The Chorus of Westerly

What The Chorus of Westerly does

The Chorus of Westerly is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts organization founded in 1959 in Westerly, Rhode Island, and one of only three independent American choral ensembles to own its own performance venue. The organization owns and operates the George Kent Performance Hall, a National Register of Historic Places-listed former church built in 1886 that is recognized for exceptional acoustics, with 438 seats for performances and capacity for 150-185 at sit-down dinners. Its flagship Symphonic Chorus comprises approximately 196 singers (96 adults and 100 child/teen singers ages 7-18), supplemented by the Foundations Chorus (~90 members), Encore Choir (~50 members, ages 65+), Threshold Singers (~15 hospice volunteers), and five elementary school choir partnerships, plus early-childhood classes for ages 9 months to 5 years. The Chorus has delivered over 800 performances to more than 1.8 million audience members across 67 seasons, presented 19 American premieres of British choral works, and completed six international tours to venues including Westminster Abbey, St. Peter's Basilica, and Smetana Hall.

Core offerings span five choral ensembles (Symphonic, Foundations, Encore, Threshold, Children's Program), education programs (Sing & Play Together, Chorus Summer Camp), signature events (Summer Pops free outdoor concert drawing 25,000+ annually, Christmas Pops, A Celebration of Twelfth Night, Kent Hall Masters Series featuring Chanticleer and the King's Singers), and facility rentals of Kent Hall for weddings and private events. Revenue is generated across five streams: membership dues ($300/year across most choruses), individual and subscription ticket sales via OvationTix, tax-deductible donations (including a Gold Star Subscriber program), Kent Hall venue rentals starting around $2,500 per full day, and special program fees (Dawn Song $100/week or $40 drop-in, Summer Camp $350-$550 pay-what-you-wish, Sing & Play Together $125 per 8-week session). The Chorus operates on a multi-channel direct-to-consumer model combining online ticketing 24/7, a physical box office (Monday-Friday 10am-5:30pm), and free Summer Pops blanket reservations at Wilcox Park.

The business serves southeastern Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut, with offsite programming at United Theatre (SpeakEasy Choir) and StoneRidge Senior Living in Mystic, CT. Leadership consists of Music Director Andrew Howell (appointed July 2012, succeeding founder George Kent after 53 years) and Executive Director Ryan Saunders (appointed May 2009, a Chorus alumnus from 1986-1996). The organization is staffed by 1-10 employees and governed by a Board of Directors elected by the singing membership, with a fiscal year running October 1 to September 30 and no parent company, venture, or external ownership.

Name

The Chorus of Westerly

Legal name

The Chorus of Westerly

Website

https://chorusofwesterly.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1959

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Founded in 1959, the Chorus of Westerly is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit choral organization in Westerly, Rhode Island. It owns the George Kent Performance Hall and serves southeastern New England through choral ensembles, music education from ages 9 months to 86+, and the 25,000-attendee Summer Pops.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performing Arts / Choral Music Services

NAICS

Musical Groups and Artists (711130), Musical Groups and Artists (71113), Performing Arts Companies (7111), Fine Arts Schools (61161), Other Performing Arts Companies (711190)

akta.pro primary industry

Performing Arts Centers & Presenters (Programming/Booking) (MPAGABAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Group Music Classes & Ensembles (Band, Orchestra, Choir) (EDAMANAC), Performing Arts Programs (Band, Choir, Orchestra, Theater) (EDAJAJAE), Music Schools & Conservatory Prep (Pre-College) (EDAMANAE)

Keywords

• Choral performance services
• Music education programs
• Community performing arts
• Venue rental services
• Music festival events

Headquarters

HQ city

Westerly

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees for singing members of the various choruses. Symphonic Chorus and Children's Program membership dues are $300/year. Foundations Chorus is $300/year or $150/semester. Encore Choir at Kent Hall is $300/year or $150/semester. Financial assistance and scholarships are available for all programs.
2. Ticket Sales: Revenue from ticket sales for Season 68 performances including classical concerts, Christmas Pops, Summer Pops (free event), Kent Hall Masters Series, and special events. Individual tickets available online 24/7, at box office, or by mail. Box office accepts cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
3. Donations and Contributions: Tax-deductible donations to the 501(c)(3) organization for general operations, specific programs, Kent Hall restoration, and endowed funds. Gold Star Subscriber program for dedicated patrons.
4. Venue Rental: Rental income from the George Kent Performance Hall for private events including concerts, weddings, receptions, and other special events. Full-day wedding/similar rentals start around $2,500. The hall offers a flexible rental agreement unique to each user's needs.
5. Special Program Fees: Fees for special programs including Dawn Song ($100 full week, $40 daily drop-in) and Chorus Summer Camp ($350-$550 per week on pay-what-you-wish scale). Sing & Play Together early childhood program $125 for eight-week session.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

The Chorus of Westerly presents choral performances, music education programs, and community arts experiences. Its core offerings include the auditioned Symphonic Chorus performing classical masterworks with professional orchestras, multi-tiered children's choral education (ages 7-18), non-auditioned Foundations Chorus for adults, Encore Choir for seniors 65+, Threshold Singers for hospice bedside singing, and early childhood Sing & Play Together classes. Signature events include Summer Pops (free outdoor concert attracting 25,000+ annually), Christmas Pops, Kent Hall Masters Series, and A Celebration of Twelfth Night. The organization also rents the historic George Kent Performance Hall for private events.

