New Choral Society Names Erica Kelly as New Executive Director

After more than 25 years, Founding Executive Director Betsy Broyd retires from the New Choral Society. During her tenure, Mrs. Broyd produced over 80 choral and chamber concerts, commissioned several new works including Mass for Chorus and Orchestra by Stephen Paulus, and Inclusion: A Double Quintet for Rekha, a chamber work by Eliot Bailen.

The New Choral Society has appointed Erica Westcott Kelly as their new Executive Director. Mrs. Kelly brings tremendous chorus management and non-profit experience. In accepting the position Mrs. Kelly said, “I am thrilled to be working with the New Choral Society, which has established itself as one of the most well-respected choruses in Westchester County. It is a truly unique trifecta of choral singers who are treated as true artists, an orchestra made up of the best players in the New York area, and soloists who are frequently seen upon the stage of the Metropolitan Opera. I look forward to working with the Board of Directors to continue to realize Dr. John T. King’s artistic vision and maintain the New Choral Society’s standard of excellence.”

Erica Westcott Kelly currently serves as the Director of Operations for the Westchester Children’s Chorus and held previous Executive Director positions with the New York City Master Chorale and the Tallahassee Community Chorus under the direction of André J. Thomas. In addition to her choral work, she is currently the Music Production Coordinator at Purchase College (SUNY) and has previously worked in the education departments at Carnegie Hall, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s. Before moving to New York, Mrs. Kelly spent her summers as the Camp Director for Shrine Mont’s Music and Drama Camp.

Mrs. Kelly holds a Master of Arts degree in Arts Administration from Florida State University and a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Music Education from James Madison University in Virginia.

Formed in 1994, the New Choral Society is an auditioned, volunteer chorus of 48 singers from Westchester and surrounding areas, who rehearse weekly from September through May. They offer three choral concert programs each season, accompanied by a professional orchestra and professional soloists. In addition, they present their chamber orchestra in a concert featuring all orchestral chamber music. All rehearsals and performances take place at Hitchcock Presbyterian Church in Scarsdale. They were awarded the 2014 Arts Award for Excellence from ArtsWestchester and have been named Best Chorus by Hudson Valley Magazine.

For more information on the New Choral Society, please visit www.newchoralsociety.org, or contact Erica Kelly at erica@newchoralsociety.org