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The Kalamazoo Singers is a choral ensemble of approximately forty voices under the direction of Thomas R. Kasdorf. All members are admitted by audition and include some of the area's finest singers.

The group's commitment to excellence began in 1976, under the direction of Mel Ivey, when the group performed as the opera chorus in the Kalamazoo Symphony / Michigan Opera Theater's production of "Madama Butterfly." The members of the chorus enjoyed their participation so much, discussions were started which eventually led to the formation of the Kalamazoo Singers. It was agreed that not only would the group continue as an opera chorus, but also branch out into other repertoire. The group remained under the direction of Mel Ivey until 1979, when Thomas Kasdorf took the helm.

The Kalamazoo Singers has many musical credits to its name. The many operas the group has performed include:

• Menotti's "Amahl and The Night Visitors"
• Bizet's "Carmen" 
• Mascagni's "Cavalleria Rusticana" / Leoncavallo's "I Pagliacci" 
• Strauss' "Die Fledermaus"
• Puccini's "La Boheme" 
• Puccini's "Madama Butterfly"
• Puccini's "Tosca "

The Kalamazoo Singers has also formed the core of several large community choruses for concerts in conjunction with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, including:

• Gospelfest '92
• Home for the Holidays
• The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra 75th Anniversary Gala
• Puccini's "Madama Butterfly"
• Beethoven's Ninth Smyphony
• The Verdi Requiem
• Puccini's "Turandot"

In the fall of 2000, the group gave two performances of the Faure Requiem with the Kalamazoo First Presbyterian Church Choir and members of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. These performances commemorated the 30th anniversary of the installation of the magnificent 62-rank Casavant organ at First Presbyterian.

In the fall of 1997, the group performed the world premier of Andrew Carter's "Beauty for Ashes" with the Kalamazoo First Presbyterian Church Choir and members of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra.  The composer participated in the final week of rehearsals here in Kalamazoo - we all had a delightful time.

The group was honored during the 1985-1986 season to perform before the American Choral Directors Association in Indianapolis.

In addition to the excellent reviews of the performances of the Verdi Requiem and Puccini's "Turandot" and "Madama Butterfly", the Kalamazoo Singers has received favorable acclaim from music lovers and reviewers since its formation.

Recent appearances in conjunction with the 1994 and 1996 Irving S.Gilmore International Keyboard Festivals, the Fontana Festival, and the Allegro Festival have added further recognition.

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