A sampling of programmes by the Central City Chorus over the last few years.

Central City Chorus selections: 2010-2020

Sicut cervus (Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina)

The Long Day Closes (Arthur Sullivan)

Deux Chœurs, Op. 68 - 1. Calme des nuits (Camille Saint-Saëns)

Today the Virgin (John Tavener)

A Spotless Rose (Hebert Howells)

Lully, lulla, thou little tiny child, Op. 25b (Kenneth Leighton)

The eyes of all wait upon thee (Jean Berger)

Komm, Jesu, Komm, BWV 229 (J. S. Bach)

Four Curmudgeonly Canons - 4. Autumn is over (P.D.Q. Bach)

Four Curmudgeonly Canons - 2. Spring is gone (P.D.Q. Bach)

Liebeslieder-Walzer, Op. 52 - 6. Ein kleiner, hübscher Vogel nahm den Flug (Johannes Brahms)

Liebeslieder-Walzer, Op. 52 - 14. Sieh, wie ist die Welle klar (Johannes Brahms)

Neue Liebeslieder-Walzer, Op. 65 - 1. Verzicht, o Herz, auf Rettung (Johannes Brahms)

Revecy venir du printans (Claude le Jeune)

Capricciata et Contrapunto bestiale alla mente (Adriano Banchieri)

Quem pastores laudavere (James Bassi)

Deep River (arr. Gerre Hancock)

Im Grünen, Op. 59 - 4. Die Nachtigall (Felix Mendelssohn)

This Sweet and Merry Month of May (William Byrd)

Virtual choir recording for Christmas 2020.

"There is no rose", by John Joubert

The Central City Chorus is a mid-sized, nonsectarian amateur choral society distinguished by its dedication to performing a wide range of choral repertoire. Founded in 1981 with the support of Central Presbyterian church, the chorus has a history of varied and adventurous programming, often performing works that are rarely sung by New York’s larger choruses. The chorus rose to prominence under the leadership of its longest-serving director, Charles Pilling.
 
Now in its 34th season, Central City Chorus has become one of the premiere choruses in New York City, receiving the 2007 omega Ensemble’s ‘Gift to the City’ award, which is given to an artist or ensemble that has made an outstanding contribution to the musical life of New York City. The chorus is currently in residence at St. Ignatius of Antioch Episcopal Church under the direction of Phillip Cheah, performing music of all periods, from a cappella compositions to works for chorus and orchestra, with a focus on music from countries around the world. The chorus performs three evening-length concerts each season, in December, March and June, hosts additional Outreach Sings at during the holiday season, and produces an annual Cabaret Benefit.
 
Central City Chorus is a strong advocate for contemporary music, and enjoys an active and successful commissioning program. Commissioned composers include James Bassi, whose work, "Harpsonnets", was given its world premiere by the Chorus in 2004; Elliot Levine, founder of the internationally acclaimed a cappella ensemble Western Wind; Kristin Kuster, recently appointed composition faculty member at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor; and Jonathan David, whose work, "The Tightened String" was commissioned in commemoration for the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in NYC and given its premiere by the Chorus in 2011. In addition, the Chorus has given several NYC premieres, including Emma Lou Diemer’s cantata, "A Feast for Christmas" (”[A] major addition to the choral repertoire,” Choral Journal 1991), Emmy-award-winning composer Steve Heitzeg’s choral suite, "Leaf Songs," based on the poetry of the American poet Wendell Berry, and Carol Barnett’s "The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass." In honor of the 100th anniversary of Benjamin Britten’s birth, in December, 2013, the Chorus gave its second performance of his work “The Company of Heaven” (1937). In 1992, the Chorus gave the New York premiere of this rarely performed piece.