale has formed a number of small groups within its membership to provide more varied experiences for its singers and audiences.
The touring Chamber Choir has participated in music festivals and performed in historic cathedrals, performance halls, and churches in Western Europe and the British Isles. In 1998, the Choir sang for services at San Marco in Venice and at the Duomo in Florence, Italy. In July, 2001, the Choir was invited to sing in a Sunday mass at Notre Dame de Paris and in a concert at the Madeleine during their tour of France. In July 2010, the Choir performed in churches and cathedrals in Austria and Czech Republic, including St. Nicholas in Prague, the Salzburg Cathedral, and St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna. In January 2013, the choir visited Spain to sing in Barcelona, La Rioja, Toledo, and Madrid. In June 2015, the choir toured German and Poland. In June 2018, the choir toured Ireland, Wales, and England.
The Dickens Carolers, clad in authentic Victorian attire, perform at our annual fund-raiser, The Dickens Dinners, and are available for hire during the holiday season.
As it has matured, the Chorale has become increasingly involved in community engagement. It's Singing for Seniors (now knowns as the Silvertones) program, founded in 2012, is home to one of the largest choirs for seniors in the country. Each week about 150 seniors gather to sing, laugh, learn make friends, face new challenges, and enjoy all the health and wellness benefits that singing in a group has to offer.
Now, more than 40 years after its humble founding, the Chorale is one of the largest and most accomplished classical choral groups in Colorado, fulfilling its goals of enriching and educating singers and audiences through live performances, recordings, and workshops.