Bio
About NOVA
Bio
About NOVA
THE GROUPS
MASTER CHORALE
Master Chorale is a smaller auditioned ensemble drawn from NOVA Chorale. Its repertoire calls for strong music-reading skills, vocal flexibility, and musical independence, with an emphasis on agility and ensemble precision. Master Chorale members also sing in NOVA Chorale.
NOVA CHORALE
NOVA Chorale is our large, central ensemble and the foundation of our concert programs. Its breadth, warmth, and power support substantial choral repertoire, while flexible vocal groupings allow singers and audiences to experience different colors within the ensemble.
OUR PASSION
NOVA—New Orleans Vocal Arts—brings together dedicated singers to explore the expressive possibilities of choral music. Founded in 1989, NOVA connects choral musicians and audiences through engaging performances of classic and modern repertoire.
Under Artistic Director Brian Martinez, NOVA’s ensemble structure offers a range of musical experiences within one community. From the breadth and power of the full Chorale to the detail and intimacy of chamber singing, each ensemble contributes a distinct voice to our concert programs.
OUR HISTORY
Dr. Ray Sprague, Founder of Louisiana Vocal Arts Chorale which later became NOVA Chorale
NOVA was conceived in 1989 by Dr. Raymond Sprague, professor of choral music at UNO, as a chorale which would recruit the area's finest singers to perform great choral music in the New Orleans region. Meg Frazier, Director of the School of Music at Loyola University, New Orleans led NOVA for 30 years, building on the excellence. In 2026, Brian Martinez took up the baton.
The chorale has offered over thirty seasons of free concerts as the area's premier choral ensemble. In addition, NOVA has performed by invitation with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, and at the Contemporary Arts Center, the Historic New Orleans Collection sponsored Mass for the Bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase at St. Louis Cathedral, the Red Mass at St. Louis Cathedral, the Louisiana American Choral Director's convention, and at numerous other events around the state.
OUR TEAM
Artistic Director
Brian Martinez
Operations Manager
Kelly Cuppett
BOARD PRESIDENT
Betsy Widhalm
BOARD Secretary
Jessica McKeown
BOARD Treasurer
Joseph Mace
Board MEMBERS
Caitlin Scanlan, Development Chair
Rebecca Coatney
Julie Grant Meyer
Hank Fanberg
Andrew Hollenbach
Clark Charbonnet
HAVE A VOICE THAT DESERVES TO BE HEARD?
Nova Chorale is an all volunteer organization that is continuously looking for new voices to join in on the harmony. Contact us today by clicking the contact button below and filling out the contact form. Our personnel director will contact you within 5 business days about joining NOVA.