The mission of the Lexington Chamber Chorale (LCC) is to enhance the arts in Lexington and the Bluegrass Region through outreach and a rich and varied choral repertoire presented by professional singers to an appreciative and diverse audience.

The Lexington Chamber Chorale (LCC) was originally organized in 1990 as the "Sine Nomine Singers" (Latin for 'without a name'). In 1999 the current name was adopted to better describe the nature and performances of the ensemble. LCC brings a resonant and distinctive choral repertoire to Lexington and Central Kentucky. The intimacy of size and the professional level of the singers allow the ensemble to undertake appealing and challenging works. Lexington Chamber Chorale concerts also enrich our cultural community through creative collaborations with guest artists and musicians. The passion for singing and the continued pursuit of musical excellence inspire the singers to present quality programs that touch both mind and spirit.

The previous work of the Chorale was led for 35 years by Dr. Gary Anderson. Dr. Anderson retired after the 2025-2026 season. His support, counsel, and expertise provided to the selection committee for a new Artistic Director was imperative to the future success of the LCC. Dr. Anderson had no direct involvement with the selection committee, but provided generous and professional support for the transition to Josh Hamilton. Dr. Anderson was honored by the Board of Directors and a grateful audience in a reception following the March 8, 2026, concert. The LCC Board of Directors unanimously agreed to offer Dr. Anderson the title of Artistic Director Emeritus in appreciation for his 35 years of leadership and support for the future of the Lexington Chamber Chorale.

The Lexington Chamber Chorale welcomes Josh Hamilton as its next Artistic Director and Conductor. A respected music educator, director, tenor, and conductor from Lexington, Josh brings more than a decade of choral leadership in Kentucky schools, churches, and professional ensembles. He currently serves as State Choral Music Chair-Elect for the Kentucky Music Educators Association and has earned a reputation for artistic excellence, inspiring musicianship, and dedicated service to the choral community.
Josh’s experience has equipped him with both the technical knowledge and artistic insight necessary for effective and expressive choral leadership. His work in music education, church music, and as a long-time professional chorister has significantly informed his understanding of the nuance, discipline, and precision expected of high-level choral ensembles. Josh noted throughout the Artistic Director search process that the mission and artistic vision of the Lexington Chamber Chorale strongly resonate with his own values as a conductor and educator. We look forward to this exciting new chapter under his leadership.

• Performing Arts

The Lexington Chamber Chorale (LCC) requests $10,000 to support 4 concerts in its 36 season, "Finding Our WAY: A New Chorale Season Tracing the Path From Reflection to Renewal.” The support provides for the Artistic Director, Operations Manager, Chorale singers, and the marketing, evaluation, and production of the Chorale's concerts.

The concert descriptions are detailed here.

The Human Touch: Music of Life, Loss, and Love

"The Human Touch" is an exploration of the experiences that bind us together as human beings. This program moves through joy and sorrow, grief and healing, struggle and hope. Works by Elaine Hagenberg, Johannes Brahms, Felix Mendlessohn, Dan Forrest, and others invite reflection on shared responsibility, compassion, and the enduring strength of community. Through music of profound beauty and emotional honesty, this concert celebrates what sustains us and the resilience that allows us to move forward. Sunday, October 11, 2026, 5 pm, Second Presbyterian Church.

What Sweeter Music: Carols of Hope and Wonder

"What Sweeter Music" invites audiences into the beauty and wonder of the holiday season. Featuring beloved carols alongside works by John Rutter, Morten Lauridsen, Healey Willan, and others, the program moves through celebration, stillness, and light. Timeless melodies and luminous choral writing come together to reflect the season’s many traditions–from festive energy and gathering to moments of peace and contemplation, and the warmth of shared song. The program offers an evening that inspires hope, wonder, and connection during this special time of year. Sunday, November 29, 2026, 5 pm, Second Presbyterian Church.

