The Richmond Symphony Chorus is an award-winning ensemble of 150 members from the Richmond region. The chorus performs regularly with the Richmond Symphony, Richmond Ballet, and in stand-alone performances around the community. Its members are a diverse group of Richmond community members united by a shared passion for choral singing.
Founded by James Erb in 1971 to perform Beethoven’s Missa Solemnisunder the baton of renowned conductor Robert Shaw, the Richmond Symphony Chorus has a rich history. Erb, a professor at the University of Richmond and a renowned scholar of choral music, led the group for 36 years. Conductor Erin Freeman led the chorus from 2007 to 2021, directing performances in Richmond, Wintergreen, Carnegie Hall, and Paris, France. In 2018, the Chorus was featured in the GRAMMY®-nominated recording of the premier performance Children of Adam by American composer Mason Bates and Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem. Over the years, the chorus's repertoire has featured classic masterworks, numerous contemporary compositions and premieres, and symphonic pops performances.
In the spring of 2024, conductor Richard W. Robbins—formerly assistant director of the Houston Symphony Chorus and director of the Duluth Superior Symphony Chorus—assumed leadership of the Richmond Symphony Chorus for its 53rd season. That same year, he made his conducting debut with the Richmond Symphony in a performance of Handel’s Messiah, and has since led the chorus in both major choral collaborations with the symphony and standalone performances.
The chorus is happy to welcome new members. If you are interested in auditioning for the Richmond Symphony Chorus, please visit: www.rschorus.com/auditions.html
