About the Chorus
The Savannah Philharmonic Chorus is an auditioned chorus of 95 volunteer singers led by Chorus Master Dr. Paul Thornock. The chorus performs alongside the Savannah Philharmonic, presenting major choral-orchestral works for audiences throughout the Savannah community.
Repertoire
The chorus' repertoire of major works includes:
The chorus also performs shorter works by composers such as Copland (Old American Songs), Jessica French, Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, Stephanie Martin, and Sibelius.
Upcoming Season
Looking Ahead
The Savannah Philharmonic Chorus brings an ambitious and wide-ranging program to the 2026–27 season, from one of the most beloved works in the choral repertoire to a breathtaking new commission from the world of film.
The trebles of the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus will open the season with the intricate and mysterious offstage closing of Holst's magnificent The Planets.
Joe Hisaishi is the celebrated composer behind the music of Studio Ghibli.
Previous Season
In Review
The 2025–26 season showcased the breadth and versatility of the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus, from intimate choral song to grand operatic spectacle.
Early in the season the chorus worked with composer Jessica French in a recording session that produced two new video recordings of her works.
Watch the Recordings
Music by composer Jessica French, recorded live with the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus.
Membership
Singers from All Walks of Life
Being a member of the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus reflects a sincere desire to participate in the creation of great music, and implies a commitment to sing a full complement of concerts as dictated by the season's schedule.
Chorus members generally have previous experience singing or playing a musical instrument, and come from a wide variety of professions and neighborhoods throughout Savannah and the surrounding area.
The chorus rehearses Tuesday evenings in Midtown Savannah, August through May. Members enjoy a range of benefits, including:
The Savannah Philharmonic Chorus holds auditions for new members each season.
Audition InformationPodcast
Hear More from the Chorus
Learn more about the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus through these episodes of Soundtrack of Savannah, the Savannah Philharmonic's podcast.
Special Thanks
The Savannah Philharmonic Chorus gratefully acknowledges Calvary Day School and Calvary Baptist Temple for generously providing rehearsal space.
Summer Program
Open to All Singers
You don't have to audition to sing with us. Each summer the Savannah Philharmonic hosts Chorus Camp — a welcoming, energetic program open to singers of all backgrounds from across Savannah and the surrounding region. Whether you're a seasoned performer or simply someone who loves to sing, there's a place for you here.
When
June 15–17, 2026
Format
Evening Sessions
Registration
Now Open
We hope to see you there — register today and join the chorus this summer.
Register Now
Chorus Staff
chorus master
Sponsored by Brenda Kenworthy, in memory of Brian Kenworthy
Dr. Paul Thornock is Director of Music and Organist at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Savannah, Georgia, where he conducts the semi-professional Cathedral Choir and the fully professional Choral Scholars, and serves as Artistic Director for the Friends of Cathedral Music concert series.
Before coming to Savannah, Dr. Thornock was the director of music at St. Joseph Cathedral in Columbus, Ohio and St. James Cathedral in Seattle. He has also taught at the University of Puget Sound, Capital University, and Trinity Lutheran Seminary.
He holds degrees from the University of Puget Sound (BM), the University of Notre Dame (MM), and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (DMA).
This position is sponsored by Brenda Kenworthy, in memory of Brian Kenworthy.
Chorus Staff
chorus manager
Sharon Mays serves as Chorus Manager for the Savannah Philharmonic, spearheading all logistics and communications for the nearly one-hundred member community chorus and the annual summer Chorus Camp.
Additionally, Sharon works as a conductor and singer, leading choirs for adults and children at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with a specialty in Gregorian chant — including an annual Chant Camp for children.
Sharon received her Bachelor of Music in Sacred Music from Samford University and her Master of Music in Choral Studies from the University of Cambridge.
Chorus Staff
Kristi Bryson
vocal coach
Monica Dekle
pianist
Leah Dutton
librarian
George Fergus
pianist
Rebecca Flaherty
vocal coach
Cameron Fuhrman
pianist
Haein Kim
pianist
William Lavonis
vocal coach
Jonathan Murphy
pianist
Elizabeth Splaine
vocal coach
Drew Whitlow
vocal coach
Tina Zenker Williams
diction coach
Chorus Roster
Soprano
Jade Aviste
Kelly Bell
Caroline Bennet
Cailey D'Aguillo
Christina D'Aguillo
Aisleen Daly
Caroline Daruna
Jody Krepel DeLiguori
Vivienne English
Amanda Fite
Luisa Friend
Malia Hilleary
Brandy Hopkins
Angela Hopper-Lee
Katy Keyes
Cheri Leffler
Brandi Muhammad
Kara Mobley
Laurie Orsi
Terilyn Palanca
Olivia Pescatore
Lauren Ricciardelli
Kat Scandura
Lanier Shelton
Rebecca Sentman
Sarah Westcott
Alto
Joanna Angell
Carol Benton
Florence Bryant
Diane Davis
Marion Edens
Catherine Edwards
Gretchen Ernest
Susan Ganas
Annette Howell
Barbara Jenks
Mimi Krupp
Michelle Leffler
Diane McCabe
Crystal Nichols
Tara Oviedo
Danielle Peacock
Juliet Pearl
Sarah Phelan
Renee Portell
Geraldine Pufahl
Catherine Rogers
Dawn Stanford
Gwenn Strasser
Laurie Hicks Tanner
Alana Young
Tenor
Nayaraq Armstrong
Logan Brown
Brian Dennison
Eric Doane
David Edwards
Dennis Fields
Bill Gardner
Grant Given
Benjamin Goldsmith
Alex Hencinski
Paulette Hosti
Tony Lembeck
David Lotz
Kathleen McGuire
Alan Page
David Rigsby
James Sentman
Darren Weaver
Bass
John Bryan
Chris Campbell
Richard Cheong
Mark Dusek
Alejandro Edwards
Moses Friedman
Jason Fuller
Andrew Gibson
Bob Greenberg
James Hedden
Kai Jorgensen
Jinki Kim
Wes Krulic
Paul Parco
James Shields
Harmon Shinall
Jeremiah Simpson
Timothy Teeter
James Vandeveer
Gary Weddel
