Vocal Arts of Fairfax
Vocal Arts of Fairfax provides community-focused, accessible and inclusive choral performances. We seek to build unity among our singers and to create an inspired environment for our audiences. Directed by Michael Ehrlich, our mission includes community care outreach initiatives as part of its core. Vocal Arts of Fairfax does not require auditions.
Established on July 1, 2024, this adult chorus of 120 singers performs a variety of genres, including traditional choral literature, American folk songs and spirituals, music of different cultures, vocal jazz, and Broadway.
Along with bringing choral music to the community, the ensemble embraces the true meaning of community by seeking diversity in its make-up and in its repertoire. Additionally, the ensemble will embrace all elements of our community to foster inclusiveness, to help those in need, and to share our love of the choral art. All levels and voice parts are welcome.
2025-26 Season FInale
As a musical prelude to our country 250th anniversary, we present a celebration of the people, stories, and songs that give voice to the American spirit and our unique and varied musical identity.
The program begins with the traditions of Indigenous peoples and continues through the hymns of early settlers and the spirituals born from slavery, music that reflects both struggle and hope. As America grew, immigrant cultures enriched its musical landscape, leading to songs of unity and resilience from the Civil War through World Wars I and II. The journey continues to Broadway, where American stories and aspirations came vividly to life on stage.
The concert concludes with Randall Thompson’s The Testament of Freedom, a powerful musical affirmation of liberty and the enduring ideals that continue to define America and remind us of music’s ability to bring people together.
Meet Our Artistic Director
Artistic Director, Vocal Arts of Fairfax
Conductor, Vocal Arts Ensemble
& Vocal Arts Singers
This audience favorite performance of Gate Gate was from our concert, Journeys of the Heart. It is a setting of a Buddhist Mantra by Brian Tate.
The text is from an ancient Sanskrit text and means Gone, Gone. The piece is about the joy that will be achieved when it is time to go on to another place.
Gate gate parragate parasamgate bodh svaha Gone now, real gone, crossing the river, haleluia Ev’rybody singing, ev’rybody laughing, ev’rybody gone now, hallelujah Ev’rybody talking, ev’rybody walking, ev’rybody gone now, hallelujah!
No more tears, not more suffering, no more fears as we cross into the light
Enjoy this arrangement of I Dream a World by Andre Thomas from a Langston Hughes poem. This was from a VAF performance, Voices in Color.
PRAISE FROM THE COMPOSER…
Dear Michael,
Please thank the choir for a lovely performance of “I Dream A World.”
The presentation of “I Believe” was so moving. Thank you for sharing with me. You’re doing great work, my friend.
All the best,
André Thomas
Become a Super Fan
Levels:
$ 10-99 Harmony Circle
$100-249 Chorister Circle
$250-499 Melody Circle
$500-999 Crescendo Circle
$1000-2499 Aria Circle
$2500-4999 Virtuoso Circle
$5000+ Maestro Circle
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The Vocal Arts of Fairfax is funded in part by ArtsFairfax.
Website pictures courtesy of Frank Kohn Photography, the official photographer of The Vocal Arts of Fairfax.