The Asheville Symphony Chorus is a volunteer community ensemble affiliated with the Asheville Symphony Society. Founded in 1991, The Chorus performs regularly with the Asheville Symphony and presents its own concerts throughout the season, focusing on beloved choral masterworks alongside more modern repertoire written for classical audiences. With a long tradition of strong preparation and collaboration, the Chorus helps bring large-scale choral-orchestral works to life for listeners across Western North Carolina. Most importantly, the Asheville Symphony Chorus exists to enrich and inspire the community through impactful performances of choral music.
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Asheville Symphony Chorus Leadership
A native and lifelong resident of Tallahassee, Florida, Elizabeth Landrum LaJeunesse moved to Asheville in June 2025 upon accepting the call to serve as Director of Music and Organist at First Presbyterian Church, where she oversees a thriving music program in a vibrant downtown congregation. She holds degrees in Choral Music Education (B.Mus.Ed.) and Organ Performance (M.M.) from the Florida State University, where she studied with Andre Thomas (conducting), Carolyn Bridger (piano), and Michael Corzine (organ).
Over the course of her career as a music educator and collaborator, Elizabeth has worked with many school chorus and band programs, has collaborated as organist and pianist with the Tallahassee Symphony Chorus, Tallahassee Civic Chorale, the FSU Chamber Choir, University Singers, Collegians and Levana, Vocal Jazz ensemble, graduate and undergraduate recitalists, and FSU summer music camps, and has frequently joined the Tallahassee Community Chorus and FSU choirs as a continuo harpsichordist. She has served several large downtown churches during her thirty-year tenure as a church musician, and has also appeared as a guest service organist and recitalist at churches throughout the southeast.
Elizabeth continues to collaborate with the Florida All-State choirs annually, working with notable conductors from around the country, and in 2024 was named the recipient of the Distinguished Service of an Individual in Music Education award by the Florida Music Education Association.
Molly Getsinger, originally from Frederick, MD, is the Chorus Manager for the Asheville Symphony Chorus, as well as the for Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, SC. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Westminster Choir College, and a Bachelor of Music Education from Shepherd University. As an active performer and choral singer, Dr. Getsinger has sung with ensembles including the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir, Spoleto Festival Chorus, CCM Chamber Choir, Westminster Choir, Westminster Symphonic Choir, and Westminster Kantorei. Prior to moving to NC, Molly was on faculty at the Newberry College, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and Xavier University.
Molly now lives in Asheville with her husband Jeb, stepson Colin, and adorable, albeit very loud, hound dogs Graham and Lizzie.
ABOUT US
Chorus Advisory Board
Officers
Robert Brady, President
Scott Gregg, Past President
Patti Handlon, Secretary
Jeff Wellington, Treasurer
Sandra Tompkins, Logistics
Directors
Bonnie Chazotte, Attendance Coordinator
Laura Austin, Membership Coordinator
Christy Woppman, Music Coordinator
Suzanne Neilson, Social Coordinator
Linda Melnick, Program Production
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the audition process?
The Asheville Symphony Chorus holds auditions for potential new members twice a year in August and January. If you are interested, please complete the Audition Inquiry Form for more information. The candidate will be auditioned by the Director. They will arrive prepared to sing a short musical selection of their choosing that best showcases their vocal abilities. Their vocal range will be assessed as will their ability to read printed music and accurately reproduce heard pitches. They will be informally interviewed about their musical education and experience, and experience as well as familiarity with languages commonly used in the classical repertoire.
When does this ensemble rehearse?
Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-9:30pm at First Congregational Church in Downtown Asheville. Additional dress/orchestra rehearsals before concerts are also required.
What is the attendance policy?
– For concerts with 10 or more associated rehearsals (excluding dress rehearsals): a maximum of three (3) absences is allowed.
– For concerts with fewer than 10 associated rehearsals (excluding dress rehearsals): a maximum of two (2) absences is allowed.
– Attendance at dress rehearsals and concerts is mandatory.
– Members who know they will exceed the absence limit in advance can appeal to the Board Attendance Review Committee for an exception.
What is the chorus season schedule? (2026/27)
– Messiah Sing-a-long (Trinity Episcopal Church): December 1, 2026, 7:00pm
– Messiah with the Asheville Symphony (First Baptist Church, Asheville): December 19, 2026, 2:00pm and 8:00pm
– Carmina Burana with the Asheville Symphony (Thomas Wolfe Auditorium): January 30, 2027, 8:00pm
– Spring Concert (First Baptist Church, Asheville): April 20, 2027, 7:00pm
Are there any dues or fees associated with membership?
– Dues: $110, due at the beginning of each performance year
– Music Fee: Subject to change each year, depending on repertoire (only for
non-choral/orchestral works that are not in the choral library)
What is the concert attire?
– Singers are also required to purchase their own concert attire. The guidelines are set by the Asheville Symphony Chorus and are shared in the Member Handbook prior to rehearsals.
– Music must also be in an all black folder, binder, or iPad cover.
