Your choir is invited to participate in the inaugural Southcoast Festival of Choirs, to be held on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at Saint Anthony of Padua Church in New Bedford, Mass.

Housed in one of the largest and most beautiful churches in the region, with seating for approximately 2,000, the festival seeks to establish a new annual tradition celebrating the rich choral life of the South Coast. Bringing together approximately 400 singers from throughout the region, the festival will feature New Bedford Symphony Orchestra brass and percussion, the historic Casavant Frères pipe organ, and audience participation in several beloved Christmas carols in the classic arrangements of Sir David Willcocks.

Each participating ensemble is invited to present one Advent or Christmas selection, preferably no more than six minutes in length. Repertoire should be sacred in nature and appropriate to the setting.

Participating choirs will also join together in several combined selections, and participating conductors will be invited to conduct one of these works, leading the combined forces of approximately 400 singers, brass, and organ before an audience of more than 2,000. We hope the festival will provide an opportunity for fellowship, collaboration, and friendship among the many choral organizations throughout our region.

Schedule for the Day

12:00–3:30 p.m. — Ensemble rehearsals and sound checks (exact times assigned once participating groups are confirmed)
2:30–3:30 p.m. — Combined choir rehearsal
3:30–5:30 p.m. — Complimentary dinner for all singers and directors
6:30 p.m. — Performance (Reception to follow)

There is no participation fee.

As an expression of gratitude, participating ensembles will have the opportunity to use Saint Anthony Church for a future performance free of charge, subject to scheduling availability.

I would be delighted to have your choir represented at this inaugural festival and believe it would provide a meaningful and memorable experience for your members.

To finalize the roster of participating ensembles and prepare rehearsal schedules, please let me know of your interest by August 1, 2026. Due to time and space constraints, the number of participating ensembles will be limited, and priority consideration will be given to those responding earliest.

Thank you for your consideration, and I hope we have the opportunity to collaborate.

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Brian Dean Sousa, B.M., M.M.
Artistic Director, Southcoast Festival of Choirs
Artistic Director, Falmouth Chorale
Artistic Director, Greater New Bedford Choral Society
Organist & Choir Director, St. Mary Star of the Sea (Beverly)

BrianDeanSousa@gmail.com • 508-314-0377