About/Contact
Our Mission
The primary purpose of The Masterworks Chorus of the Palm Beaches is to expose and educate its members and the public to great choral masterpieces. The performance of these works from all nationalities, styles and periods will educate, enrich, and enhance the quality of life of its members and the entire community. We strive to make our performances of exceptional quality and affordable to all, to expose students to classical music, and to reach out and attract diverse members and audiences throughout Palm Beach County.
Our History
For 46 years, we have dedicated ourselves to providing superior classical choral works to our community. Members of the chorus are chosen through audition and they put in weeks of rehearsals leading up to each performance. They are not paid for their efforts and regard it as a privilege to sing with this well-known Chorus. This is their passion, and they work hard to present a memorable evening for each performance. Our performances also feature a live orchestra and sought-after local soloists. We pay for this high-quality accompaniment, as well as for concert spaces that provide superior acoustics and ambience, through ticket sales, grants, sponsorships and donations.
Masterworks Chorus of the Palm Beaches was organized in August, 1979 by Dr. Jack W. Jones and several interested members of the community. It was incorporated as a nonprofit corporation in February, 1980.
The first rehearsal of the Masterworks Chorus was held on Tuesday, October 9, 1979 at the Royal Poinciana Chapel in Palm Beach. Its first concert was Johann Sebastian Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, which was presented with orchestra on November 27, 1979 at Bethesda-By-The-Sea Episcopal Church in Palm Beach. There were 70 original members of the chorus.
Bryan Anthony Ijames
Our new Artistic Music Director
Bryan comes with an extensive music and choral resume and is currently Assistant Professor of Music Education & Associate Director of Choral Activities at Bower School of Music - Florida Gulf Coast University. We look forward to our 47th season with such an accomplished leader at the helm. Stay tuned for a look at our planned performances as we lift the curtain on our next season.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in both music education and music theory from Palm Beach Atlantic College.
KEN TAYLOR
Out-going Artistic Music Director
Over the past 15 years,
Ken's visionary leadership transformed this well-known Chorus with dynamic programming that included everything from Holiday favorites like Handel's Messiah, to classic choral masterpieces by Brahms, Handel, Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. Beyond the classics, he introduced playful concerts celebrating songs from Disney, Broadway, patriotic anthems, international folk songs and even TV favorites.
Ken often mixed into the chorus several of his music students from Dreyfoos School of the Arts, giving them a first-hand look at an experienced body of choral masters, as well as bringing their youthful exuberance to the group.
Rehearsals were always memorable as Ken brought new technical depths to timeless favorites, enhancing and challenging the chorus's experiences, often delivered with a dose of humor. We thank Ken Taylor for the tremendous contribution he has made to our Chorus and wish him well in his new endeavors.
DR. JACK W. JONES
Founder
A noted concert organist and native of Daytona Beach, Dr. Jones held a Bachelor of Music degree from Stetson University, Deland, FL, a Master of Sacred Music degree from Union Theological Seminary, New York, NY, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The Juilliard School, New York, NY. Jack founded the Masterworks Chorus of the Palm Beaches in 1979 to bring performances of major choral works to Palm Beach County. Dr. Jones served as Organist/Director of Music at the Royal Poinciana Chapel from 1989 until his retirement in 2013. He passed away in 2018.
Cultural Council of the Palm Beaches
Grant Recipient
For over 30 years, the Cultural Council has actively promoted cultural development in Palm Beach County and South Florida by providing services and funding to cultural organizations and artists. We are grateful for their financial assistance.