About the Chorale

The Athens Master Chorale is a non-profit, audition-based, volunteer concert choir with 50+ select members. Founded in January, 1989 by Joseph Napoli, the group performed their first concert on April 16th of that year. The inaugural concert included the Haydn Lord Nelson Mass, the Dello Joio To Saint Cecilia and several smaller works.

Since that first concert, the Athens Master Chorale has performed a number of major choral works, including:

  • A German Requiem, Brahms
  • Avodeth Hakodesh, Bloch
  • Carmina Burana, Orff
  • Elijah, Mendelssohn
  • Gloria, Poulenc
  • Gloria, Rutter
  • Gloria, Vivaldi
  • Jeptha, Carissimi
  • Magnificat in D, St. John Passion, J. S. Bach
  • Mass in B minor, J. S. Bach
  • Mass in G, Schubert
  • Messiah, Handel
  • Missa Brevis, Bernstein
  • Requiem, Fauré
  • Symphony No.2 in Bb (Hymn of Praise), Mendelssohn
  • Symphony No.9 Finale (Ode to Joy), Beethoven
  • Te Deum, Solemn Vespers and Requiem, Mozart
  • The Creation, Lord Nelson Mass, Haydn
  • Utrecht Te Deum, Handel

The Master Chorale's repertoire is not limited to the major works, however; the group has also performed a diverse selection of shorter sacred and secular pieces, as well as folk songs and spirituals.

Community Involvement

The Athens Master Chorale is active in the Athens music scene. Together with the University of Georgia Concert Choir, the Athens Master Chorale has served as the chorus in the Athena Grand Opera productions of The Magic Flute, Die Fledermaus and La Boheme.

The group also performed in "Bach Around the Clock", "Go for Baroque", and "An American Music Festival" music festivals, which were coordinated and produced by Master Chorale conductor Joseph Napoli.

The Master Chorale has also performed twice in Carnegie Hall in New York, at several venues in Atlanta, and at the Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina.

About the Conductor

Portrait of Joe Napoli conducting

Joseph Napoli conducts the Athens Master Chorale

Joseph Napoli, founder and conductor of The Athens Master Chorale, holds music degrees from Florida State University and The University of South Florida.

Mr. Napoli performed throughout North America with the Metropolitan Opera National Company during its inaugural 1965 season. He later taught public school for fourteen years in Tampa, Florida.

Mr. Napoli has given workshops in conducting and has presented vocal recitals in both Florida and Virginia.