Where it All Began: Choral Arts Artistic Director Scott Tucker to Mark the End of His Tenure with Concert at Washington National Cathedral

A MUSICAL CORNERSTONE:  In June of 2012, Scott Tucker was widely introduced to the DC Choral Community at the conclusion of a celebration for Choral Arts Founder Norman Scribner.  His final concert with Choral Arts will take place in the very same space.

by Patrick D. McCoy

(PHOTO CREDIT: Russell Hirshorn) Choral Arts Founder: the late Norman Scribner (Right) congratulating Scott Tucker after his first concert as artistic director with Choral Arts at National Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C.)

When it was announced that Choral Arts Society of Washington founder Norman Scribner was going to retire, many wondered then who would fill his shoes.  That question was answered at the conclusion of a magnificent celebration for Scribner at Washington National Cathedral when he literally passed his baton to Scott Tucker.

The DC choral community would certainly find out as Maestro Tucker has lead the venerable symphonic chorus for 10 years with a record of excellence:  from its own subscription concerts, appearances with the National Symphony Orchestra, international appearances, not to mention weathering the musical storm of a global pandemic.  Recently, Tucker appeared as a guest on “Across the Arts” to discuss his career as a conductor, his tenure with Choral Arts and the East Coast premiere of “An African American Requiem” by Oregon based, Chesterfield County, Virginia native composer Damien Geter. In this interview, he also shared that he and his family will remain in the area.  Click the video below:

A native of Petersburg, VA, Patrick holds a BM in Vocal Performance from Virginia State University and a MM in Church Music from Shenandoah Conservatory. Formerly the Performing Arts Columnist for Washington Life Magazine, he currently is a freelance writer, publishing articles for several noted publications, including The Washington Post, Early Music America Classical Music Voice North America, The Afro-American Newspaper, CBS Washington and Examiner.com. He is a Board Member of the Music Critics Association of North America, a member of the National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc., The American Choral Directors’ Association, a former member of the Shenandoah University Alumni Board of Directors, the Shenandoah University Black Alumni Network and a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Just recently he was named to the Dean’s Circle of the Shenandoah Conservatory Advisory Board.  He serves as Organist/Choirmaster at Saint John’s Episcopal Church, Zion Parish in Beltsville, MD and is Interim Director of Choral Activities and Instructor of Music at Virginia State University. Visit http://patrickdmccoy.com. Follow him on twitter @PatrickDMcCoy, IG: PDM06. and subscribe to “Across the Arts” on YouTube.

©2022 Patrick D. McCoy: No part of this work is to be edited, reproduced or cited without the express permission of the author.