Now in its 54th year, the Metropolitan Detroit Chorale (MDC) continues to "Bring music to life and lives to music" for area citizens. Under the direction of Howard C. Richards, the group was established in 1970 as the Fraser Civic Chorus and was comprised of Fraser residents. It was then, and continues to be, dedicated to providing beautiful vocal music for the community. In 1989, the group was incorporated as a nonprofit organization and became Fraser Chorale, Inc. Finally, in 1995, the group became Metropolitan Detroit Chorale, Inc.
Under the direction of Pasquale Pascaretti, the Chorale has performed such master works as Vivaldi's Gloria, Bach's Magnificat, Mendelssohn's Elijah, Mozart's Requiem, and Rutter's Requiem, Gloria and Mass of the Children. Its members have traveled on three occasions to New York to sing in Carnegie Hall under the direction of John Rutter, on the third occasion to perform Handel's Messiah conducted by Mr. Rutter (November 2007). MDC's most recent appearance in New York (December 2018) was to perform Beehthoven's Symphony No. 9 in D. Minor, Op. 125 and Fantasia in C minor, Op. 80 ("Choral Symphony") as part of DCINY chorus at Carnegie Hall.
In May 2006, the Chorale presented the Michigan premiere of The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace by Karl Jenkins. This was followed by the Midwest premiere of Mr. Jenkins' Requiem which the Chorale presented in June 2007 and his Stabat Mater presented in May 2009. More recently, MDC has been excited to bring the works of Dan Forrest to its audiences, including Lux: The Dawn From On High and Jubilate Deo.
In addition to presenting its seasonal concerts and the contemporary cabaret performances, the Chorale makes a commitment to serve the community from which it draws its support.
Following its mission of Bringing Music To Life and Lives To Music, MDC aspires to entertain and enrich the community, develop a broad audience and encourage area citizens to appreciate fine vocal performance. It also provides a place for amateur vocalists to learn and grow through performance under the direction of competent artists. Membership is open to all area vocalists.