The 80-voice New York City Bar Chorus, directed by Kathryn E. Schneider and accompanied by Hon. Matthew V. Grieco, celebrated its 30th anniversary of serving the community with special concerts at the New York City Bar Association on November 9 and November 17, 2023.

Since 1993, the New York City Bar Chorus, an all-volunteer ensemble whose leaders and members are all legal professionals, has served as a goodwill ambassador of the New York City Bar Association, bringing the healing power of music to those who cannot easily access it. The Chorus has given more than 300 concerts at venues serving seniors, the visually impaired, people living with cancer and AIDS, those in substance abuse rehabilitation, and more. The Chorus was recognized for its FDNY firehouse garage performances after 9/11 with an Excellence in Public Service Award from The Hundred Year Association of New York, and NY1 News has honored the Chorus for its positive impact on New York City as "New Yorkers of the Week.” In recognition of the Chorus's wide-ranging community service, Mayor Eric Adams, by mayoral proclamation, declared November 9, 2023 to be "New York City Bar Chorus Day" in New York City.

In addition to its outreach mission, the Chorus contributes broadly to the cultural life of New York City. The Chorus has performed at Carnegie Hall, off-Broadway, on local and national television and public radio, in concerts with other legal choruses from around the world, at two American Bar Association Annual Meetings and at the New York City Bar Association's landmark midtown Manhattan headquarters.

Over the years, while representing a kinder face and a more harmonious voice for the legal profession, the Chorus has grown into an 80-voice intergenerational ensemble with a professional sound and varied repertoire, including musical theater, jazz, pop/rock, gospel and classical styles, to serve its diverse audiences.

“It’s been a privilege to guide this unique group over the years and see it not only touch thousands of lives through our energetic, heartfelt outreach concerts but also form a ‘choral family’ among its members, producing lasting friendships and even two marriages,” said Chorus musical director and conductor (and corporate lawyer) Kathryn E. Schneider.

Added David Goldsheft, chair of the New York City Bar Chorus Committee, “Being a part of this group and having the opportunity to bring high-quality live musical performances to people who might otherwise be unable to access them is immensely rewarding. We all look forward to uplifting others through music for the next thirty years and beyond.”

City Bar president Susan J. Kohlmann said, “We are so proud of the New York City Bar Chorus and the extraordinary work its members have been doing for the community for the past 30 years. They are truly ambassadors of goodwill and good vibes!”

Legal professionals who are interested in joining the Chorus early next year (especially tenors and low basses) should complete its pre-audition survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/CBCAuditionSurvey ASAP. User-friendly virtual auditions will be held soon.