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 Cathedral, Winchester Cathedral, and Exeter Cathedral.

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.

Over the summer of 2025, Choral Artists of Sarasota, after 46 seasons and the retirement of Artistic Director Joseph Holt, merged with Via Nova Chorale. The merger ensured the legacy of artistic excellence, professional engagement, and community-centered programming. Steven Phillips’ leadership brings an audience-first approach that keeps hearers riveted from start to finish.

We welcome you to the Via Nova Family!