Cathedra is a classical music ensemble based in Washington, D.C. that specializes in performing sacred choral music from the Renaissance to the present day. The ensemble was founded in 2004 by Michael McCarthy, who serves as its artistic director and conductor. McCarthy, a native of Ireland, came to the United States in 1995 to study choral conducting at the University of Maryland. He has since become a prominent figure in the D.C. choral scene, serving as the director of music at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and as the founder and director of the Washington Master Chorale. Cathedra's core ensemble consists of 16 professional singers, many of whom are also members of other prominent choral groups in the D.C. area. The ensemble also frequently collaborates with instrumentalists and other vocalists to perform larger works. One of Cathedra's main focuses is on performing music that is not often heard in the concert hall. The ensemble has premiered several new works by contemporary composers, including James MacMillan, Gabriel Jackson, and Andrew Maxfield. They have also performed lesser-known works by Renaissance and Baroque composers such as Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Tomás Luis de Victoria, and Johann Sebastian Bach. Cathedra has performed at many of the major concert venues in the D.C. area, including the Kennedy Center, the National Cathedral, and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. They have also performed at festivals and conferences across the country, including the American Choral Directors Association National Conference and the Chorus America Conference. One of Cathedra's most notable performances was their 2015 concert at the Kennedy Center, which featured the world premiere of James MacMillan's "Seven Last Words from the Cross." The work, which was commissioned by the ensemble, is a setting of the seven sayings of Jesus on the cross and was performed with the National Symphony Orchestra. Cathedra has also received numerous awards and accolades for their performances. In 2012, they were awarded the Chorus America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, which recognizes ensembles that take risks and present innovative programming. They have also been nominated for several Wammie Awards, which are presented by the Washington Area Music Association to recognize excellence in the D.C. music scene. In addition to their performances, Cathedra is also committed to music education and outreach. They frequently offer workshops and masterclasses for local high school and college choirs, and they have collaborated with the D.C. Youth Orchestra Program to provide opportunities for young musicians to perform with the ensemble. Overall, Cathedra has established itself as one of the premier choral ensembles in the D.C. area, known for their innovative programming and commitment to performing music that is not often heard in the concert hall. With their talented singers and dedicated conductor, they continue to inspire audiences and push the boundaries of what is possible in choral music.

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