LAFAYETTE, La. — One of Acadiana’s most treasured arts organizations is preparing to raise its voice once again as Chorale Acadienne enters its 48th season. With 67 volunteer singers and a theme of “Glorious!,” the 2026-27 season promises to celebrate history, faith, friendship, and the power of music to bring people together.
For nearly five decades, Chorale Acadienne has united singers from across the region, creating performances that inspire audiences while building lasting relationships among its members. The upcoming season will feature concerts that explore significant moments in history, the joy of Christmas, and the spiritual journey of life itself.
Psalm 150:6 declares, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” That spirit of praise continues to resonate through Chorale Acadienne as its members dedicate countless hours to sharing music with the Acadiana community.
A “Glorious Day” Opens the Season
The season begins with “Glorious Day!” on October 8 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Lafayette. The concert will commemorate America’s 250th anniversary through a blend of contemporary works, American folk songs, and African American spirituals.
Artistic Director Russell Roden said the season’s theme was inspired by the opening selection, “Come to the Woods,” by American composer Jake Runestad. The work opens with the phrase “another glorious day,” a line that sparked the vision for the entire season.
The concert will also feature Bob Chilcott’s “Five Days That Changed the World,” a composition examining major historical events including the invention of the printing press, the abolition of slavery, the first powered flight, the discovery of penicillin, and humanity’s first journey into space.
Through creative musical techniques known as “tone painting,” audience members will experience history and storytelling in a unique way, hearing the music itself illustrate the actions and emotions described in the lyrics.
More Than a Choir—A Family
While audiences see polished performances on stage, the heart of Chorale Acadienne is found in the dedication and fellowship of its volunteer singers.
Roden, who is beginning his 25th season with the organization and has served as artistic director since 2014, describes the choir as a family. Members rehearse weekly from August through May, investing their time and talents not only into music but also into one another’s lives.
“We celebrate with each other, and we grieve with each other,” Roden shared, emphasizing the deep bonds that develop among choir members.
One singer, who joined after relocating to Lafayette following the death of her husband, later told Roden that becoming part of the choir “saved her.” Stories like hers demonstrate the ministry that music and community can provide during difficult seasons of life.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds believers, “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Chorale Acadienne’s enduring success reflects that biblical principle of fellowship and mutual support.
Christmas and Spring Programs Offer Inspiration
The beloved “Christmas by Candlelight” concerts will return December 1 and 4 at St. Mary Catholic Church. Featuring both traditional and contemporary Christmas music, along with selections from Handel’s “Messiah,” the performances have become a cherished Acadiana tradition.
The evening concludes with choir members surrounding the audience and singing “Silent Night” by candlelight, creating a powerful reminder of Christ’s birth and the hope He brings to the world.
In the spring, “Glorious Journey!” will be presented April 1 at Lafayette High School’s Scotty Walker Concert Hall. The concert will feature Elaine Hagenberg’s “Aeterna Via” and Joel Hilbun’s “The End of My Journey,” the winning composition from Chorale Acadienne’s recent competition.
As the organization looks ahead to its 48th season, its mission remains unchanged: using music to uplift hearts, strengthen community, and celebrate the beauty of God’s gifts through song.
Prayer for the Community
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of music and the many ways it brings people together. We pray for the members of Chorale Acadienne as they prepare for another season of service and inspiration. Bless their voices, their fellowship, and the audiences they will touch throughout Acadiana. May their music bring comfort to the grieving, joy to the weary, and hope to all who listen. Continue to strengthen the bonds of community and friendship that have sustained this organization for nearly five decades. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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