
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, is buzzing with excitement as the Ars Musica Chorale celebrates its 60th anniversary with a stellar lineup of choral performances starting November 2025. Founded in 1965, this beloved community chorus is marking its milestone season with four unforgettable concerts, featuring iconic works like Carmina Burana and Handel’s Messiah. From ticket details to rehearsal schedules, here’s everything you need to know about this cultural gem in Bergen County and how to join the celebration in 2025!
A Milestone Season: Ars Musica Chorale’s 60th Year
Since its founding by conductor Joyce Keshner in 1965, the Ars Musica Chorale has been a cornerstone of northern Bergen County’s arts scene, delivering world-class choral music. Now led by Music Director Michael McCormick, a Westminster Choir College graduate pursuing advanced studies at Rutgers, and accompanied by acclaimed pianist YiKyung “Diana” Hughes, the nonprofit chorus is pulling out all the stops for its 60th season. Rehearsals begin September 9, 2025, setting the stage for a year of musical brilliance.
2025 Performance Lineup: A Must-See Schedule
The Ars Musica Chorale’s 60th season features four diverse performances at Ridgewood’s top venues, showcasing a mix of iconic classics and festive favorites. Here’s the lineup:
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Carmina Burana
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 4 p.m.
Venue: West Side Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood
Details: Experience the American premiere of a new chamber orchestration of Carl Orff’s electrifying Carmina Burana, featuring the Adelphi Orchestra, soloists Kristen Plumley and George Johnson III, the New Jersey Children’s Choir, and Mount Olive Middle School Select Choir. A high-energy start to the season!
Keywords: Carmina Burana 2025, Ridgewood concert November, Adelphi Orchestra, Carl Orff performance -
An Ars Musica Holiday
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 4 p.m.
Venue: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ridgewood
Details: Celebrate the season with selections from Handel’s Messiah, paired with festive works by John Rutter, David Willcocks, and Ryan Brandau, plus seasonal readings. Perfect for holiday music lovers!
Keywords: Handel Messiah Ridgewood, holiday concert 2025, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, festive choral music -
Rutter’s Requiem
Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Venue: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ridgewood
Details: John Rutter’s luminous Requiem takes center stage, joined by performances from the acclaimed all-male vocal quartet Choir Next Door. A soul-stirring evening of choral mastery.
Keywords: John Rutter Requiem, Choir Next Door, Ridgewood March concert, choral music 2026 -
Celebrating 60 Years
Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Venue: West Side Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood
Details: The season closes with a jubilant program featuring Francis Poulenc’s Gloria and André Thomas’ Mass: A Celebration of Love and Joy, honoring six decades of musical excellence.
Keywords: Ars Musica 60th celebration, Poulenc Gloria, André Thomas Mass, Ridgewood May concert
Meet the Musical Talent Behind the Season
The 2025 season is led by Music Director Michael McCormick, a summa cum laude graduate of Westminster Choir College and assistant conductor at Rutgers University’s Glee Club and Kirkpatrick Choir. He also serves as director of music and organist at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Basking Ridge. Accompanying the chorale is pianist YiKyung “Diana” Hughes, who holds degrees from Mannes School of Music and a doctorate from Rutgers, bringing technical brilliance to every performance.
How to Get Tickets and Join the Celebration
Tickets for each performance are priced at:
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Adults: $40
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Seniors/Special Needs: $35
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Students (with ID, at the door only): $15
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Children under 12: Free
Save with a full-season subscription: $135 for adults and $115 for seniors. Purchase tickets online at arsmusica.org/concerts for a seamless experience. Don’t miss the chance to witness choral music at its finest in Ridgewood!
Keywords: Ars Musica tickets, Ridgewood concert tickets, season subscription discount, choral music events, Bergen County performances
Want to Sing with Ars Musica? Join Rehearsals!
The chorale welcomes new voices to its community. Rehearsals start September 9, 2025, and run every Tuesday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Society of Ridgewood (113 Cottage Place). Interested singers can learn about auditions and membership at arsmusica.org/join. Contact the chorale at info@arsmusica.org or call 551-226-9305 for details.
Why This Matters: A Cultural Gem in Bergen County
The Ars Musica Chorale’s 60th season is a testament to Ridgewood’s vibrant arts scene and the enduring power of choral music. From the dramatic intensity of Carmina Burana to the festive joy of a holiday concert, these performances offer something for every music lover. As a nonprofit, Ars Musica relies on community support, making ticket purchases and subscriptions vital to its mission.
Mark your calendars for these unforgettable concerts and join Ridgewood in celebrating six decades of musical excellence. For more information, visit arsmusica.org or follow updates on local event listings.
Source: Adapted from NorthJersey.com and Ars Musica Chorale announcements.
Don’t miss out on Ridgewood’s premier choral experience—grab your tickets for Ars Musica’s 60th season today!
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