Melissa Coombs soprano | chair
Shelley Waite mezzo soprano
Terrance Johns tenor | vice-chair
Steven Combs baritone
Virginia Rice Sircy piano
Otice Sircy treasurer
Elaine Watt development chair
Sarah Marsden secretary
Graham Marsden
The mission of Words&Music, Inc. is to present exceptional performances of both traditional and newly-commissioned compositions in the vocal chamber music repertoire. Our purpose is to bring beautiful music to the forefront while simultaneously giving equal attention to the wonderful poetry and prose that inspire each work. Our efforts include both educational and performance initiatives throughout our community.
a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law
Words&Music, Inc, based in Northern Virginia, seeks to bring lesser-known vocal works to audiences. Formed in 2005, the ensemble has received accolades for their performances of Ned Rorem's epic song cycle for vocal quartet and piano, Evidence of Things Not Seen. Their performances have been reviewed as: "an intense, immensely entertaining (in the best sense) afternoon of art songs" (Vox in Camera, March 2009); "...you can't have good songs without good words. Certainly these performers...did well by both" (Albany Times Union, March 2009). In performing the "secret gems" of the art song repertory, Words&Music emphasizes not only the highest levels of musicianship and artistry, but equally the personal connection the the music and to the audience.