Masterworks Chorus Plans Dynamic Season

Credit: Alex Joyel

(Press Release) WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (September 16, 2026) — Masterworks Chorus of The Palm Beaches is gearing up for an exciting year of music across Palm Beach County.

The 2026-2027 season will feature three performances of Masterworks’ beloved annual Messiah, a special collaborative concert celebrating America250, and much more—led by Artistic Director Dr. Bryan A. Ijames and performed by Masterworks’ 70-member chorus, comprised of enthusiastic lunteers with varied musical and professional backgrounds.

---

“We’re planning an exhilarating lineup of choral masterworks this year,” said Katherine Combs, president of Masterworks Chorus. “Whether you’re a longtime fan of classical music or you’re new to it, we invite the Palm Beach County community to join us for one or more of these incredible performances. Come experience the power and passion behind these masterworks!”

Here’s a look at the 2026-2027 season:

Music for America250
The season will kick off with a patriotic collaboration celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Unity, Love & Brotherhood. It will feature more than 250 voices from the Masterworks Chorus of the Palm Beaches, Ebony Chorale, The Choral Society of the Palm Beaches, The Robert Sharon Chorale, and Espressivo. Audiences will be moved by patriotic and inspirational favorites, including “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “What the World Needs Now,” and more. 

The concert also will include a special tribute to all veterans in attendance, acknowledging their dedication, service, and sacrifice. Veterans can purchase discounted ($10) tickets to the concert using the code Brother26.

The performance takes place on October 18, 2026 at 4 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are available through the Kravis Center Box Office at kravis.org or (561) 832-7469.

A Beloved Holiday Tradition
This winter, join Masterworks Chorus for a holiday performance you won’t soon forget: George Frideric Handel’s Messiah. This December, three performances will take place across Palm Beach County:

• December 13, 2026 at 4 p.m. (Benjamin Hall in Palm Beach Gardens)
• December 14, 2026 at 7 p.m. (Royal Poinciana Chapel in Palm Beach)
• December 18, 2026 at 7 p.m. (St. Matthew Catholic Church in Lake Worth Beach)

Originally written in 1741 and first performed in Dublin in 1742, Messiah paints the story of the first Christmas, adhering to ancient biblical text. A chamber orchestra and professional vocalists will accompany Masterworks’ chorus, which has been performing Messiah for 48 seasons. The venues will be adorned with evergreens, festive decorations, and candlelight, adding a warm ambience to this magical holiday experience.

Music to Think About
This spring, Masterworks will present a delightful performance celebrating modern compositions of joy, reflection, and hope. Toward the Light will feature Jessie Montgomery's “Strum,” celebrating community and vitality, David Conte's “Invocation and Dance,” which affirms the resilience of the human spirit, and Elaine Hagenberg's “Illuminare,” culminating in a radiant vision of light, renewal, and peace. The performance will take place on March 6, 2027 at 4 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in North Palm Beach.

Beethoven’s Greatest Hits
The season will conclude with Beethoven’s 200th Anniversary Celebration on April 23, 2027 at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in North Palm Beach. The concert will feature powerful renditions of worldwide favorites by Ludwig van Beethoven, including Hallelujah from “Christ on the Mount of Olives,” “Choral Fantasy,” and “Symphony No. 9” (Movement IV: Ode to Joy). The performance is in collaboration with Palm Beach Atlantic University’s choirs and orchestra, led by Sonia Santiago, director of choral activities, and Sam Broomell, director of bands. PBA students will also perform the choral work “A Silence Haunts Me” by Jake Runestad, which gives voice to Beethoven’s anguish over his increasing deafness and his determination to continue creating music. Its text, written by the poet Todd Boss, is loosely adapted from Beethoven’s Heiligenstadt Testament, a deeply personal letter to his brothers written in 1802.

Aside from Unity, all tickets start at $35/person. For more information about upcoming performances, tickets, and available sponsorships, please visit masterworkspb.org.