The New York Choral Society has announced the resignation of Patrick (“Pat”) Owens from his position as Executive Director after their spring concert The Unicorn on May 30 at NYU Skirball Center.

Owens was appointed to the role in 2017 as the organization’s first professional Executive Director and has been instrumental in guiding NYCHORAL through a period of unprecedented growth and innovation.

During his tenure, Owens transformed the operations and governance structure of NYCHORAL, transitioning the organization from a fully volunteer-run entity to a professionally managed institution. Under his leadership, the organization also saw new relationships with governmental and foundation supporters and the introduction of many development initiatives including monthly and planned giving campaigns.

In a statement, Owens said, “I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished. Our chorus has seen an unprecedented period of organizational and artistic growth over the past seven years. We reimagined what is possible for choral music and embarked on a new era of creativity with a truly exceptional group of artists, musicians, choreographers, filmmakers, and storytellers” he remarks. “We are featuring the music of more underrepresented voices and tackling issues important to the community in which we perform expanding what is possible for choral music performance. Our Voices, born out of the limitations of the pandemic, is now the cornerstone of our commitment to innovation and experimentation. The passion, dedication, and sheer talent that fuel this legendary chorus is truly extraordinary, and I am so very grateful to have contributed to its success. Having established a strong foundation for future organizational and artistic achievement, it is the right time for me to explore new challenges and opportunities.”

Gary Pai, Chair of NYCHORAL’s Board of Trustees added, “I am enormously grateful for Pat’s incredible contributions to NYCHORAL and to the choral art. He has transformed our governance and operations and prepared us to handle any challenge that lies ahead while helping us discover innovative ways to present choral music that distinguishes us from our peers. Pat has set us up for tremendous success and we will dearly miss him.”