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Best Choirs In Orange County

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(credit: Shutterstock)

September marks Classical Music Month and a great time to get familiar with the style of music that was the start of the modern-day concerto, sonata and structural expressive refinement in music. The classical period is seen as a style defined by structural clarity. Choirs are also a group of singers that are the best in the world at celebrating classical music. This is one style that is best understood by listening to the music, and in order to get better acquainted with the music, here are some of the best choirs in the Orange County area that will give you the utmost appreciation for classical music.

harmony partners gigsalad-com
(credit: gigsalad.com)

Harmony Partners
Orange County, CA
gigmasters.com

The barbershop quartet of Warren Willard (Sings Bass), Denny Burke (Sings Baritone), Cory Trenda (Sings Lead) and Don Thomas (Sings Tenor) is a four part doo-wop in the Orange County region. The collective group claims to have more than 100 years of experience between the members.

They perform songs that range from the 1960s to current and the group enjoys strolling around the venue and sing songs for small groups, true to the barbershop quartet esthetic. They tailor the performance to every occasion and are favored by may in the Southern California area.

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The Orange County Women's Chorus
23802 Avenida de la Carlota
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
(949) 451-8590
www.ocwomenschorus.org

The 40-person singing group led by artistic director Eliza Rubenstein since 2000 is one of Orange County's all-women chorus ensembles. They believe in "raising voices in song and solidarity." First formed in 1997 under Dr. Raymond Egan, the group has continued to grow and will celebrate its 18th year. The repertoire covered by the group is a wide range of eras, cultures including medieval chants, folk songs, classical masterworks, protest songs, gospel and much more. The group has performed in various venues including the Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, The Orange County Performing Arts Center, Disney Hall and has even traveled internationally.

Choir Pacific Chorale
(credit: Drew A. Kelley / Pacific Chorale)

Pacific Chorale
3621 S. Harbor Blvd., Suite 220
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 662-2345
www.pacificchorale.org

The internationally recognized group is known for their exceptional artistic expression, American-focused programming and education programs. Under the guidance of artistic director John Alexander, Pacific Chorale has brought together old world art and "California's hallmark innovation and cultural independence." The chorale has brought delight to the community since 1968. The group has traveled to various locations on nine tours that include China, Russia, South America and numerous European countries. The ensemble has a track record of excellence.

Related:  Best Places To Discover New Music In OC

choir
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4 Spacious Guys
Orange County, CA
www.gigmasters.com

The four gentlemen Dennis Burke (Baritone), Dennis Keizer (Bass), Dan Durfey (Tenor) and Paul Gutierrez (Lead) have joined together to be the barbershop quartet that have graced the Orange County region with music from the 1900s to present day gospel, seasonal, inspirational and Broadway. They have also received numerous Barbershop Society Gold Medals at the World Championships. Locals that had the pleasure to experience the quartet enjoyed the group very much.

Southern California Children's Chorus Choir
(credit: Southern California Children's Chorus)

Southern California Children's Chorus
5020 Campus Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 250-9114
www.sccchorus.org

The non-profit organization directs its focus to educate and enrich the lives of children through choral music education and world-class performance. The ensemble gathers children together to give them the opportunity to perform in Orange County. Scholarships are available for children who need help with the program's tuition. The teaching staff and amazing talent make this group one to look for in future performances in the Orange County region. Under the direction of the founding director Lori Loftus, the chorus has done productions with Disney Touchstone Films and television specials including the American Giving Awards.

Related: Best Live Music Venues In Orange County

Elle Toussi is a freelance journalist covering all things Southern California. She has traveled to the Middle East in 2013 and 2014 covering the Syrian refugee situation in Jordan. That experience inspired her to become the founder of InOneMinute.org which uses the power of mobile technology and philanthropy to meet specific needs of women around the world. Her previous work can also be found on Examiner.com and AXS.com.
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