The Jefferson Chorale, formerly known as the Jefferson Symphony Chorus, is the adult vocal arm of the Jefferson Performing Arts Society(JPAS).
What began in 1978 as an effort by Dennis Assaf to bring church choirs from the New Orleans metro area together and perform the Messiah as a large group has evolved into a group that performs almost anywhere we can find an audience.
Read this quote from our director, Dr. Louise LaBruyere: "From the Messiah to the opening of the World's Fair, Verdi to Vivaldi, Bach to Mozart to the Mardi Gras Mambo, we sing anything, anywhere, any place, and in lots of languages."
The Chorale has also taken its talents abroad. We have performed in Italy, Germany, Austria and France. We had the honor of singing, as part of a massed choir, in Carnegie Hall in New York City, under the direction of John Rutter. Regional trips are also a favorite of ours, with Athens, GA, Austin TX, Vicksburg, MS, Pensacola, FL, Bay St. Louis, MS, and Alexandria and Monroe in LA on our travel visa. We've sung in many of our local churches, as well as the malls and parks in the area!
Again from Dr. LaBruyere: "We are a group who loves to sing, in many languages, with orchestras or a cappella, with guest conductors, with other groups or alone. We have a great time, enrich our lives, meet some wonderful people, and learn a lot in the process. The Jefferson Chorale is always looking for new people. We are glad to have you join us and share your love and appreciation of music, and your talent.
Tell a friend about us too."
Dr. Louise LaBruyere has been the director of the Jefferson Chorale since 1994. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Music Theory and Composition, and her Master's in Piano Performance from Loyola University in New Orleans. She completed her Doctoral degree in Choral Music at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Louise teaches at Archbishop Blenk High School locally, and directs the choir at St. Agnes Church. She also finds time to be an active member of the American Choral Directors Association(ACDA) and the Louisiana Music Education Association.(LMEA).
It was during this time "After the Storm" that we decided to change our name from the Jefferson Symphony Chorus to the JEFFERSON CHORALE. This change reflects the fact that we very rarely perform with the Symphony any more. We still maintain our affiliation with JPAS, as evidenced by our very successful concert at the TeatroWego(thanks Dennis for helping make that happen). Now, as before, our main purpose is to make music that you all will enjoy. When you think of Music, think of the JEFFERSON CHORALE.