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

Justin Han is a professional pianist, conductor, and singer based in the Atlanta area. He holds a double Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting and Piano Performance from Georgia State University, where he received accolades such as the Robert Shaw Choral Scholar Award and the Stegner Piano Scholarship. With a rich background in church music, Justin has held multiple positions in various congregations, including Commerce Presbyterian Church, Johns Creek Presbyterian Church, and, currently, Emory Presbyterian Church.

In addition to his church roles, Justin has made significant contributions to the wider musical community. He has served as the artistic director for the Stone Mountain Chorus and performed with esteemed professional ensembles such as Coro Vocati and the Kinnara Ensemble. Justin also regularly accompanies instrumentalists and vocalists.

Justin’s teaching experience includes serving as the high school chorus director at the School of the Arts at Central Gwinnett High School, Choir Teacher and Accompanist for the Atlanta Young Singers, a piano instructor at Silva Music Studios, and conductor of the Camerata Ensemble of the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestras. Beyond his musical endeavors, he is a multidisciplinary individual with a strong foundation in the sciences, which has led him to his current role as a biology instructor at Georgia State University Perimeter College.

Justin views music as a dynamic force that bridges the vast and the personal, offering a unique way to express what words cannot. He believes that the essence of music lies in the authenticity of its performers, with the human condition being the key element that gives depth to the art.

About The Founder

Joseph Napoli, founder 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.