Over the years, Masterworks Choral Ensemble has continued to refine its mission of presenting and promoting the art of vocal music. MCE has experienced both the strength of continuity and the excitement of change. Members have been brought together weekly by one constant unifier: the love of singing. It’s an amazing journey that started in 1981 with discussions of starting a new community choir and continues today.
Now, 40+ years later, MCE is still a strong and vibrant non-profit organization. Thus far MCE has:
- Performed over 700 works by classical and popular composers
- Performed the choral masterworks of 57 composers
- Performed diverse musical styles from Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, and Romantic, to popular styles like Broadway and Hollywood musicals, big band, doo-wop, and swing, as well as explorations into ethnic African, Jewish and Latin American music
- Performed music from the 1st to the 21st century
- Commissioned four new choral works
- Performed with over 200 choir members (cumulatively)
- Performed with orchestra 23 times
- Performed with 51 vocal soloists
- Performed with 36 guest groups/performers
- Collaborated with 16 other arts groups
- Performed with over 125 children from 10 local schools
- Performed and rehearsed with 14 accompanists
- Performed in 11 venues
- Performed numerous times for Governors Locke and Gardner at the Governor’s Mansion
- Given the Salute to the Arts award to 20 prominent contributors to the Arts in our region
- Provided choral clinics for the community with Paul Hill, SoVoSó, and m-pact
MCE has also continued is mission of giving back to our local community. MCE has contributed to many community events and organizations such as: The Boys and Girls Club of Thurston County, Community Youth Services (Haven House), Safeplace, The Spotlite Foundation, Providence St. Peter Hospital’s Christmas Forest, Habitat for Humanity, POSSCA, local school fundraisers, numerous senior centers, the grand opening of the Washington Center and its 10th anniversary celebration, Associated Ministries Easter Sunrise Service in the Rotunda, Operation Cheer (honoring military personnel from Operation Desert Shield), Harbor Days, Lakefair, Artswalk, Super Saturday, and Thurston County Fair.
