The Brearley School Upper School Chorus 

The Brearley Upper School Chorus is comprised of students from classes IX through XII.  A non-auditioned ensemble, the Chorus is celebrated for its moving and inspired performances throughout the school and wider community.  Diversity of repertoire is a hallmark of the Chorus.  In addition to performing works of the Western European canon, the Chorus actively embraces music representing a wide array of traditions, languages, time periods, and vocal styles. The Chorus’ study is informed by the pursuit of authentic performance practices and integrity of vocal intention.  With a strong belief that everyone can sing and that exploring one’s voice is absolutely integral to developing one’s own identity, the Brearley Upper School Chorus is an inclusive and welcoming community of young artists who practice singing as a way of life. 

In addition to the study of a vast range of repertoire, a typical rehearsal will include deep explorations of vocal sound, breathing, textual analysis, rhythmic play, and meditation. The Chorus has performed at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, the Haverford School, the Interschool Choral Festival, and other venues in and around New York City.  

The Chorus is directed by Matthew Brady, who is is in demand as a conductor, soloist, chamber musician, and educator. In addition to his work as Director of Choral Music at The Brearley School in New York City, he also serves as Director of the Pre-College Choral program at Mannes College of Music The New School.  For 15 years, he was Associate Conductor and Principal Pianist for the Grammy Award-winning Brooklyn Youth Chorus. The New York Times wrote, after a concert by Mr. Brady’s Junior Chorus, “the Chorus sang with impeccable diction and gave stylish performances of adventurous pieces.” From 2002-20010, Mr. Brady was Choral Director at The Berkeley Carroll School. Throughout Mr. Brady’s tenure, the choirs were noted for their eclectic and vibrant performances throughout NYC.  In 2009, Mr. Brady accepted an invitation to join the faculty of the acclaimed Dame Alice Owens School in London, England, as Conductor/Artist-in-Residence. The choirs performed, traveled, and competed extensively throughout the UK during that year. At Owens, Mr. Brady piloted a performance-based choral education program, honoring the English choral tradition while exploring a new, multicultural, and diverse body of 21st-century music. 

Mr. Brady was a member of the Piano Faculty at the 92nd Street Y for 8 years, and for 3 seasons was the Summer Music Director of The American School in Switzerland. He has been honored to receive grants to study, perform, and teach in Italy and Spain. Mr. Brady has performed as pianist in concerts at Carnegie Hall, Zankel Hall, BAM, Cooper Union, and the 92nd Street Y, and made his recital debut at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. in '98. With Brooklyn Youth Chorus, he toured the US, Canada, Germany, Austria, Russia, and the UK, including performances with major symphony orchestras, in competitions, at festivals, and on TV.  He is committed to performing the works of emerging composers.   Mr. Brady has served as Chairman of New Music review for the Executive Board of the NY State Music Teachers Association. His teachers have included Doreen Rao and Seymour Bernstein.