Houston Choral Society Brings American Music and Local Talent to Center Stage in Spring 2026
As the Houston Choral Society (HCS) enters the second half of its 2025–26 season, the group is turning its attention to a musical celebration of America’s 250th anniversary — and spotlighting the creative voice of a local composer along the way. With performances that have already brought Houston talent to some of the nation’s most iconic stages, this spring’s upcoming concert promises to continue the group’s blend of history, community, and artistry.
Katy Composer to Premiere Award-Winning Work This Spring
Robert Dierdorf, a retired choir director from Katy High School, was named one of two winners of HCS’s national Choral Composition Competition — selected from more than 75 submissions across 28 states. After 30 years of shaping student musicians in the classroom, Dierdorf now focuses on composing full-time, and his winning piece will receive its world premiere during the upcoming concert America’s 250th! on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at Tallowood Baptist Church in Memorial City.
The concert honors the country’s upcoming semiquincentennial with an all-American program, including beloved pieces such as The Star-Spangled Banner, Shenandoah, Red River Valley (in a fresh arrangement), and Lift Every Voice and Sing. HCS will also debut another winning composition by Zachary Doyle of Louisville, Kentucky, and perform newly introduced choral works like Yemaya, which blends Puerto Rican spiritual tradition with Afro-Cuban rhythms, and A Tribute to the Armed Forces. All selections will be accompanied by a full orchestra.
To enrich the experience, audience members are invited to a pre-concert lecture at 7:00 p.m. led by Father Reginald Samuels, an expert in American spirituals and Pastor of St. Laurence Catholic Church.
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A Season Already Marked by National Appearances and Local Collaborations
The spring concert follows a series of standout performances earlier in the season. In October 2025, HCS partnered with the Energy Corridor of Houston Orchestra (ECHO) for Celebrating Women Composers — a program that featured major contemporary choral works like Heather Sorenson’s Requiem and Elaine Hagenberg’s Illuminare.
Then, in November, the ensemble represented Houston on a national level, traveling to New York City to perform Sorenson’s Requiem at Carnegie Hall. The appearance, which was at the personal invitation of the composer, marked a milestone moment for the chorus and brought Houston’s choral talent to one of the world’s most prestigious stages.
December brought holiday cheer with A Glorious Christmas at The Foundry Church. The performance included festive classics such as Trotta’s Gloria and Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata, with additional charm provided by the Byrd Elementary Honor Choir and a visit from Santa — bringing a warm, festive spirit that’s become a favorite tradition for families across the community.
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A Grand Finale Still to Come
Following the patriotic celebration in March, the Houston Choral Society will close out its season on Saturday, May 16, 2026, with A Journey in Song at St. Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land. The concert will mark the 10th anniversary of Artistic Director Dr. Kevin Klotz and will feature a newly commissioned piece by composer Michael John Trotta.
The spring performances build on HCS’s mission to enrich the soul and elevate the choral arts throughout Greater Houston. With over 100 volunteer singers representing neighborhoods across the metro area — including Katy, Spring, Pasadena, and Sugar Land — the chorus remains one of the city’s most accessible and welcoming performing arts organizations.
For those looking to experience the power of choral music that blends national reflection with hometown heart, this spring offers the perfect opportunity. Tickets and season details are available at houstonchoralsociety.org.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
