As we begin our 2025|26 season, Atlanta Young Singers celebrates an incredible milestone: our 50th anniversary. Since 1975, we’ve grown from a pioneering community choir concept into an internationally acclaimed organization that has nurtured over 2,800 alumni and reaches more than 20,000 audience members worldwide each year.
A Legacy of Excellence
For five decades, Atlanta Young Singers has developed young voices ages 7-18, fostering musical excellence alongside self-confidence, creativity, and leadership skills. What began as Music Director Stephen J. Ortlip’s visionary concept has become something extraordinary.
“Reaching our 50th anniversary is a testament to the countless staff, board members, families, and supporters who have believed in the transformative power of choral music,” says Executive Director Virginia M. Thompson. “We’ve watched thousands of young people grow not just as musicians, but as confident, compassionate leaders.”
World-Class Recognition
Our achievements speak to decades of dedication:
- Performed at the 1996 Olympic Games Closing Ceremonies
- Multiple performances at Carnegie Hall and Sydney Opera House
- Gold and silver medals at the World Choir Games
- Invitations to prestigious international festivals across five continents
- Collaborations with Robert Shaw and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Under Dr. Paige Fumbanks Mathis’s leadership as Music Director for over 25 years, we currently serve 140 singers from almost 70 schools throughout metro Atlanta.
Golden Anniversary Celebrations
We’re commemorating this milestone with special events throughout 2025-2026:
- October 2025: Performance for the American Choral Directors Association and Anniversary Gala
- December 2025: Christmas concert with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
- New Commission: A 20-minute choral piece from composer Christian Grases
- Community Performances: Culminating in a Youth Choral Festival in June 2026
- Alumni Reunions: Bringing together five decades of graduates
Every Voice Matters
This past season, 120 singers from over 65 schools, 11 counties, and 46 zip codes participated in our programs. Reflecting our commitment to accessibility, tuition covers only 57% of the actual cost per singer, with additional financial assistance provided to over 20 singers annually. We reach more than 15,000 audience members each year through performances and free community outreach.
Looking Ahead
“Our 50th anniversary represents not just a celebration of our past achievements, but a launching pad for our next chapter,” says Dr. Mathis. Future initiatives include expanded outreach to underserved communities, new American choral commissions, and continued excellence in music education.
“We’re celebrating 50 years of young people discovering their voices, building confidence, and learning to work together toward something greater than themselves,” Thompson adds. “These are life skills that matter far beyond the performance stage.”
Join Our Celebration
Whether you’re an Alumnus, longtime supporter, or discovering AYS for the first time, we invite you to celebrate with us. Share your memories using #AYS50Years and visit our website for event schedules and tickets.
The next 50 years of Atlanta Young Singers promise to be just as extraordinary as the first. Join our continuing story of excellence and community through the transformative power of choral music.