In 1996 a group of local singers sought to begin a community chorus in Beaufort, South Carolina. By February 1997 the Lowcountry Chorale was established under the leadership of Dr. Dwight Dunbar and accompanied by Jane Dunbar. The fledgling chorus rehearsed diligently each Tuesday evening in the basement of the First Presbyterian Church Educational Building.
The 43 member group, accompanied by five instrumentalists offered its first concert at the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) Performing Arts Center on Mother's Day, May 11, 1997. The audience attending this initial performance heard John Rutter's 'Requiem' followed by light and traditional American music honoring the theme of motherhood. Subsequent performances have included a rich blend of classical and lighter music ranging from Handle's 'Messiah' to folk songs from around the world. The Chorale has performed in various venues including the Baptist Church of Beaufort and Sea Island Presbyterian Church
In the fall of 2007, after the retirement of Dr. Dunbar and his wife, Jane, Cliff Kosier became the second musical director of the Chorale and Gloria Bockelman took over as accompanist. At the same time, rehearsals and performances moved to St. John's Lutheran Church. In November, 2010 the Chorale began their popular 'dessert' concerts, adding refreshments in a "cafe'" type setting.
In September 2012 with the departure of Cliff, the Chorale welcomed Alan Lathan to our musical family. During Alan's tenure the chorale continued with their rehearsals and performances at St. John's Lutheran Church. The Chorale continued with their 'dessert' concerts. September 2017, with the departure of Alan Lathan, the Chorale welcomed Jordan Plair to our musical family. In 2020, th Chorale welcomed Josh Wall to our musical family.
The Chorale was on hiatus after the COVID-19 pandemic and is excited to be singing once more. The Chorale meets at St. John's Lutheran Church, 157 Lady's Island Drive, Tuesday evenings from 7 pm to 9:45 pm. St John's also serves as the site for Chorale performances. Rehearsals will begin September 13, 2023 and our concert will be Friday, December 8, 2023 at 7 pm.
The 43 member group, accompanied by five instrumentalists offered its first concert at the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) Performing Arts Center on Mother's Day, May 11, 1997. The audience attending this initial performance heard John Rutter's 'Requiem' followed by light and traditional American music honoring the theme of motherhood. Subsequent performances have included a rich blend of classical and lighter music ranging from Handle's 'Messiah' to folk songs from around the world. The Chorale has performed in various venues including the Baptist Church of Beaufort and Sea Island Presbyterian Church
In the fall of 2007, after the retirement of Dr. Dunbar and his wife, Jane, Cliff Kosier became the second musical director of the Chorale and Gloria Bockelman took over as accompanist. At the same time, rehearsals and performances moved to St. John's Lutheran Church. In November, 2010 the Chorale began their popular 'dessert' concerts, adding refreshments in a "cafe'" type setting.
In September 2012 with the departure of Cliff, the Chorale welcomed Alan Lathan to our musical family. During Alan's tenure the chorale continued with their rehearsals and performances at St. John's Lutheran Church. The Chorale continued with their 'dessert' concerts. September 2017, with the departure of Alan Lathan, the Chorale welcomed Jordan Plair to our musical family. In 2020, th Chorale welcomed Josh Wall to our musical family.
The Chorale was on hiatus after the COVID-19 pandemic and is excited to be singing once more. The Chorale meets at St. John's Lutheran Church, 157 Lady's Island Drive, Tuesday evenings from 7 pm to 9:45 pm. St John's also serves as the site for Chorale performances. Rehearsals will begin September 13, 2023 and our concert will be Friday, December 8, 2023 at 7 pm.