About

Founded in September of 2002 by its director, James Burritt, the Vocalis Chamber Choir is a select ensemble of dedicated professionals based in Western New York. Vocalis is committed to performing great a cappella music of all eras, and to cultivating an awareness of the art of choral singing. Consisting of 18 voices, the choir strives to inspire, educate, and enlighten our audiences through an intimate and moving concert experience. Currently in its ninth season, Vocalis has established itself as one of the finest ensembles in Western New York.

The membership of the choir consists of music educators, church musicians, and other talented professionals from Buffalo, and beyond. The choir rehearses weekly, and presents eight to ten concerts a year. Vocalis’ first CD, New Day, was highly praised by the Buffalo News, and has been regularly heard on WNED-FM, Buffalo. Vocalis performs regularly throughout Western New York, and has traveled to Toronto, Pittsburgh, and most recently completed a four concert tour of Rochester, Albany and New York City.  The choir has collaborated with the choirs of St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus, the Amherst Symphony Orchestra, the Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, and Shakespeare in Delaware Park.  In 2009, the choir was invited to perform and present at the ECMEA Winter Conference in Buffalo.  Vocalis’ most recent CD, Journey In Song, was released in the Fall of 2009.

The 2010-2011 season, promises to continue the choir’s diverse repertoire.  The season begins with  Masterpieces, a collaborative multimedia event exploring great art and choral works from various periods of history.  December continues a Vocalis tradition, as the choir returns to the glorious acoustic of the Karpeles Manuscript Museum in Buffalo to sing in the season.  In March, Eastern European Explorations, brings to light fantastic choral works from Hungary, Poland and beyond.  Vocalis ends the season with a program entitled, Light Eternal, featuring early and contemporary works of peace and joy.  The choir will be joined by organ and chamber musicians for this celebration of the sacred and sublime.  Join Us!

Vocalis Chamber Choir

Soprano - Lydia Evans, Patricia Hills, Ericka Milczarski, Beth Fischer, Miriah Reyes

Alto - Grace Black, Teresa Darlak, Michelle Holden, Natalia Kojanova, Amelia Kraatz, Dan Yox

Tenor - David Baldwin, Todd Creech, Ward Hamlin, Andrew Niederhauser, Justin Pomietlarz

Bass - Damon Ayer, Daniel Black, Daniel Fischer, David Frieder, Alex Lipnicki

James Burritt, Director

Daniel Black, Assistant Conductor

Vocalis Board of Directors

James Burritt, President

Vera Kozak, Vice-President

Christopher Burritt, Treasurer

Daniel Black

Elizabeth Holden

Anne Altenburg Moot

Justin Pomietlarz

Suzanne Walker