Biography

The Houston Children’s Chorus was founded in 1989 by Director Stephen Roddy. More than 200 children in grades two through eight are enrolled in Chorus activities, including a Music in The Schools program for inner-city schools that cannot afford a music teacher. The Chorus represents the diverse cultures of Houston and performs at numerous civic events throughout the year. It has been featured with the Houston Symphony, Houston Symphony POPS, Masterworks Chorus, Houston Choral Society, and Rice University Chorale. Along with President George H. W. Bush, the Chorus was featured on Glad Tidings, a recording of the Houston Symphony POPS.

The Houston Children’s Chorus has performed for the U.S. President on 34 occasions and was featured in the national broadcast of the “Celebration of the Life of Barbara Bush.” Favorite performances include the recording of the Blue Bell Ice Cream commercial, a concert with Celine Dion, the opening ceremonies of the 2004 Super Bowl with Josh Groban, the premiere of a major commissioned work at Carnegie Hall entitled “Heartsongs”, and most recently, the world premiere of the opera, “Can We Know the Sound of Forgiveness” by internationally recognized composer, Gabriela Ortiz. The Chorus will premiere a new commissioned work, “Lessons Learned From Kids” at Carnegie Hall in June, 2025.