Product overview

The Chorus of Westerly is a performing arts organization offering a portfolio of choral music programs and performance ensembles. Its core offerings include the auditioned Symphonic Chorus (approximately 200 singers performing classical masterworks with professional orchestras) and a multi-tiered Children's Program (ages 7-18) with progressive levels from Training Choristers to Full Choristers. Additional ensembles include the non-auditioned Foundations Chorus for adults, the Threshold Singers (hospice bedside singing), and the Encore Choir for adults 65+. The organization also operates the George Kent Performance Hall as a rental venue. Seasonal events include Summer Pops (free outdoor concert with 25,000+ attendance), Christmas Pops, the Kent Hall Masters Series (prestigious guest ensemble performances), and A Celebration of Twelfth Night. Early childhood education is provided through Sing & Play Together classes, while the week-long Dawn Song program offers meditative chant experiences. A one-hour documentary, 'Mostly Music: The Journey of the Chorus of Westerly,' chronicles the organization's history.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Symphonic Chorus: The flagship auditioned ensemble of the Chorus of Westerly, comprised of nearly 200 singers ages 8-80+.
• Foundations Chorus
• Westerly Threshold Singers
• Encore Choir
• Dawn Song
• Sing & Play Together
• Summer Pops
• George Kent Performance Hall
• Kent Hall Masters Series

Products and services

• Symphonic Chorus The main auditioned ensemble of the Chorus of Westerly, comprised of nearly 200 singers ages 8-80+ who perform classical masterworks with professional orchestras. Members pay annual dues of $300/year.
• Children's Program Multi-tiered after-school choral program for children ages 7-18, featuring Training Choristers, Junior Choristers, Full Choristers, and Teen Tenors & Basses levels. Youth dues are $300/year and include participation in classical concerts, Christmas Pops, and Summer Pops.
• Foundations Chorus Non-auditioned adult ensemble for singers of any musical ability who wish to make quality music in a supportive community environment. $300 for full season or $150 for September-December. Approximately 90 members.
• Threshold Singers Volunteer ensemble providing bedside hospice singing for those on the threshold of living and dying, offered free of charge. Approximately 15 members. Chapter of Threshold Singers International.
• Encore Choir Non-auditioned choral program for adults ages 65+, offered at StoneRidge Senior Living in Mystic, CT and at Kent Hall in Westerly, RI. $300/year or $150/semester. Approximately 50 members.
• Dawn Song Week of meditative sunrise chant held annually at George Kent Performance Hall. Accessible to singers of all skill levels - no experience necessary. Full Week package $100; Daily Drop-In rate $40/session.
• Sing & Play Together Interactive early childhood music class for children ages 9 months to 5 years with their grown-ups. $125 for eight-week session with sibling discounts available. Taught by Ms. Bergin.
• Chorus Summer Camp Week-long overnight camp at Episcopal Conference Center in Pascoag, RI for children ages 8+, providing music making, community building, and recreational activities. Costs on a pay-what-you-wish scale ranging from $350 to $550.
• Summer Pops Free annual outdoor concert held in Wilcox Park featuring the Chorus, Pops Festival Orchestra, guest performers, and fireworks by Grucci, attracting audiences of 25,000+ annually.
• Christmas Pops Holiday concert series featuring traditional and contemporary Christmas music with full orchestra.
• Kent Hall Masters Series Concert series featuring prestigious guest choral ensembles including Chanticleer, The King's Singers, Lorelei Ensemble, Stile Antico, and VOCES8 at George Kent Performance Hall.
• A Celebration of Twelfth Night Annual holiday theatrical production combining choral music, mummers' plays, and carols, originally created in 1975 and revived in 2025.
• George Kent Performance Hall Venue Rental Historic performance venue at 119 High Street, Westerly, RI, owned and operated by the Chorus since 1991, featuring exceptional acoustics for choral and orchestral music. Available for concerts, weddings, and private events with seating for 438. Full-day rental starts around $2,500.

