Rock Hill, S.C. – Artistic Director of the York County Choral Society (YCCS), Dr. Katherine Kinsey, has announced her intentions to retire at the conclusion of this season after a decade of leadership.
“With a sense of sadness at her departure and admiration for her contributions, I announce that Dr. Katherine Kinsey, our esteemed Artistic Director, is retiring after our spring concert,” expressed YCCS Board Chair, Kim Lee. “I hope each of you will join me in recognizing and celebrating Dr. Kinsey’s lifetime of good work and musical accomplishment.”
In announcing her retirement, Dr. Kinsey said, “I have immensely enjoyed being Artistic Director of YCCS and consider this group my musical family. I am grateful for the relationships that have developed as well as the professional growth opportunities that I have experienced while working with this great organization.”
Dr. Kinsey has led the Society’s 60+ singers since 2012. Dedicated to maintaining the strong musical and artistic traditions of YCCS, Dr. Kinsey encouraged talented and dedicated local singers to join the multi-generational group. During her tenure, YCCS performed thrilling choral works such as Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem, Ludwig van Beethoven’s Mass in C major, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Requiem KV626, Johannes Brahms’ A German Requiem, Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, and George Frideric Handel’s Messiah.
In addition to her leadership with YCCS, Dr. Kinsey served as Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Winthrop University for 20 years until her retirement in 2017 and currently holds the title of Professor of Music, Emeritus. She directed both the Winthrop Chorale and Chamber Singers and taught in both graduate and undergraduate choral conducting programs.
She has held the state offices of President, Vice-President, Collegiate Repertoire & Standards Chair and Membership Chair for the SC American Choral Directors Association and yearly serves as an adjudicator for Choral festivals sponsored by NC Music Educators Association, the SC Music Educators Association, and the Carowinds Festival of Music. In October 2022, she was awarded the 2022 South Carolina American Choral Directors Association Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication and educational contributions to her students as future music educators.
“I will miss making music with them but know YCCS will thrive for years to come with new leadership and dedication from the Board and our talented singers.”
A search for the group’s third Artistic Director is in process, under the direction of the Society’s Board of Directors. Individuals interested in this position can find information about the position and how to apply at yorkcountychoralsociety.org/about/seeking-a-new-artistic-director/.
Dr. Kinsey’s final performance with YCCS will be held April 30, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. at Unity Presbyterian Church in Fort Mill. Tickets can be purchased at yorkcountychoralsociety.org or at the door.
About the York County Choral Society
Founded in 1981, the York County Choral Society (YCCS) is a 501(c)3 community organization dedicated to performing masterworks from the standard choral repertoire. For over 40 seasons, the Society has performed these major musical masterworks with orchestral accompaniment, enriching the lives of both its 60+ member singers and the greater community. To learn more about YCCS, including how to join or where to enjoy the next performance, visit yorkcountychoralsociety.org.
yorkcountychoralsociety.org 