Sacramento Master Singers

Sacramento Master Singers Advancing the Art. Lifting the Soul. SMS offers profound thanks to the numerous guest directors who have conducted the choir. by Larry Shackley.

The Sacramento Master Singers (SMS) is a group of 50+ singers from the greater Sacramento area who are dedicated to the advancement of choral music. Established in 1982, the group is known for its commitment to delight, challenge, and inspire audiences with seasons programmed to include premieres, classics, and a wide variety of musical periods and styles. These include Joseph Jennings, Perla Warr

en, Moses Hogan, Maria Guinand, Oscar Escalada, Brian Stratton, Alice Parker, and Vance George. We are also grateful to the numerous individuals and ensembles with whom we have had the opportunity to collaborate. These include the Boston Pops, Sacramento Philharmonic, Sacramento Youth Symphony, Lynn Stevens and the Sacramento Children’s Chorus, James Wheatley and Celebration Arts, Linda Goodrich and the Sacramento Black Art of Dance, Sacramento Opera, Gershwin expert and pianist Richard Glazier, the Folsom Symphony, and Celtic music duo Men of Worth. SMS has performed many area premieres such as the Robert D. Levin completion of the Mozart Requiem and the Alfred Schnittke Requiem. We have commissioned and performed new works such as Elements by David O, If Music Be the Food of Love by Clifford Shockney, and How Can I Keep From Singing? We often contract with instrumentalists to provide additional accompaniment, including such outstanding performers as Grammy award winning Native American flutist Mary Youngblood. SMS plays a leadership role in bringing high-quality choral music to area youth through outreach programs, collaboration with college choirs, scholarships for young singers, and children’s holiday concerts. The Sacramento Master Singers was one of three North American choirs selected to perform at the international choral festival America Cantat in Venezuela. We have toured the Carolinas and participated as the headliner choir in the Maui Choral Festival. SMS was the only community choir invited to perform at the American Choral Directors Association 2012 convention in Reno, Nevada. We remain committed to advancing the art and lifting the soul.

We invite you to join us on July 6 and July 13 for a special opportunity to meet the Sacramento Master Singers' new Arti...
06/16/2026

We invite you to join us on July 6 and July 13 for a special opportunity to meet the Sacramento Master Singers' new Artistic Director, Dr. Brett Epperson. ☕ 🥐

These meet-and-greets are a chance to get to know Brett as he begins his leadership of the Sacramento Master Singers. Stop by for a cup of coffee, introduce yourself, ask questions, and hear about his vision for the future of the ensemble. Whether you have been a longtime supporter of the Master Singers or are just getting acquainted with our organization, we would love to see you there.

Members of our Board of Directors will also be on hand to welcome guests, share their excitement for this new chapter, and connect with patrons and friends of the organization. We hope you'll join us for a relaxed afternoon of conversation, community, and connection as we celebrate the future of the Sacramento Master Singers.

Dates & Times:
Monday, July 6, from 2 - 4 PM
Monday, July 13, from 2 - 4 PM

Ettore's Bakery & Cafe
2376 Fair Oaks Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95825

06/13/2026

On May 14, the Sacramento Master Singers honored the extraordinary legacy of Dr. Ralph Hughes during our concert, A Season of Gratitude. In recognition of his decades of artistic leadership and service to the Sacramento community, Dr. Hughes was presented with an official proclamation from the City of Sacramento, lifetime season tickets to Sacramento Master Singers concerts, and a special musical tribute.

The choir encircled the auditorium for a performance of "God Be With You Till We Meet Again", arranged for choir and string quartet and commissioned in honor of Dr. Hughes’s retirement. Sung by a combined ensemble of current members and alumni, the tribute celebrated the lasting impact of his 40 years of dedication, mentorship, and musical excellence. There wasn't a dry eye in the house.

For 40 years, Dr. Ralph Hughes has shaped the sound, the spirit, and the identity of the Sacramento Master Singers. He hasn't just conducted music - he's built a community. One that spans generations of singers, audiences, and supporters who have all been changed by the experience of making music together under his direction. Thank you, Ralph, for your 40 years of service to the Sacramento Master Singers!