The Turning: From Stillness to Song

"The Turning" follows that natural arc of winter yielding to spring, and darkness giving way to light. As the days grow longer and new life begins to emerge in nature, we experience a parallel season of renewal and awakening. This concert moves from introspection toward reemergence, exploring the quiet power of transformation. Music by Paulus, Hella Johnson, Grieg, Beach, and others becomes a vehicle for reflection, growth, and the many dimensions of seasonal and spiritual awakening. Sunday, March 7, 2027, 5 pm, Second Presbyterian Church.

Under the Open Sky: From Hills to Horizon

"Under the Open Sky" is an outdoor a cappella concert featuring madrigals, folk songs, and spirituals. The program includes music by composers such as Shawn Kirchner, Alice Parker, William Hawley, and others, along with early music and traditional arrangements. The concert moves from Renaissance part-songs, to American folk and spiritual traditions, highlighting music connected to community and shared singing. This concert will be held on the grounds of the historic Henry Clay Estate “Ashland,” in downtown Lexington. This is a free concert that offers appreciation for our audience and local community. Sunday, June 6, 2007, 5pm, “Ashland,” the Henry Clay Estate.

The recent work of the voluntary Board of Directors of the LCC has included developing a revised strategic plan. Included in the revised strategic plan is a goal that addresses Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, specifically to increase the diversity of the board and in our audiences. The Board has included a young local artist of color, and concerts have partnered with a local Grammy Award Winning African-American artist who provided a commissioned work. The LCC has always sought to partner with diverse artists, and in the past has been responsive and flexible when identifying individuals with which to partner. Recent concert participants and collaborators have included the Lyric Theatre Director, the Allegro Dance Troupe, Blue Grass musicians, and the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra. Under the leadership of our new Artistic Director, Josh Hamilton, new efforts will be forwarded for including underrepresented groups given his leadership and connections throughout the state.

The target audience for the LCC is broadly defined. The Chorale has a loyal following of older audience members, but the Board has undertaken a variety of marketing efforts to diversify its audience. Partnerships and collaborations with youth groups and local school communities continue to be a priority for expanding our audience. The LCC chooses venues that provide good acoustics, visual beauty, and is easily accessible for persons with disabilities. Feedback from previous surveys have led to such improvements as large print bulletins and comfortable physical areas for receptions after concerts. The revised strategic plan emphasizes local arts networking through participation in LexArts activities (such as Cultural Pass). School age youth (K-12) will continue to be admitted free to concerts. Through our marketing strategies (e.g., email, strong Facebook presence, local media opportunities, local arts calendars) we continue to strive for a wider and more diverse audience.

LCC programming has provided a number of community benefits throughout its history. The most important is the rich and varied musical offerings provided by a small, intimate, professional group of singers. It provides the local and regional community an affordable option for such a unique style of music. Our concerts present a wide variety of other collaborators and artists, and addresses how music positively affects physical and mental health. The production of LCC's season includes the use of a number of local businesses, and survey results have indicated a large percentage of audience members patronize local establishments either before or after LCC concerts. This season's programming specifically addresses how music can influence the emotional joys and struggles of the human experience. The Chorale provides an opportunity for local artists and singers to participate in a professional musical organization without having to commit to a rehearsal and performance schedule that is difficult for personal and family balance. Concerts celebrate local poets, composers, and the rich history of the music of Kentucky and the region.

LCC uses a number of direct/indirect strategies to market our performances, and have hired an Operations Manager to further expand our communication efforts. Efforts include direct mail, email, and a strong Facebook presence. The Board has some expertise in journalism and media relations, and have established contacts with local media. Small groups have sung on local community television and radio shows, and our new Artistic Director plans to use his professional affiliations (e.g., American Choral Directors Association, Kentucky Music Educators Association) and leadership positions with state and regional entities (e.g., Kentucky Music Educators Association State Choral Chair-Elect) to establish new communication lines for wider audiences. Board members are consistent in ensuring that concerts are listed in local arts calendars, local newsletters, as well as a continued word-of-mouth strategy. LCC asks all or our partners and collaborators to disseminate concert information.

