Our History

The Founding of Memphis Men’s Chorale (MMC)

The story of Memphis ChoralArts began in the summer of 2006 with the creation of what would eventually become the Memphis Men’s Chorale (MMC). Initially formed under the name “12 Good Men”, the group focused solely on the Tenor and Bass vocal parts, bringing together a group of resolute men who shared a passion for choral music. As the number of singers grew and the choir began to evolve, it became clear that thename “12 Good Men” no longer represented the growing and diverse ensemble. In recognition of the expanded group, the name was changed to Memphis Men’s Chorale, and the organization’s reach broadened to include more singers and musical styles.

In May of 2008, Memphis Men’s Chorale achieved an important milestone by registering as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation with the State of Tennessee, solidifying its commitment to providing quality choral music to the Memphis community.

Expansion: Memphis Women’s Chorale and the Birth of Memphis ChoralArts

The vision of Memphis Men’s Chorale was not limited to just one vocal group. In the Fall of 2012, the Memphis Women’s Chorale was founded, providing a musical outlet for the Soprano and Alto vocal parts. The synergy between the two chorales paved the way for a significant milestone. In April of 2013, the first concert featuring both the Memphis Men’s and Memphis Women’s Chorales was held at Grace St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. This concert marked a new chapter, as the blend of Tenor, Bass, Soprano, and Alto voices (SATB) brought a rich depth to the performances and opened-up new possibilities for a wider range of choral music. With this merger of the two groups, the organization officially took the name Memphis ChoralArts and began to operate under the “doing business as” (DBA) banner. The consolidation of the men’s and women’s choirs under this umbrella brought a unified identity to the organization and set the stage for future growth.

The Inclusion of Youth: Memphis Children’s and Youth Chorales

In the Spring of 2018, Memphis ChoralArts made the decision to expand even further by incorporating children’s and youth chorales into the fold. The Memphis Children’s Chorale was founded, followed later that same year by the Memphis Youth Chorale. These additions allowed Memphis ChoralArts to offer musical education and performance opportunities for younger singers, ensuring that the organization could provide a musical home for people of all ages. The inclusion of these younger choirs solidified Memphis ChoralArts as a multi-generational organization with an emphasis on fostering musical talent at every stage of life.

Becoming Memphis ChoralArts

The name Memphis ChoralArts was officially adopted in 2019, marking a new era for the organization. This rebranding reflected its expanded mission and the diversity of the chorales within the group. From classical to contemporary, Memphis ChoralArts offers a wide-ranging repertoire that catered to all musical tastes.

A Wide-Ranging Musical Experience for All

Today, Memphis ChoralArts stands as a beacon for choral music in the Greater Memphis Area. With four distinct choirs—Memphis Men’s Chorale, Memphis Women’s Chorale, Memphis Youth Chorale, and Memphis Children’s Chorale—the organization offers an inclusive, diverse musical experience that transcends age, culture, and genre. Whether performing separately or together, the choirs of Memphis ChoralArts bring audiences an eclectic range of choral music, from classic masterpieces to contemporary and eclectic pieces, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

Collaborations with Local Arts Institutions and Dedication to Youth Education

A core aspect of Memphis ChoralArts’ mission is its deep commitment to the development of young musicians. This dedication is demonstrated by the Memphis Children’s Chorale, whose members have had the honor of performing in two of Puccini’s operas with Opera Memphis and the University of Memphis Opera. These collaborations offer the young choristers the invaluable experience of performing in professional opera productions, showcasing the choir’s ability to foster a love of classical music in the next generation of artists. Similarly, the Memphis Youth Chorale has partnered with the Memphis Youth Symphony for a performance at the University of Memphis, further exemplifying the organization’s commitment to musical education and collaboration with other arts institutions. These performances not only allow young singers to perform alongside accomplished musicians but also create meaningful opportunities for growth, inspiration, and artistic development.

Innovative Response During the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Memphis ChoralArts proved its resilience and commitment to the community by embracing technology to continue sharing its music. The organization presented a virtual concert, “Four Corners for Peace”, which brought together chorale groups from the four corners of the Memphis area. Despite the physical distance imposed by the pandemic, this collaboration exemplified the power of music to unite people and offer a sense of hope during uncertain times.

Musical Collaborations with Local Ensembles

Memphis ChoralArts has also joined musical forces with other esteemed local ensembles, further enriching the city’s cultural fabric. Notably, the organization has collaborated with the Germantown Symphony Orchestra and the Memphis Wind Symphony, joining these respected groups in performances that showcase the versatility and strength of Memphis ChoralArts in partnership with other musical organizations. These collaborations bring together musicians and audiences in the Greater Memphis Area, highlighting the importance of unity in the arts.

Award-Winning Leadership

Memphis ChoralArts has also been fortunate to be led by some of the finest choral directors in the industry. One of the most notable members of the team is Adrian Maclin, who currently serves as the Assistant Artistic Director. In 2025, Adrian was awarded the prestigious Grammy Award for Music Educator of the Year, a testament to his dedication to music education and his impact on the choral community. Under his leadership, Memphis ChoralArts and specifically Memphis Men’s Chorale has continued to flourish, inspiring and mentoring a new generation of choral singers.

A Legacy of Music and Community

Memphis ChoralArts remains committed to its mission of offering exceptional musical experiences to all. With a focus on community engagement and artistic excellence, the organization provides a home for singers of all ages and backgrounds to come together and create beautiful, transformative music. As it continues to grow, Memphis ChoralArts is proud to be a defining force in the city’s cultural landscape, providing audiences with unforgettable performances and opportunities to experience the power of choral music.