A closer look at the trip down memory lane that was taken at Dr. Ralph Hughes' retirement party last month!At the party,...
06/08/2026

A closer look at the trip down memory lane that was taken at Dr. Ralph Hughes' retirement party last month!

At the party, choir members put on a fashion show of some of SMS' most iconic concert attire over the years. While the fashions have certainly changed over the decades, one thing remains constant: the timeless power of the music performed in these great outfits 💃🎵🩵

What a night! 🎉On May 31, friends, singers, and supporters gathered to celebrate Ralph’s retirement with an evening full...
06/05/2026

What a night! 🎉

On May 31, friends, singers, and supporters gathered to celebrate Ralph’s retirement with an evening full of great food, refreshing drinks, wonderful company—and plenty of laughter. One of the highlights of the night was a stroll down memory lane with our SMS Fashion Show, featuring vintage concert attire from decades past!

As we honored Ralph’s years of dedication, leadership, and friendship, we were reminded of the many memories and traditions that have shaped the Sacramento Master Singers family. Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this special milestone and the remarkable impact Ralph has had on our organization. ❤

Save the date! 📣🎵Auditions to join the Sacramento Master Singers will be taking place in a couple of months!If you’ve co...
05/29/2026

Save the date! 📣🎵

Auditions to join the Sacramento Master Singers will be taking place in a couple of months!

If you’ve come to one of our concerts and say “I can do that“, come audition. We are always seeking new members who are enthusiastic about choral music. Auditions will be held on Monday, July 27th and Monday, August 17th at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento (Exact time TBD).

If you are interested in auditioning, please email [email protected] for more details. We'd love to have you join the Master Singers Family! ❤️

Full of Gratitude ❤️💐
05/26/2026

Full of Gratitude ❤️💐

Long weekend inspo: The Master Singers at a pool party at the end of the 1995-96 season 🌞🍹😎
05/22/2026

Long weekend inspo: The Master Singers at a pool party at the end of the 1995-96 season 🌞🍹😎

Our hearts are still so full after last week's concert 🩷We have so much gratitude for our Master Singers family and all ...
05/18/2026

Our hearts are still so full after last week's concert 🩷

We have so much gratitude for our Master Singers family and all the people who have helped to create it. Thank you to all who came out to witness this milestone concert!

Big things are ahead 🙌

05/12/2026

Listen to Dr. Ralph Hughes' interview on CapRadio, discussing his 40 years with SMS! 🎧🎙📣

LAST CHANCE! 📣The Sacramento Master Singers invite you to join us THIS WEEK — May 14 — for A Season of Gratitude, a movi...
05/12/2026

LAST CHANCE! 📣
The Sacramento Master Singers invite you to join us THIS WEEK — May 14 — for A Season of Gratitude, a moving and unforgettable evening honoring Dr. Ralph E. Hughes and celebrating 40 extraordinary seasons of artistic leadership, musical excellence, and inspiration. The concert is just days away, and now is the time to reserve your seats for this milestone event. Don’t wait until the last minute to make plans for one of the most meaningful performances in Sacramento Master Singers history.

Since 1986, Dr. Hughes has shaped the artistic identity of the ensemble and left an enduring impact on Sacramento’s cultural community. For this final concert of the season, he has carefully selected a program that reflects the passion, artistry, and musical legacy built over four decades of leadership.

Program highlights include:
Ken Medema’s I Will Sing Hallelujah
Alice Parker’s stirring Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ye
Gabriel Fauré’s elegant Cantique de Jean Racine

At the heart of the program is Ola Gjeilo’s stunning Sunrise Mass — a luminous work for choir and strings that unfolds in a powerful journey from introspection to exhilaration and hope. The concert also features premiere performances by the ensemble, celebrating the spirit of artistic curiosity and innovation that has defined Dr. Hughes’ leadership for 40 years.

This special evening is a celebration of music, gratitude, and a remarkable chapter in Sacramento’s artistic history. Make plans now to join us at the Harris Center on May 14 — and purchase your tickets today.

This is more than a concert—it's a milestone. 🩷
Don't forget to use code SMSSINGERS at checkout for $5 off your ticket price!
🎟️ Tickets: www.mastersingers.org/tickets

Address

P. O. Box 15020
Sacramento, CA
95851

Telephone

+19167887464

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