Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

None

Use Restrictions

Consult repository for information

Preferred Citation

Fairfax Chorus Records, MSS 05-67, Virginia Room, Fairfax County Public Library

Acquisition Information

Donated by Sally B. Ortolani (1895-1975) former publicity manager for the Fairfax Chorus

Processing Information

Chris Barbuschak, June 2018
EAD generated by Ross Landis, 2024

Historical and Biographical Information

The Fairfax Chorus, formerly known as the Lord Fairfax Choristers, was founded in the late 1940s. The chorus performed sacred music concerts throughout the Northern Virginia region particularly at churches including Oakton Methodist Church, Vienna Presbyterian Church, Truro Episcopal Church in Fairfax, Annandale Methodist Church, Leesburg Methodist Church, Fairlington Methodist Church, Boulevard Baptist Church in Arlington, and Sleepy Hollow Community Church among others.

The choral group initially rehearsed in the Sunday School room of the Vienna Presbyterian Church under the direction of Jeff Baker, production manager and television producer for NBC and WNBW (now WRC-TV). On Saturday March 24, 1951, the chorus of 110 voices performed John Stainer’s "The Crucifixion" which NBC simulcasted on Channel 4 WNBW TV and NBC Radio. The chorus later staged other appearances on radio and television.

In 1952, the chorus moved their Monday evening rehearsal’s to Columbia Baptist Church in Falls Church, Virginia. In 1953, the chorus held an election of officers which included: C.R. Freitag, president; Ira Miller, treasurer; Marta Medaris, recording secretary; Mrs. C.K. Lewis, social chairman; Fulton McElvoy, concert bookings; Louise Vore, music selection; and Sally Ortolani, publicity.

In 1954, John Totten became the Fairfax Chorus’ new director. The group’s last known performance occurred on December 29, 1955, at 7:30 p.m. as part of a Daily Pageant Program on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C. The group disbanded shortly thereafter.

Scope and Content

The Fairfax Chorus Records consist of 0.25 linear feet and spans the years 1951-1952 and contains a proposed charter, membership list, new member applications, and a guest book. In October 1952, the Fairfax Chorus launched a membership drive to expand the group into one of the leading choral societies in the area. Membership applications from that drive are a part of this collection. Applicants include: Patricia Ann Aleshire, Elsie M. Gamble, Elfrieda K. Pritchard, Katherine Schmidt, Betty W. Weisiger, Gladys W. Kiger, Jane Bouchey, Vivian L. Jones, Phyllis Lind, and Jeanne Lemmer.

Related Material

None

Separated Material

None

Index Terms

• Fairfax Chorus
• Musical groups - Virginia - Fairfax County

Adjunct Descriptive Data