The James River Singers
Giving Voice to the Human Spirit
The James River Singers
Giving Voice to the Human Spirit
WHO WE ARE
THE JAMES RIVER SINGERS
IS A CHAMBER CHORUS IN
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA THAT IS DEDICATED TO
"GIVING VOICE TO THE HUMAN SPIRIT."
The James River Singers is a non-profit ensemble devoted to increasing public awareness of choral music as art. The ensemble performs a wide variety of works, both sacred and secular, from the Renaissance to the present day, providing the Richmond area an important outlet for experiencing the large body of choral literature.
We invite you to join our list of supporters whose contributions have made expanded programming, polished performances, and service to the community possible. The James River Singers is a 501(c)(3) corporation and your contribution is tax deductible as allowed by law.
Please help support our mission of "Giving Voice to the Human Spirit" by sending a contribution to: The James River Singers; 11148 Oakcrest Dr; North Chesterfield, VA, 23235. You will receive a donation acknowledgment in the mail for your tax records.
OUR STORY
The history of the James River Singers is the story of two choirs merging to becoming one ensemble. Originally founded by Thomas Colohan and a few friends in 1995, the chamber chorus has ever since pursued its vision of bringing exquisite choral literature to the Richmond community.
PAST CONCERT PROGRAMS
Throughout the years, we have had the privilege and delight to enchant our audiences with a variety of traditional and contemporary choral works.
Concerts
Concerts
2024 - 2025 Concert Season
December 2024 Concerts
James River Singers is pleased to announce that we will be in concert Friday, December 6th and Saturday, December 7th.
This concert of wonderful music specific to the holiday season features The Nativity by Patrick Hawes along with works by Josquin des Prez, Gustav Holst, Ēriks Ešenvalds, Ola Gjeilo and others. This is a concert not to be missed and we hope that you and your families and friends will join us.
Friday, December 6th; 7:30 p.m. Church of the Holy Comforter; 4849 Monument Ave.
Saturday, December 7th; 7:30 p.m. All Saints Episcopal Church; 8787 River Road
Tickets can be purchased: at the door the nights of the concerts or by clicking on your preferred night below and ordering them through Eventbrite.
Tickets are: $20 Regular, $15 Senior (55+), $10 Students
Your financial support — by purchasing tickets and through your generous donations — allows James River Singers to continue our tradition of “giving voice to the human spirit”. James River Singers is a 501 c3 and all donations are tax deductible. You are welcome to mail any donations to: 11148 Oakcrest Dr; North Chesterfield, VA 23235
Thank you!
Members
Members
MEET OUR DIRECTOR
David Pedersen became the artistic director and conductor of the James River Singers in 2011 after having joined the ensemble as a singer in 2007. Mr. Pedersen serves as director of music at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Richmond, Virginia, where he conducts adult and youth choirs. He was the director of the University of Richmond Women’s Chorale from 2008 - 2021 and served as interim director of Schola Cantorum in 2011 and 2020. Mr. Pedersen frequently serves as clinician and adjudicator at choral festivals. He has previously directed the music programs at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Newport News, Virginia, and Risen Christ Catholic Community in Boise, Idaho. He founded and directed the Honor Choir, Women’s Chorale and Classical Guitar Ensemble at Bishop Kelly High School in Boise, Idaho from 2003 to 2006. Ensembles under his direction have earned top ratings at festivals and competitions, and have performed on concert tours of the United States as well as Austria, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Hungary, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. He has also performed in Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, and China. In 2006 his high school choirs were invited to perform in Austria and Czech Republic for the celebration of the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s birth.
Mr. Pedersen holds Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona.
MEET OUR ACCOMPANIST
Keith Tan is joining us for his fourteenth season as rehearsal and concert accompanist with the James River Singers. Keith Tan is the Music Minister at Christ Church Episcopal (1998 to present) in Richmond, Virginia. He established numerous worship bands, choirs, and produced six albums with Christ Church musicians. As pianist and singer/songwriter, he recorded and produced his debut solo album Inscribe in 2003 and released his sophomore album Something Real in 2010. As a local composer and arranger, Keith was commissioned by Richmond Shakespeare to arrange a piece for them and the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, for the grand opening of CenterStage in Richmond (2009). He was also commissioned by Richmond Choral Society to compose a choral work for their 75th anniversary celebration in 2015. Keith also serves as rehearsal and concert accompanist for the Richmond Choral Society (since 2009). As a worship leader, Keith has performed and spoken at worship conferences.
Keith has been a piano instructor for 20+ years, including teaching piano at University of Richmond (1998-2007), and currently teaches at the Center of Creative Arts at Shady Grove UMC, Glen Allen. He graduated B.Mus. in Piano Performance with Honors from University of Richmond, and M.A. in Practical Theology from Regent University, VA.
