Who We Are
Richmond Symphony Chorus
The Richmond Symphony Chorus is an award-winning ensemble of 150 members from the Richmond region. The chorus performs regularly with the Richmond Symphony, Richmond Ballet, and in stand-alone performances around the community. Its members are a diverse group of Richmond community members united by a shared passion for choral singing.
Founded by James Erb in 1971 to perform Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis under the baton of renowned conductor Robert Shaw, the Richmond Symphony Chorus has a rich history. Erb, a professor at the University of Richmond and a renowned scholar of choral music, led the group for 36 years. Conductor Erin Freeman led the chorus from 2007 to 2021, directing performances in Richmond, Wintergreen, Carnegie Hall, and Paris, France. In 2018, the Chorus was featured in the GRAMMY®-nominated recording of the premier performance Children of Adam by American composer Mason Bates and Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem. Over the years, the chorus’s repertoire has featured classic masterworks, numerous contemporary compositions and premieres, and symphonic pops performances.
Richard W. Robbins assumed the role of Director in 2024, marking the Richmond Symphony Chorus’s 53rd season.
For more information about the Richmond Symphony Chorus, please visit the Chorus website: rschorus.com
Chorus Leadership
- Richard W. Robbins, Director of the Richmond Symphony Chorus and James Erb Choral Chair
- Kevin L. Barger, Assistant Chorus Director
- Janice Guzman, Chorus Administrator
- Daniel Stipe, Rehearsal Accompanist
- Barbara Batson, Rehearsal Assistant
- Carl Eng and Lisa Fusco, Rehearsal Assistants
Chorus Roster
Questions: Contact the chorus manager at chorus@richmondsymphony.com
Richmond Symphony Chorus 2026-27 Season
October 17-19, 2026 – Shaw, To the Hands; Britten, “Concord” from Gloriana; Copland, “The Promise of Living” from The Tender Land | Richard W. Robbins conducting
November 28, 2026 – Holiday Pops: Let It Snow! | conductor TBD
February 20 & 21, 2027 – Symphony Series 5: Brahms, Gesang der Parzen; Beethoven, Elegischer Gesang | Valentina Peleggi conducting
May 15 & 16, 2027 – Symphony Series 9: Orff, Carmina Burana | Valentina Peleggi conducting
Auditions
The chorus is happy to welcome new members. If you are interested in auditioning for the Richmond Symphony Chorus, please contact our Chorus Manager and visit our website for detailed information: rschorus.com/auditions.
The Chorus thanks Epiphany Lutheran Church for the use of its facilities for auditions and rehearsals.