Artist Groups in Residence​

Singing City Rehearses at Old Christ Church Neighborhood House​

“In 1973, I was thrilled to be accepted into Philadelphia’s Singing City as its youngest member. Under the direction of founder, Dr. Elaine Brown, only the second woman in history to conduct the Philadelphia Orchestra, Singing City blended 100 volunteer voices of mixed racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds with a high level of professionalism and spirit in concert performances throughout the region at churches, schools, synagogues, and even prisons. A close association with the Philadelphia Orchestra led to performances at the Academy of Music and Lincoln Center in New York City and several joint recordings. ​

For many years, the choir held its weekly Friday evening rehearsals on the second floor of Neighborhood House at Old Christ Church. It was there that the choir rehearsed for its historic and acclaimed tour in the Middle East. The U.S. Department of State and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts participated in the planning, advising, and other details of the tour. Prior to departure, then Governor of Pennsylvania, Milton J. Shapp designated the Choir “Pennsylvania’s Ambassadors of Music and Goodwill.”  Concerts were given in Israel and Jordan with the most memorable highlight being the 20-minute standing ovation at the conclusion of Handel’s Messiah performed with Zubin Mehta and the Israeli Philharmonic. The U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Kenneth Keating said, “I know of no area in the world where the people from the City of Brotherly Love can do more than in the Middle East.” ​

Ann Schweizer Langerhans​

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