About the Choir
The Madrigal Choir rehearses in Binghamton’s beautiful Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church and performs there, along with other venues in the Southern Tier. The choir frequently performs with other area musical organizations including the Binghamton Philharmonic, the Binghamton Community Orchestra, the Trinity Choir, Simple Gifts, and others. Our singers of all ages are educators, physicians, pastors, SUNY professors and choir directors, to name a few, who enjoy coming together on Sunday afternoons to perfect our craft and immerse ourselves in the joy of singing and fellowship with one another.
A typical year includes Fall and Spring themed concerts, the annual Thanksgiving weekend Lessons and Carols performance, as well some special smaller events through the year.
As with most arts organizations, COVID took its toll on all performers. Yet, the MCOB gathered forces and studied how we could sing safely while the pandemic raged on – and we found that we could do that virtually! The summer of 2021 featured a virtual performance sponsored by the Broome County Arts Council, called “Music from Our Own Backyard: A Virtual Concert of Music by Binghamton Composers and Arrangers.”
This season, our 46th, finds the MCOB stronger than ever. We have learned new techniques such as virtual performances. We collaborate with other music groups to present small chamber works that are not often performed.
Lastly, we acknowledge the passing of our friend and conductor Dr. Bruce Borton. We will miss his musical leadership as well as his personal friendship. Having only two conductors in 45 years is a major accomplishment for any choir. We mourn his loss not only for the Madrigal Choir but for the musical community within Broome County. Please read more about Bruce in the “Remembering Bruce” section.
We seek to honor Bruce as we move into a new season. We invite you, our audience, to join us. Thank you for your ongoing support of the MCOB.
Choir Auditions
We are always looking for talented choral singers to join us. Auditions are held at various times throughout the year, particularly at the beginning of each season. A typical audition consists of:
- Singing a familiar song, such as “The Star-Spangled Banner” (in B-flat or A-flat, whichever is more comfortable), or “My Country tis of Thee.”
- Alternately, you may sing an art song, hymn, folksong, or something from a musical you have performed in.
- Our director will assess your vocal range through the singing of various scales.
- The audition will include some simple sight reading.
- To schedule an audition, please contact acting artistic director, Claudia Kachmarik at [email protected]
We look forward to hearing you!
Welcome JOHN MICHAEL VAIDA
The Madrigal Choir of Binghamton is pleased to announce the appointment of John M. Vaida as Artistic Director effective January 1, 2025. Mr. Vaida is only the third Artistic Director in the choir’s long history. He joins our founding director, Anne Boyer Cotten, and Dr. Bruce Borton in bringing the best in choral music to the area.
Maestro Vaida received his Bachelor of Music from Westminster Choir College and a Master’s in Music from Marywood University. He has established an extensive career in Europe as a visiting professor of Choral Conducting at the Conservatory of Music, Frankfurt, Germany as well as a member of the Executive Committee, The International Choral Network, Marktoberdorf, Germany.
Most of John’s teaching career was at Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School where he retired both as the Chairman, Fine and Performing Arts and Director of Guest Artist Series. He is presently Minister of Music, First Presbyterian Church, Wilkes Barre, Pa., and is the chapter Dean for the American Guild of Organists, North-Eastern Pa. chapter.
The Board welcomes John to the Binghamton area and looks forward to creating a new era of music-making for the Madrigal Choir.
Our Board
Our 2024-2025 talented and hard-working Board includes people in the fields of education, religion, media, graphic arts, and, mainly, music. They are:
Claudia Kachmarik
President
Leann Lesperance
Vice-President
Alison Dura
Secretary
Elizabeth Button
Treasurer
John M. Vaida
Ex-officio
Kathryn Baine
Susan Bachman
Joanne Corey
