Robert Shafer founded The Washington Chorus in 1971. A quarter century later, he conducts the 180-voice choir in the annual Christmas concert before stepping down from the podium amid the festivities of the holiday season he loves so dearly.
Once again, the chorus presents concerts in the Kennedy Center and the Music Center at Strathmore, a tradition begun last season in the new concert hall. As part of its Side by Side community education/outreach program, the organization continues its year-long commitment with a high school partner chorus.
“Once we’ve chosen an outstanding group of young singers through audition, we go into the school throughout the year to work with them and prepare them to participate in our concerts,” Shafer says. “This year we’re performing with the Westfield High School Chamber Singers from Chantilly, Va. Some pieces we’re doing call for a double choir. The effect will be one of stereophonic sound. We always enjoy working with young people and hearing their fine voices.”
Shafer has been a musical mainstay in Northern Virginia since he began teaching at James Madison High School in Vienna in 1968.
Washington Chorus
Robert Shafer conducts the Washington Chorus in a concert of Christmas music at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and 1 p.m. Dec. 23.
Venue: Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington (Dec. 23), and the Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, Md. (Thursday)
Tickets: $19 to $56 (Kennedy Center), $29 to $52 (Strathmore)
More info: 202-467-4600 (Kennedy Center), 301-581-5100 (Strathmore)
