Choral Arts Initiative Celebrates Major Funding Wins, Marking a Milestone for Orange County’s Creative Community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESS CONTACT

Jonathan Kwok

Administrative & Social Media Coordinator

j.kwok@choralartsinitiative.org

949-581-0700

Orange County, CA — September 16, 2025 — After 13 years of persistence, innovation, and community impact, Choral Arts Initiative (CAI) proudly announces new grants from the New Music USA Organization Fund, the Samueli Foundation Breakaway Fund, and the Amphion Foundation.

These awards represent a community win for Orange County, a region that historically receives far less arts funding than neighboring counties like Los Angeles, where significant local government resources are dedicated to cultural investment. In contrast, Orange County’s arts organizations have long operated with fewer resources and smaller public grants. 

As Orange County’s only professional chorus dedicated to championing living composers, CAI amplifies diverse voices and urgent issues through powerful, contemporary choral works. While CAI’s roots are firmly in Orange County, our artistic reach and impact now extend across the globe.

“This support is the culmination of 13 years of relentless pursuit of our vision,” said Dr. Brandon Elliott, CAI’s Founder and Artistic Director. “Our journey has been one of antifragility: each obstacle and setback has not weakened us, but made us stronger, more creative, and more determined. These grants affirm not only CAI’s mission, but Orange County’s place as a leader in innovative choral music.” “I am so proud of our staff, singers, and leadership team,” says Hannah McMeans, Chairperson of the Board. “These recent wins are a testament to CAI’s steadfast commitment to its mission, and the incredible financial support will enable CAI to tackle ever more ambitious musical projects and amplify its community impact.”

Since its founding in 2012, CAI has premiered over 150 works by living composers, commissioned more than 25 new works, released multiple Billboard-charting albums, and been featured as an American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Western Division headliner. CAI also invests deeply in education and leadership development, offering a Conducting Apprentice program for emerging conductors, the nationally recognized PREMIERE|Project Festival—an incubator and accelerator for emerging composers—and additional programs beginning in 2026. 

For more information, visit choralartsinitiative.org

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