Quantifiable outcome

• 25,000+ annual attendees at Summer Pops free outdoor concert
• +4 more outcomes

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• RISCA (Rhode Island State Council on the Arts)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRISCA is Rhode Island's state arts agency. The Chorus is featured as a certified arts organization and has received funding through the Rhode Island Cultural Facilities Economic Bond program ($1,054,200 awarded). RISCA support validates the Chorus as a significant Rhode Island arts institution.
• Bess EatoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBess Eaton is a neighboring business that owns the shared parking lot adjacent to Kent Hall. They allow Chorus patrons to park in their lot for rehearsals and events, subject to restrictions on driveways, dumpster area, and traffic flow. This is essential parking access for a historic building in downtown Westerly.
• Ocean Community Chamber of CommercecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe OCCC serves the business and artistic community of the region for over 100 years with focus on creative economy. They provide marketing, volunteerism, free equipment usage, and financial investments in organizations like the Chorus. Chorus presents Change Maker Award to OCCC leadership.
• Greater Mystic Chamber of CommercecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGMCOC serves as collective business voice for Greater Mystic region and sponsors community events promoting local businesses and regional tourism. Partnership includes joint efforts to boost creative sector. Chorus presents Bridge Builder Award through this partnership.
• United TheatreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Chorus partners with the United Theatre in Westerly for SpeakEasy Choir events held at the United's Black Box venue. This partnership expands Chorus programming beyond Kent Hall and reaches new audiences.
• StoneRidge Senior LivingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Encore Choir program includes a session at StoneRidge Senior Living in Mystic, CT, allowing residents to participate in choral singing. This extends the Chorus's reach to seniors who may not be able to travel to Kent Hall.
• Watch Hill ChapelminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Chorus has performed at and partnered with Watch Hill Chapel for send-off concerts before international tours. Andrew Howell serves as summer music director at the Chapel.
• Mystic Congregational ChurchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAndrew Howell serves as Music Director for Mystic Congregational Church in addition to his Chorus duties, creating cross-institution musical programming connections.
• Westerly Regional Arts PartnershipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRyan Saunders co-founded this new arts collaborative with the mission to promote and support the Westerly region's creative sector. The Chorus serves as a founding/lead organization in this regional arts coalition.
• Westerly Land TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDuring COVID-19, the Chorus used the Wahaneeta Preserve property for outdoor cohort rehearsals. John Townsend serves on the board, demonstrating cross-organizational community service.
• Granite TheatreminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWesterly arts organizations that cross-promote events and share volunteers. The Chorus and Granite Theatre have overlapping community supporters. Multiple WESTYS award winners have connections to both organizations.
• VOCES8 FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Kent Hall Masters Series Season 67 features Lyyra, an up-and-coming women's ensemble from the VOCES8 Foundation. This brings internationally recognized talent to Kent Hall.
• Grucci FireworksminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProfessional fireworks company engaged for Summer Pops grand finale. The Artillery Company of Newport also provides cannon fire during performances. These vendors enable signature Summer Pops experience.
• Episcopal Conference CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for the Chorus's annual Children's Summer Camp in Pascoag, RI. The overnight camp provides music education and community building activities for children ages 8+.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Indianapolis Symphonic Choir: Nonprofit symphonic choir performing masterworks with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Comparable in operating as a standalone symphonic choral nonprofit with education and community programming.
• Masterworks Chorale: Community auditioned chorus based in the Boston suburbs performing masterworks with professional orchestra. Comparable in scale, auditioned adult singer model, and educational outreach programming.
• Bach Choir of Bethlehem: Historic Pennsylvania community choir founded in 1898, performing Bach and major choral works with professional orchestra. Peer in long-duration community choral institution with education programming and Bach Festival tradition.
• San Diego Master Chorale: California-based nonprofit auditioned symphonic chorus performing masterworks with orchestra. Direct peer in community choral nonprofit model with educational and outreach programming.
• Choral Arts Society of Washington: Washington, DC-based nonprofit choral organization presenting symphonic choral performances and youth education. Direct peer in combining ticketed concert programming with broad music education programs.
• Portland Bach Experience: Maine-based nonprofit choral organization offering symphonic choral performances, education, and community outreach. Regional peer operating a similar auditioned community chorus and children's/youth programming model in northern New England.
• The Providence Singers: Community-based auditioned choral ensemble in Providence, RI, performing symphonic choral works with professional orchestra. Closest geographic and structural peer — a regional Rhode Island symphonic chorus with similar programming model.
• Boston Cecilia: Long-running Boston-area community chorus performing major choral works with orchestra. Direct peer sharing the New England community-symphonic choral model and adult volunteer singer base.
• Charlotte Master Chorale: Community-based auditioned choral ensemble in Charlotte, NC. Direct peer in operating a regional masterworks chorus with professional orchestra collaboration and education programming.

Broad incumbents

• Handel and Haydn Society: Boston-based 200+ year-old choral and orchestral organization performing Baroque and Classical masterworks. Comparable in performing major choral works with period/full orchestra, but operates at much larger scale and broader historical scope.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/choruswesterly
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/chorusofwesterly
• Facebookfacebook.com/chorusofwesterly
• Instagraminstagram.com/chorusofwesterly
• TikToktiktok.com/@chorusofwesterly
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-chorus-of-westerly

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Chorus of Westerly