Our Mission
Founded in 2004, The West Hartford Women’s Chorale is a volunteer, multigenerational community of women joined in song.
Rooted in the rich diversity of the Hartford community, we are a large non-auditioned chorus led by the accomplished music director Susan Barone Chrzanowski. United by a broad range of musical and vocal skills, the Chorale performs a variety of classical and contemporary music from around the world, as well as significant 20th century American music.
We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy of singing. As a group of dedicated and supportive women committed to individual, collective, and community enrichment, we welcome women of all ages who want to learn and perform with artistic excellence. Over the years, our members have found their voices, embracing music and each other as a source of inspiration and meaningful connection.
The West Hartford Women’s Chorale is committed to fostering the education of its members as well as the music education of young musicians through annual scholarships, the Festival of Women’s Voices, and donations to the West Hartford Public School’s Gifts of Music program.
Read the Chorale’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion statement.
In 2024, the WHWC celebrated its 20th Anniversary. The video below is a snapshot of the Chorale’s events and accomplishments over the last 20 years.
Join the Chorale
Founded in 2004, the WHWC is a non-audition group open to all women (15 years and older) who like to sing choral music and can blend in an ensemble. While there is no audition, a private voice placement session with the music director is required.
More information about joining the chorale.
Our Music
The Chorale takes pride in performing challenging, diverse music in a broad range of innovative and entertaining styles.
Performances and Collaborations
Created the Festival of Women’s Voices for student and adult female choirs
Collaborated with renowned female composers at the Festival of Women’s Voices
Combined performances with the West Hartford Symphony Orchestra
Performances at the Wadsworth Atheneum, Festival of Arts and Ideas, New Haven, and The New York Theater Workshop, NY.
Featured guest performers at the CT Association of Choral Directors of America (ACDA)
Two yearly concerts in addition to benefit performances for other charitable organizations
Artistic Staff
Susan Barone Chrzanowski: Music Director
“Singing, whether solo or choral, must be informed by training that emphasizes healthy vocal production, attention to genre and compositional style, and ensemble . . . whether as soloist and accompaniment, or full choir and orchestra.” - Susan Barone Chrzanowski
Susan Barone Chrzanowski, Music Director of the WHWC, has been a music educator, vocal specialist, conductor, and arts educator for over 30 years. Currently Head of the Performing Arts (Music, Theater, Dance) for The Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Sue specializes in global music, attention to genre and vocal style, healthy vocal production, and engagement and interface with the community.
Sue’s educational background and training include a Bachelor of Music in Music Education (The Harrt School, University of Hartford), on-going and extensive choral conducting workshops, Shenandoah Conservatory Contemporary Commercial Music Vocal Training (I & III), and the McClosky Vocal Method: Enhancement for the Healthy Voice/Empowerment for the Troubled Voice.
Her administrative posts include Choral/Vocal Director and Head of Performing Arts, the Loomis Chaffee School; CT Music Educators Association: SAC Secretary, Northern Region Chorus Chair, Head Vocal Judge; CT American Choral Directors Association Secretary; and Chair of CT Independent School Music Festival.
Having conducted choirs of varying ages and levels, Sue believes in melding meaningful vocal experience and community engagement. She is thrilled to join the WHWC especially because it represents those beliefs through its ongoing community projects and commitment to offer all women an opportunity for a meaningful vocal experience.
An avid reader who can’t seem to leave the library without at least three books, Sue also loves to cook. She and her husband Dave (also a musician) have two cats, Mozart and King.
Barbara Robbins: Accompanist
Barbara delights in making music with musicians of many genres and ages. She works as an adjunct teacher and pianist at Manchester Community College in Connecticut, and has been a pianist for the Vocal Department at the University of Hartford for 14 years. She accompanies three choirs in the Greater Hartford and New Haven areas, and is often requested to play auditions, recordings, and performances for a wide range of organizations, from professional to community.
Ms. Robbins earned a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance from Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and a Master of Music degree on a full scholarship from the University of Connecticut in Storrs.
Board of Directors
The West Hartford Women's Chorale is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization led by a president and a dedicated board of directors.
President
Robin Doyle
Treasurer
Marjorie Rowlett
Publicity/Development
Karen Bachman
Membership Chair
Erin Frymire
Development/Recording Secretary
Jane Comerford
Music Chair
Beth Meehan
Operations
Michelle Russell
Technology
Jen McCool
Members at Large
Lora Rae Anderson
Megan Baker