Via Nova Chorale – finding a new way together

I’m grateful for the new growth and increased acclaim Via Nova Chorale has experienced in recent seasons. And now at a historic juncture, we find ourselves in the position of receiving the legacy of Choral Artists of Sarasota through a blending of like-minded organizations. Choral Artists, which recently celebrated its 46th season and the retirement of longtime artistic director Dr. Joseph Holt, will merge with Via Nova Chorale effective August 1, 2025.

We are honored to carry on the legacy of Choral Artists of Sarasota. Our two choirs have both focused intentionally on artistic excellence and community-enriching programming, with a view to inspiring audiences. Joe and I share a belief that choral music can—and should—speak to the world around us. This merger gives Via Nova Chorale a tremendous boost as we keep growing our vision and forging new artistic paths.

Joe Holt is gracious in his endorsement of the new venture. “Steven brings both artistry and purpose to his work,” he says. “I’ve admired the integrity of his programming and the clarity of his vision. He understands how to create music that resonates—with audiences and with the times. It’s reassuring to know that the next chapter of choral excellence continues in such capable hands.”

As part of the merger, Via Nova Chorale will take over stewardship of Choral Artists’ extensive music lending library, one of the most respected choral collections in the region. Looking ahead, our unified 60-voice ensemble will continue to push boundaries while honoring the legacies of both organizations. Performances for Via Nova’s 2025- 2026 season will be announced later this summer here and on our social media.

We’re excited to have you join us on this exciting journey and as always, thank you for being part of the Via Nova Chorale Family!

About Choral Artists of Sarasota

The Choral Artists of Sarasota, founded in 1979 as Gloria Musicae by Arden Fowler and Ann Stephenson-Moe, offered professional singers performance opportunities as a chamber chorus in Southwest Florida. For 46 years, the vocal ensemble celebrated the rich, artistic expressiveness of choral music through innovative repertoire, inspired performances and stimulating educational outreach. The ensemble specialized in premiere performances of lesser- known choral works—particularly music by living American composers. The ensemble traveled overseas, performing in Austria, a tour to Italy for the Amalfi Coast Music and Arts Festival in 2012 and were featured as part of the 80th anniversary commemorations of D-day in Normandy, France, in 2024. As part of the organization’s educational outreach, eight young singers from area schools, colleges and universities, ages 16 to 22, were invited to join the group each year. Illustrious conductors of the ensemble have included founder George Beldsoe, Daniel Moe, Stephen Hodges, Elwood Smith and Dr. Joseph Holt. Following the retirement of Dr. Holt in 2025, the ensemble merged with Via Nova Chorale of Sarasota, Florida. For more information, visit https://choralartistssarasota.org

About Via Nova Chorale

Via Nova Chorale was founded in 2008 by Dr. Robert Parish as a semi-professional choir under the name Musica Sacra Cantorum. The group cultivated a distinguished repertoire of sacred classics and served as guest choir-in-residence for three seasons in England—at Lichfield, Winchester, and Exeter Cathedrals. In 2023, at the start of its 14th season, Steven Phillips was appointed artistic director to bring a wider focus, ranging from classics to world music to jazz and new commissions. Re-branding in its 15th season as Via Nova Chorale, the group’s new name expresses its mission to use music to inspire and explore new ways to be together as one human family on our shared planet. Steven Phillips’ leadership brings an audience-first approach that keeps hearers riveted from start to finish.

This Good Earth

A moving celebration of love for our magnificent home planet, deepening our connection and challenging us to action. The Chorale is joined by string quintet and percussion, and the concert interweaves poetry from Wendell Berry and Mary Oliver. Produced by Virginia Lee Harrod, Wendell Berry’s longtime friend and Kentucky neighbor.

Saturday, November 9, 4:00 pm

First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak Street, Sarasota 34237

A Celtic Christmas

A colorful and rousing annual celebration, now in its ninth year, this popular concert looks and the Christmas story through the eyes of the Celtic peoples. Produced in collaboration with First Presbyterian Church, features a 50-voice choir, piper Kevin Weigand, and multi-talented triplets, the Lubben Brothers.