Over the past quarter century, The Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut (MCC) has performed some of the world’s greatest choral masterpieces in artistically unique and innovative performances that have earned it a reputation as one of the pre-eminent choral ensembles in New England. The Choir’s versatile programming mines an extensive repertoire that embraces musical works of all periods and genres from classical to contemporary, opera to pop. 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 originally founded in 1984 by alumni of the Fairfield University Chamber Singers who wished to continue a musical association with Dr. Carole Ann Maxwell. Under her baton for the past twenty-five 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 and Toward the Unknown Region, Haydn’s Nelson Mass, and the Requiems of Mozart, Verdi, Faure and Durufle, as well as American songbook entries from Gershwin and Sondheim.

Over the years, MCC has been honored to present the world premieres of "Prologue" from North and South, by Tony Award winner Charles Strouse, the Academy Award winning song "There Can Be Miracles" by Stephen Schwartz, and "Chief Seattle" by esteemed American composer Gregg Smith. In celebration of its Silver Anniversary the Choir has commissioned a work by Randol Alan Bass, "O Divine Music", which it will premier in May 2010. MCC will also debut Connecticut composer EdWard Thompson’s What the Ivy Said to the Falling Snow in February 2010.

Recognizing the talent and achievements of the Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut, acclaimed ensembles such as the Greater Bridgeport Symphony Orchestra, the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra, Connecticut Grand Opera and Orchestra, and the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra, continue to seek out the Choir for concert collaborations. MCC has also been privileged to perform with both Distinguished Concerts International of New York and Mid-America Productions at Carnegie Hall. In addition to a memorable performance at the 2006 The National Pastoral Musicians’ Conference, the Choir has also performed to enthusiastic audiences in Rome, Florence, Prague, Vienna and Budapest. In June 2010 MCC will participate in "On the Podium", a seminar for professional conductors instructed by both Dr. Maxwell and Norwalk Symphony Orchestra Music Director, Diane Wittry.

While MCC focuses first on its artistry, it is also keenly aware of its responsibility to increase public awareness of, and involvement in, the arts in our area. The Choir’s Outreach Program, the Mendelssingers, sends Choir members to hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and various community events to bring the wonder and awe of live choral music to those special venues. The Choir is most appreciative of the generous contributions it receives from a variety of regional corporations and businesses as well as the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism.