The Arizona Masterworks Chorale has been Making Music Better for over 40 Years.
Our mission is to inspire and enrich our community through the power of choral music.
“For a conscious being, to exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on endlessly creating oneself” – Henri Bergson in Creative Evolution
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The Arizona Masterworks Chorale has been Making Music Better for over 40 Years.
Our mission is to inspire and enrich our community through the power of choral music.
“For a conscious being, to exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on endlessly creating oneself” – Henri Bergson in Creative Evolution
AMC Announces our New Music Staff for the 2025-2026 Season
The Arizona Masterworks Chorale (AMC) proudly announces the appointment of Darren S. Herring of Tempe as our new Music Director and principal conductor. He will lead the Chorale’s artistic vision and activities as we return to the concert stage in the fall of 2025.
Darren is an accomplished choral musician, director, and composer whose career spans the United States and the United Kingdom. In addition to his post at AMC, he is Program Coordinator (Director of Music) for Music on the Desert at Saint Anthony on the Desert Episcopal Church in Scottsdale. Darren is a vital part of the Phoenix choral community, singing and guest conducting various ensembles and church choirs. He is highly sought after as a clinician, conductor, adjudicator, and composer, and is widely respected for his expertise in planning international choir tours. Darren remains deeply involved with the Royal School of Church Music, the Association of Anglican Musicians, and is a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).
Joining Darren are four outstanding members of our new Music Staff. In the newly-created positions of Assistant Conductor and Teaching Artist we welcome Ashlie Smith of Tempe and James Stirling of Phoenix. Ashlie has an extensive background in performing and musical educaton, as does James, who was our tenor section leader last season. Returning in their prior roles are the renowned collaborative pianist Olga Gorelik, and the tireless and meticulous music librarian Cheryl Burton.
Ashlie Smith
Assistant Conductor
James Stirling
Assistant Conductor
Olga Gorelik
Collaborative Pianist
Cheryl Burton
Music Librarian
“I look forward to meeting the members of the Chorale and getting the new season underway,” said Darren. “Our goals this season include returning to the performance of masterworks, both well-known classics and innovative new works that Valley audiences won’t hear anywhere else. Ashlie and James will be Teaching Artists, improving individual choristers’ vocal capabilities and enhancing the overall quality of the Chorale. We look forward to attracting even more outstanding singers, reaching a wider audience, being active in our community, and renowned for our well-crafted sound and unique performances.”
“We searched our personal and professional networks and found several highly qualified candidates,” said AMC President Bob Altizer. “Choosing among them was a challenge, so we’re extremely lucky to find Darren, whose music we’ve enjoyed performing recently. We look forward to working with him and AMC’s artistic team in what’s sure to be an ambitious and exciting season.”
Thanks for a great 2024-2025 Season!
Just when we all need it most, the Arizona Masterworks Chorale presented some of the greatest smile-making choral pieces ever.
“Sing! Get Happy!” in performance, May 2025, All Saint’s Episcopal Church, Phoenix
“Coming Home” in performance, March 2025, All Saint’s Episcopal Church, Phoenix
Make a Generous Donation to AMC
Our ongoing “Make Music Better” campaign asks you to support the Arizona Masterworks Chorale’s mission.
Our mission is to inspire and enrich our community through the power of choral music. AMC audiences experience the sheer beauty of sound and poetry in our ensemble – it’s a choral symphony of fine voices singing together.
Making music better means investing in the future. Please consider making a generous one-time or recurring donation, advertising with us, or sponsoring an event or artist.
Your generosity keeps our unique sound thriving in Arizona, and we thank you for your ongoing support.
You can send a check to
The Arizona Masterworks Chorale
4802 East Ray Road, Suite 23-115, Phoenix AZ 85044
Our music library has a new home.
We’ve moved our music library from its old home at Ascension Lutheran Church in Paradise Valley to the brand-new LifeStorage center at Gilbert Crossing.
With your help, we can keep it thriving.
Maintaining our extensive library of over 15,000 copies of over 400 great choral works isn’t easy. Our Music Librarian Cheryl Burton works tirelessly to keep the library in shape and to provide scores to all choristers. But storage doesn’t come cheap! We’re asking for $2,500 in donations between now and June 2025 to keep the library in top condition.
An anonymous donor will match up to $500 in donations to the Music Library Fund made between now and August 31.
Join us and share The AMC Experience:
The Sheer Beauty of Sound and Poetry!
“I believe that we do have the opportunity to make something special out of the group. There is a place in the Valley for this kind of sound and repertoire and collegiality.”
The Arizona Masterworks Chorale welcomes singers of all backgrounds, voices, and ages to grow their talents and sing beautifully in a collegial setting.
An Artistic Partnership
Founded in 2021 to support collaborations between our members to present the finest choral and orchestral music in a welcoming environment.
The Fourth Annual Arts at Ascension
Messiah Sing Along
Sunday, November 30 at 3:00 PM
North Scottsdale United Methodist Church
Watch This Space for Details!
NEXT CONCERT
Messiah Sing-Along 2025
November 30, 2025
NEXT CONCERT
Messiah Sing-Along 2025
November 30, 2025
Arizona Masterworks Chorale Supporters and Sponsors
