For twenty-four seasons of exceptional music making, the Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut has been a forerunner in outstanding, artistically unique and innovative choral performances. In performing the world’s greatest choral masterpieces, MCC has established itself as one of the pre-eminent choral ensembles in New England, offering many opportunities for lovers of music to be involved in the classical music scene in Connecticut .  To this end, the Choir excels in fulfilling its mission to develop and promote an appreciation of choral music and to educate its members and the general public in the musical arts.  

The Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut was formed in 1984 by members of the Fairfield University Chamber Singers, who, upon their graduation, wished to continue a musical association under the baton of Dr. Carole Ann Maxwell.  Since that time, The Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut has grown to include 100 members, chosen by audition, many of whom began singing with Dr. Maxwell while in college.  The Choir's versatile programming has resulted in an extensive repertoire that includes works from all periods and encompasses the many genres of music from opera to pop.

In recent years, MCC has performed outstanding repertoire including Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana and Catulli Carmina, Handel’s Messiah, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Prokofiev’s Alexander Nevsky, Honegger’s King David, Bach’s Magnificat, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Vaughan Williams’ A Sea Symphony, Haydn’s Nelson Mass, the Requiems of Mozart, Verdi, Faure, Durufle, and reviews of Gershwin’s and Sondheim’s music. The Choir has been honored to present world premiere scores written by renowned contemporary composers, such as Stephen Schwartz (“There Can be Miracles,” an Academy Award winning song from the score of The Prince of Egypt); and Tony Award winner Charles Strouse (“Prologue” from North and South).  MCC has also been privileged to perform with Distinguished Concerts International of New York at Carnegie Hall.

Recognizing the artistry and talent of The Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut, other established ensembles have sought the Choir for joint concerts. These groups include the Greater Bridgeport Symphony Orchestra, the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra, Connecticut Grand Opera and Orchestra, and the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra. The Choir's successful European tours and its 2006 performance for The National Pastoral Musicians' Conference have also widened its sphere of recognition.  In celebration of its upcoming 25^th Anniversary Season, the Choir will be embarking on a concert tour of Old World Europe in July 2009, performing in Prague , Vienna and Budapest . The Choir has also commissioned a work by contemporary American composer, Randol Alan Bass, “On the Pulse of Promise”, for premiere in April 2010.

The Mendelssohn Choir focuses on its artistry, but it is also keenly aware of its responsibility to increase public awareness of, and involvement in, the arts. The Choir's Outreach Program, the Mendelssingers, sends selected Choir members to hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and various community events to enhance awareness of the wonder and awe that choral music inspires.  These programs are supported by various corporations and foundations.