History
The Williams Choral was organized by Stephen J. Fallon and Peter J. Williams in the spring of 1993. They sensed the need for an established organization dedicated to providing the Attleboro, MA area with the opportunity to participate in and/or enjoy high quality performances of choral productions.
The initial meeting was attended by twenty-five interested and curious people. The group was off and running. The name, Mansfield Choral Society, was adopted. This reflected the site of our first meeting: First Baptist Church of Mansfield. Peter J. Williams agreed to become our director.
The first objective was to prepare for our initial Christmas Concert. It was later changed to a Winter Concert and scheduled for late January. Who knew that the date chosen was Super Bowl Sunday. In spite of this complication, the concert was a success and we were finally established.
Our first five years was a period of organization and growth. By-Laws were adopted, A Board of Directors and officers elected and goals were established
During the summer of 1998, the Board of Directors, upon reflection of our first five years and looking ahead to the future, made two major changes to the organization. The first was to change the name of the organization. The second was to develop a Mission Statement.
The Williams Chorale was chosen for our new name. We continue to be based in Attleboro, MA. Our goals include projects outside our immediate area as well as within our area. The name change reflects our director, Peter J. Williams, who has guided us through our development during our first five years. He constantly presents new challenges in music selection and projects promoting growth and reaching new goals.
A Mission Statement was adopted. It was felt that we should have a focus, a direction, a purpose to follow in making decisions. The Williams Chorale is a work in progress. As we achieve one goal, new goals present themselves.
We are proud of our short history:
- Concerts at Attleboro area churches
- Men’s ensemble participation in singing a portion of the sound track of David Mamet’s production of the motion picture “Oleanna”
- A benefit concert for aids victims at the Providence Biltmore Hotel Grand Ballroom with opening remarks given by Mayor Buddy Cianci
- Participation in Mansfield, MA’s Christmas Tree lighting festivities
- Participation is North Attleboro, MA’s Interfaith Service sponsored by the Downtown Associates of North Attleboro and the North Attleboro 20th Century Celebration Committee
- Performance of Mozart’s Requiem accompanied by Thomas D. Weisflog who appears frequently with the Chicago Symphony
- CD recordings of four concerts, including Mozart’s Requiem, two Christmas Concerts, and a Spring concert
- Annual Director’s Cup Golf Tournament
- The opening of Concert Dress Rehearsals to those unable to attend the scheduled concert due to physical or financial reasons.
- Establishment of The Williams Chorale Performing Arts Scholarship – to benefit area high school juniors and seniors in pursuing musical studies.