Kinston/Lenoir Community Chorus: A Tradition of Music and Community Since 1998
By David Williams
KINSTON – For more than 25 years, the Kinston/Lenoir Community Chorus has brought together singers and audiences in a shared celebration of music, faith, and fellowship.
The Chorus was founded in 1998 at Lenoir Community College as a way to unite community members with a passion for singing. What began as a campus-based ensemble quickly grew into a regional tradition, welcoming voices of all ages, backgrounds, and denominations.
Each December, the Chorus performs Part I of Handel’s Messiah, joined by volunteer singers and professional musicians who bring the timeless story of Christ’s birth to life. This annual performance, now hosted by First Presbyterian Church of Kinston, has become one of the community’s most cherished holiday traditions. Though the venue has changed, the spirit remains the same: a community-wide event where everyone is welcome to sing, listen, and rejoice.
Through the years, the Kinston/Lenoir Community Chorus has embodied its mission of building connections through music. Singers come together not only to perform, but to create something larger than themselves — an offering of beauty and unity for the entire region.
As the Chorus continues its journey, it remains grounded in its roots at Lenoir Community College, inspired by its present home at First Presbyterian Church, and dedicated to its role as a vital part of Kinston’s cultural and spiritual life. If you are a singer and would like to join us, contact us for information about the rehearsal schedule.
The Chorus invites the community to its next performance on Monday, December 8th at 7:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 2101 N. Herritage Street, Kinston. The Chorus will be accompanied by the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra. Admission is free, with support provided through local donations. A nursery will be provided for families with young children.
For more information contact:
Kinston/Lenoir Community Chorus
(252) 522-1921
Messiah@fpckinston.org
Follow us on Facebook: Kinston/Lenoir County Messiah
Neuse News is an independent, locally-owned startup based in downtown Kinston. We’re committed to providing free, hyper-local news across Lenoir, Greene, and Jones counties—the kind of stories that matter most, delivered in a format built for today.
We don't charge subscriptions. Instead, we rely on readers like you—and the businesses that serve our community. When you shop local, dine local, and click on our sponsor ads, you help us keep real journalism free and accessible.
