Still, I approached it with a bit of hesitation because I didn’t know that there was a possibility for my university life to coincide. Learning about all of that, I realized that this was definitely something that I had a deep interest in. PDM: Could you share briefly with the reader about what encouraged you to throw your hat in the ring?ĮR: After I was told about the opening, I began to look at the chorus’ mission statement, their job description-which mentioned that they were seeking a conductor who was basically rooted in diversity, interested in moving the chorus forward in this 21st century with strong vision, programmatic ideas and a leader who is a visionary. It just feels right, like the right thing, right now! My students can also be a part of that through various opportunities such as collaborating with the National Symphony Orchestra, as well as other artists in the DC area. Having this new post with The Washington Chorus along with that feels very symbiotic because the work that I do with The Washington Chorus directly relates to what I am teaching at the university. When I think about my work teaching in the undergraduate program at The University of Michigan, which is a choral/orchestral program, a lot of our time is spent studying the major works. For me, also the idea of working with a historic chorus that honors the traditions of the past, but also has as a part of their mission to advance choral music in many ways, whether it be through diversity, being inclusive of its members in the chorus, collaborations with our partners or commissioning new voices is important. (I am a Virginia native) So coming back and being able to maintain my university life in tandem with The Washington Chorus feels like the absolute perfect relationship on both ends.
PDM: What excites you about this new journey with The Washington Chorus?Įugene Rogers: I never in a million years would have imagined that my journey would bring me back home, even though I am not a DC native. We caught up with Maestro Rogers for an exclusive interview regarding his appointment, vision for The Washington Chorus and the imprint that he hopes to make on the DC Choral landscape. “We are excited to welcome Eugene Rogers to the The Washington Chorus family: he brings such musical expertise and precision, as well as enthusiasm, energy and vibrancy to his work…His experience nationally and internationally in the choral world, his creative and ambitious programmatic visioning, his interest in connecting to the DC community, and his experience as a collaborator are all part of The Washington Chorus’ hope and vision for the future” Morrissey continued. Kara Morrissey, who served as search committee chair also shared her thoughts. He brings such inspired vision and necessary vibrancy, eagerness, merited skill set, collaborative will, defined intent, and strong partnering abilities that are guaranteed to impact the DC regional cultural community in an explosive way” he expressed. What a gem he is and will surely stand to be as the new Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of this Grammy Award winning choir. “It is with complete joy that I celebrate Maestro Eugene Rogers as the newest addition to The Washington Chorus family. based conductor, music educator and Howard University graduate expressed his excitement with Rogers’ appointment. It is certainly worth mentioning that in this pantheon of conductors, Rogers will be the first African-American conductor to hold the post, adding another dimension to this new era with The Washington Chorus.
Certainly, each music director in TWC’s storied history has brought their own level of individuality to the position. Eugene Rogers will be begin his tenure as the chorus’ fifth artistic director. The two-time Grammy award winning chorus will enter yet another chapter of leadership. From its inception and founding as The Oratorio Society of Washington in 1961 by the late Hugh Hayward, it has continued to enjoy critical acclaim under conductors Robert Shafer, Julian Wachner and Christopher Bell.
The Washington Chorus (TWC) has been synonymous with choral excellence for nearly 60 years. (This exclusive feature story and interview appears in special courtesy by Stephen Beaudoin-Executive Director of The Washington Chorus, with many thanks.) Here, we share some of the details as well as an exclusive interview with Maestro Rogers. EXCLUSIVE: A Game Changing Appointment: On the cusp of its nearly 60 year choral presence in our Nation’s Capital, Eugene Rogers will be the first African-American conductor of The Washington Chorus, one of our country’s premiere symphonic choirs.