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SEASON 11
Season 10 was an inspiring year as we emerged from the pandemic crisis, looked back at our 10-year history, and dreamed of what we could do next. Season 11 is our first step into the next decade of our mission-driven work to partner with living composers and integrate these works into the fabric of our community. The power of working with living composers is their ability to capture our lived experiences in the here and now. We have had ample time to sit in contemplation and questioning during these past two years. As we hold the mirror up to ourselves and look inward, we also look outward. As we seek answers to the future, we often must look at our past. As we seek comfort, one must look to our home––a person, a place, a feeling. These thoughts, which speak to the core of our human experience, served as the narrative thread for Season 11. The vibrantly diverse selection of composers, texts, sounds, and guest artists will offer our listeners a compelling, thought-provoking, and inspiring music curation this season.

Brandon Elliott, Artistic Director
- Sun, May 18Newport BeachReflect on two transformational journeys with the United States premiere of Gabriel Jackson's “Exile Meditations” and the world premiere of Anne Dudley's “One Touch of Nature.” These two profound works explore themes of displacement, nature, and renewal.
- Fri, Jun 27Borland-Manske Music CenterPREMIERE|Project Festival 2025 culminates with 12 world premieres by emerging composers across the world! Hear music that is so new, the ink on the page may still be wet.
- Sun, Apr 06Newport BeachAn intimate concert featuring solo and chamber repertoire. Experience the magic of new music in a closer, more personal setting with a select roster of a dozen Choral Artists. Featuring new vocal works by Vivian Fung, Che Buford, Joe Jaxson, Christopher Cerrone, and more.
- Sun, Feb 23Newport BeachAscension captures both spiritual and sacred transformations. Featuring world and West Coast premieres, this program delves into themes of enlightenment and transcendence through works by Juhi Bansal, Alexander Levine, Osnat Netzer, and more.
- Sun, Feb 02Newport BeachChoral Arts Initiative is introducing musicianship courses designed to help get your solo and choral sight-reading in shape! These classes are designed for individuals who have already had musicianship training and may be looking to refresh or maintain their skills.
- Sun, Nov 03Newport BeachExperience the transformative power of music in our Season 13 opening performance, From the Heart. Featuring world and West Coast premieres, this program explores themes of change and growth through works by Samuel Siskind, Paul Ayres, Shara Nova, and more.
- Sat, Sep 28Laguna Canyon WineryRaise a glass with us at our wine-tasting fundraiser! Discover new wines and support Choral Arts Initiative's mission to perform the next greatest choral compositions.
- Fri, Jun 28Zhang Hall–Concordia University IrvineSeason 12 culminates with 12 world premieres by emerging composers across the world! Hear music that is so new, the ink on the page may still be wet.
- Sun, May 19Newport BeachJoin us as we explore themes of identity, belonging, and connection.
- Sun, Mar 10Newport BeachTapestry of Becoming takes you on a beautiful journey of self-discovery, resilience, transformation, and love. Featuring four commissioned works, the pieces talk about finding your place in the world, loving yourself, and appreciating everything life has to offer.
- Sun, Nov 12St. Mark Presbyterian ChurchEmbark on a profound and introspective journey into the intricate tapestry of human existence and its interplay with time and the natural world.
- Fri, Jun 30Zhang Hall–Concordia University IrvineSeason 11 culminates with 13 world premieres by emerging composers across the world! Hear music that is so new, the ink on the page may still be wet.
- Sun, May 21St. Wilfrid of York Episcopal ChurchChoral Arts Initiative examines Messianic leaders – heroic and horrific – throughout history in Rex Isenberg’s Messiahs: False and True, juxtaposing the exploration of the past with inspiring and hopeful works for our future by featured composers.
- Sun, Mar 05St. Mark Presbyterian ChurchWest Coast premiere of Kile Smith’s 65-minute Canticle, which sets the stunning Spiritual Canticle text by Saint John of the Cross – a canticle poem that he authored and memorized while imprisoned for nine months.
- Sun, Nov 06St. Mark Presbyterian ChurchIn the opening concert of their 11th season, Choral Arts Initiative explores the question of what makes a home: is it a place? A feeling? Or the people who live in it?
- Fri, Jul 01Zhang Hall–Concordia University IrvineOur 10th Anniversary Season culminates with 15 world premieres by emerging composers across the country! Hear music that is so new, the ink on the page may still be wet.
- Sat, Apr 30Hyatt Regency Newport BeachWe are so excited to celebrate our 10th Anniversary and album release with you! Please join us for some light appetizers, an open bar (for those 21+), a silent auction featuring some amazing prizes, a special performance by our Choral Artists, and more!
- Sun, Apr 24St. Mark Presbyterian ChurchAt its heart, composer Jeffrey Derus' sweeping new concert-length work is a story about the transformation one experiences in a wilderness. Join us for the live world premiere just days after the international album release.
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