Retiring after a quarter-century of leading one of the premier symphonic choral groups in the Puget Sound region is cause for celebration. Dr. Glenn Gregg will be doing just that this year after serving as Artistic Director for the Kirkland Choral Society for 25 years. Dr. Gregg says choral works with orchestra are his passion, and he holds a doctoral degree in choral conducting from the University of Washington, and a Master of Music degree (with distinction) in conducting from California State University, Northridge.
When he accepted an invitation to guest conduct KCS in 1997, Dr. Gregg had a vision for a large choral society on the Eastside. He evolved the group from a non-auditioned chorus of about a dozen people to a balanced ensemble of 100 auditioned singers focusing on the great masterworks for chorus and orchestra - bringing his vision to fruition expeditiously.
Some of the choral society members are trained vocalists, while others simply love music. “It’s a big mix and it’s wonderful!” says Dr. Gregg, “One of the reasons that people join choirs is they want to be a part of something special.” He loves the synergy of KCS, and that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts - many people working together to create something beautiful.
KCS collaborates with other musical groups as well. Dr. Gregg hopes that part of his legacy will be the continuation of a twelve-year partnership with Philharmonia Northwest orchestra. Working with Lake Washington High School’s choir is another priority of his, to foster a love of choral music among the next generation.
Dr. Gregg anticipates that KCS will continue to feature the great choral works he’s passionate about. While he calls Brahms’ Requiem his “desert island piece,” he has many favorites and says he falls in love with whichever composition he’s working on at the moment. In addition to the old masters, KCS commissions well-known composers of our time to create new choral music.
This February 25, KCS will perform its annual love-themed concert entitled “All You Need is Love” at Bastyr University Chapel. LA-based composer Dale Trumbore is composing a new work for KCS to be premiered at the concert. The season will close with an April performance at Benaroya Hall. Pieces from Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms will be included, as well as a new voting rights cantata entitled Say Your Name by Reena Esmail – “Three B’s and One E” as KCS is calling it. Dr. Gregg tells Kirkland Lifestyle, “This is our return to Benaroya post-Covid, and it will be my final performance as Artistic Director of KCS. I’m very excited for it!” Tickets for these shows are available at kirklandchoralsociety.org.
For anyone wishing to audition, KCS is seeking experienced singers in all voice ranges, and welcomes new members year round. Reach out to auditions@kirklandchoralsociety.org for further information.
“It’s a big mix and it’s wonderful!” says Dr. Gregg, “One of the reasons that people join choirs is they want to be a part of something special.”
