Westminster Chorus
| Westminster Chorus | |
|---|---|
| Choir | |
 The Westminster Chorus, October 2014 | |
| Origin | Westminster, California |
| Genre | A cappella, Barbershop music |
| President | Lucas Der Mugrdechian |
| Director | Dr. Dan Wessler |
| Website | Official site |
The Westminster Chorus is an American men's a cappella chorus based in Westminster, California. Founded in 2002, the group is internationally recognized for its excellence in barbershop music performance and choral innovation. The chorus has won five Barbershop Harmony Society International Chorus Championships (2007, 2010, 2015, 2019, and 2024) and received global acclaim after winning the 2009 "Choir of the World" title at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales.[1][2]
History
[edit]Founding and early years (2002–2006)
[edit]The Westminster Chapter (known as the Harmony Showcase Chorus) of the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) had existed for decades, but by the early 2000s had dwindled to just eight aging members and had not competed in a decade. In 2002, five young barbershop singers from the Masters of Harmony (the “Founding Five”) approached the Westminster chapter, seeking to rebuild a youth chorus under its charter.[3] In 2002, five young barbershop singers approached the chapter with a vision of building a youth-driven chorus. The chapter agreed, and within weeks the newly formed Westminster Chorus had 15 members and began rehearsals.
The group made its competition debut at the 2002 SoCal West divisional contest and advanced to the Far Western District competition that fall.[4] Though Westminster unofficially won the district contest, it was disqualified due to an ineligible member. The following year, the chorus returned and officially won the district championship, qualifying for the 2004 International Chorus Contest, where it placed 9th in its debut.
In 2006, under director Royce Ferguson, the chorus returned to the BHS International Stage and won a silver medal, becoming the youngest chorus ever to place that high in the contest.[5]
First championship and Llangollen victory (2007–2009)
[edit]In July 2007, the chorus won its first BHS International Chorus Championship, tying with the Ambassadors of Harmony and winning on a singing category tiebreaker. With an average age in the mid-20s, Westminster became the youngest chorus ever to win the international title.[6]
In 2009, the chorus traveled to Wales to compete in the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. There, it won the Barbershop Chorus and Folk Song Choir categories, placed second in the Male Choir competition, and advanced to the finals. Performing classical repertoire, Westminster became the first barbershop chorus to win the prestigious "Choir of the World" Pavarotti Trophy.[7][8]
Continued growth and record scores (2010–2019)
[edit]In 2010, under new director Justin Miller, the chorus won its second BHS International Championship in Philadelphia, scoring 97.7% – the highest chorus score in Barbershop Harmony Society history at the time.[9] In 2013, the chorus placed second at the BHS International Contest in Toronto, missing the gold medal by just two points to Toronto Northern Lights.[10]
In 2015, Westminster earned its third gold medal in Pittsburgh, scoring 97.5%, at the time the third-highest score in contest history.[11] In 2019, Westminster returned with 100 singers and won the gold medal in Salt Lake City with a record-breaking score of 97.9%, performing arrangements from The Greatest Showman and The Wild Party.[12][13]
Recent activities and fifth championship (2020–2024)
[edit]Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no international contests were held in 2020 or 2021. In 2024, under new director Dr. Dan Wessler, Westminster returned to win its fifth International Chorus Championship in Cleveland, Ohio.[14][15]
Repertoire and style
[edit]While rooted in traditional barbershop harmony, Westminster is known for its diverse musical selections, which include classical works, musical theatre pieces, and contemporary a cappella. Performances are often noted for their vocal precision, choreographed movement, and emotional engagement.[16]
Honors and impact
[edit]The chorus has played a major role in revitalizing youth interest in barbershop singing. It has also appeared at major choral events such as the American Choral Directors Association national conference, and continues to perform at international festivals, youth outreach events, and barbershop shows.
External links
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Bouchard, Stephanie (June 30, 2010). "Perfect harmony: Downeasters making local barbershop history". Portland Press Herald. Maine Today Media. Retrieved May 2, 2013.
including [...] the Westminster Chorus of California, the 2009 Choir of the World Pavarotti Trophy champ.
- ^ "Far Western District – Westminster Chorus Wins 'Choir of the World' Trophy". farwesterndistrict.org. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "History". Westminster Chorus official website. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "Christmas 2006: A Cappella Connection" (PDF). A Cappella Connection. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ Basheda, Lori (August 21, 2006). "The Westminster Chorus has silver medal, and groupies". Orange County Register. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "2007 – Westminster Chorus". Barbershop Harmony Society Recent Champions. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ Barbershop Harmony Society (July 13, 2009). "Choir of THE WORLD! – Westminster Chorus tops all at Llangollen". Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "Far Western District – Westminster Chorus Wins 'Choir of the World' Trophy". Far Western District. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "2010 – Westminster Chorus". Barbershop Harmony Society Recent Champions. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "2013 – Toronto Northern Lights". Barbershop Harmony Society Recent Champions. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "2015 – Westminster Chorus". Barbershop Harmony Society Recent Champions. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ Barbershop Harmony Society (July 6, 2019). "Westminster Chorus sets new record in capturing chorus championship". Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "International Chorus Contest Summary 2019" (PDF). Barbershop Harmony Society. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "2024 – Westminster Chorus". Barbershop Harmony Society Recent Champions. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "BHS 2024 International Convention Chorus Finals: Official Scoring Summary" (PDF). Barbershop Harmony Society. July 5, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ Barbershop Harmony Society (February 24, 2014). "The Westminster Journey to ACDA: Barbershop in the Choral Community". Retrieved July 7, 2025.