Detroit’s oldest choir, Rackham Choir was founded in 1949, when it was part of University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Then known as Rackham Symphony Choir, the chorus partnered with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in 1952, beginning a 26 year long partnership. In 1981 Rackham Choir became an independent 501(c)(3) entity.

Since then, Rackham Choir has collaborated with Detroit art institutions such as Michigan Opera Theatre, The Detroit Symphony, Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings, and the Eisenhower Dance Ensemble. Rackham Choir has performed in several of Detroit's most famous live music venues including the Max Fisher/Orchestra Hall, the Fox Theatre, The Detroit Institute of Arts, and The Detroit Opera House. Since 1996, Suzanne Mallare Acton has provided the creative vision for which Rackham Choir is known all across Michigan.

Brandon Waddles, PhD., a composer, conductor and educator with deep roots in the Detroit music tradition, was named the new artistic director of Rackham Choir in 2021. Dr. Waddles also director of choral activities at Wayne State University and music director for Ledisi, a Grammy-winning recording artist.

The Choir has worked with Thomas Beveridge, Gian Carlo Menotti, Henry Mollicone, David Fanshawe and Richard Einhorn as well as internationally acclaimed Soloists such as Alfreda Burke, Rodrick Dixon, Sean Panikkar, Luciano Pavarotti, Joan Sutherland, Victor Trent Cook, and Thomas Young.

Rackham Choir appears on Naxos records together with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, in a recording of Hannibal Lokumbe’s "Dear Mrs Parks".

RACKHAM CHOIR

Experience the inspiration, healing, joy, and magic of choral music.