History

Vanguard Voices was formed in 1992, building upon the long choral tradition of the Dearborn Choral Arts Society and the Oratorio Society of Dearborn. Under the direction of G. Kevin Dewey, the group set as its goal to seek out and perform the best in contemporary and traditional choral music and to present the best performances possible.

During its formative years, the group evolved from an all-comers, community-based group to an auditioned mixed choir of 65 members from throughout the Metropolitan Detroit area.

Repertoire has included grand choral works from the Classical, Romantic and Modern eras, as well as Gregorian chant, Renaissance motets, international folk songs, opera choruses, contemporary works and jazz standards. The group has performed a cappella, with its own Vanguard Brass Ensemble and with area orchestras including Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Dearborn Symphony Orchestra and Flint Symphony Orchestra.

At the Michael A. Guido Theater, Vanguard Voices has presented its own concerts and participated in special Dearborn-area events. As part of the Theater’s professional series, the group had the opportunity to accompany special guests including singer-songwriter Judy Collins, composer Marvin Hamlisch, and Broadway artist Linda Eder.

Vanguard Voices is proud to sponsor Vanguard Premieres, an initiative to promote the creation of new choral works by established and aspiring composers.

Special Events

Vanguard Voices hosted the Vanguard Choral Celebration from 2008 through 2012. This event provided participating choruses with an opportunity to share music with each other and with the Dearborn audience. The mission of this event was to help support, promote, and celebrate choral music in southeastern Michigan.

Vanguard Choral Celebration Guests

• 2008 – InVoice, Langsford Men’s Chorus, Detroit Concert Choir
• 2009 – Oakland Chorale, Renaissance Voices, Brazeal Dennard Chorale
• 2010 – Flint Festival Chorus, Measure for Measure
• 2011 – Central Michigan University Chamber Singers, Sounding Light
• 2012 – Cantata Academy Chorale, Dearborn Schools Elementary and Secondary Honors Choirs

Tours & Travel

Vanguard Voices was honored to accept an invitation to compete at the prestigious Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in North Wales in 2001, where it placed second in the Mixed Choirs category.

In 2005, Vanguard Voices traveled to Stratford, Ontario for a special Vanguard Premieres preview performance.

Vanguard Voices was invited to perform Bach Mass in B Minor with the Wilmington Symphony Select (North Carolina) in June 2008.