As noted previously, the LCC has a long history of partnerships and collaborations with other arts and non-arts organizations. Each of the concert season themes are developed with collaboration, partnership, and community engagement in mind. LCC, by the nature of its repertoire, provides an unique artistic opportunity for the community. The themes of the past have addressed social and health related topics (collaboration with Baptist Health on the impact of the Arts on physical and mental health, the Arboretum during Lexington Tree Week). Our collaborations in the past, and those proposed for the upcoming season, address the cultural and diverse nature of our local and regional community. The varied artistic collaborations are unique and represent LCC’s desire to enrich audience experiences.

Collaboration with other artists and musicians has been a strength of the LCC. The LCC has always sought to partner with diverse artists, and in the past has been responsive and flexible when identifying individuals and groups with which to partner. Recent collaborations have included a group of Blue Grass Musicians, partnering with a local Grammy Award Winning African American artist, Devine Carama, who performed a commissioned work, the Lyric Theatre Director, the Allegro Dance troupe, and the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra. In the most recent season collaborations included a number of special guests. The recent season included “The Voice Lesson,” the world premiere written for the anniversary season by George Ella Lyon (Kentucky Poet Laureate, 2015-2017) and composer Jeffrey L. Jones, a LCC singer. The third concert of the season, “35 Years in Harmony” featured Anders Astrand, a renowned Swedish mallet specialist (this was his third concert with the LCC). In addition to our accompanist Cully Bell, percussionist Matthew Gieger and guitarist Chris Weiss added to the performance. For the 2026/2027 season, the new Artistic Director has already had discussions with a number of potential guest instrumentalists, for instance, Allison Rawlings, flutist, who is also a local music educator and band director. Josh Hamilton has also had preliminary conversations with Ryan Marsh, Director of Choirs at Lafayette HS, about a collaborative performance between the LHS choirs and the Lexington Chamber Chorale.

The mission of the LCC is to enhance the arts in Lexington and the Bluegrass Region through outreach and a rich and varied choral repertoire presented by professional singers to an appreciative and diverse audience. The recent updated strategic plan emphasizes improved Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, enhanced involvement in Arts Advocacy activities, and continuous improvement of concert performances and efficiency (both fiscally and quality of performances and audience comfort and experiences). The professionalism of the singers and the role of LCC in the broader community of excellence in the arts in Lexington and the region continues to connect our mission and program goals.

LCC Board members have used both formal and informal methods for assessing achievement of program goals and objectives. Surveys are used to assess concert satisfaction, concert convenience, and audience diversity. Both in person (paper) and online versions are offered to audience members. We also use data from ticket sales, sponsorships, and attendance. Much anecdotal information is derived from well-attended receptions after the concert, when singers and board members interact with audience members in a comfortable, informal setting. Light refreshments are provided and served by singers, volunteers, and Board members. LCC has been very responsive to suggestions and ideas offered by audience members. Future efforts may include focus group interviews with audience members and ongoing surveys of singers and partners/collaborators.

The June 6, 2027 concert at Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate, 5 pm.

A new video describing Chamber Chorale music is in development to be used in school settings.

• lccbrochure2026.pdf
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• lccbrochure2026rev.pdf

• LCCSurveySummarySpring2024-Google-Docs.pdf
• LCC-Holiday-Survey-2024.pdf

• juliegallutiaresume.pdf
• Hamilton_Resume.docx-Google-Docs.pdf

• juliegallutiaresume1.pdf
• Hamilton_Resume.docx-Google-Docs1.pdf

• LCCweblink1.pdf
• LCC-Program-Example.pdf
• lccbrochure2026rev1.pdf

• lccbrochure2026rev2.pdf
• LCC-Program-Example1.pdf
• LCCweblink2.pdf

• LCCSurveySummarySpring2024-Google-Docs1.pdf
• LCC-Holiday-Survey-20241.pdf