George Kent, the founder and artistic director of the Chorus of Westerly, announced his retirement to the Chorus at its annual meeting last night in Westerly.  He will retire effective at the end of the ensemble’s 53rd concert season in June 2012.

According to the press release of his announcement:

[Kent] founded the Chorus of Westerly in 1959 at the age of 21. His purpose in founding the Chorus was to create an organization where area residents, and in particular children, would have the opportunity to sing and perform the great works of music. During his fifty-two years as music director, the Chorus of Westerly developed into one of New England’s most prestigious, respected, and acclaimed performing arts ensembles. The Chorus grew during Mr. Kent’s tenure from a group of 50 singers to an organization of over 190 that now presents an extensive concert season with two classical concert series, a Christmas Pops concert series, the much loved A Celebration of Twelfth Night, and Summer Pops in Wilcox Park. Over 30,000 people now attend Chorus of Westerly events annually.

Congratulations to George and best wishes to all our friends at the Chorus of Westerly.

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