Who We Are
Measure for Measure is a voluntary, not-for-profit musical arts organization made up of male singers of all ages who share a common love of music.
“There is nothing like a robust men’s chorus to stir the soul with the virility and aural power to fill a space and to thrill the listener.”
Don Faber, late Ann Arbor News columnist, author, and singer.
Measure for Measure receives grant support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Arts Alliance.
Mission
Measure for Measure’s mission is to provide an opportunity for men to perform music composed and arranged for male voices for the enjoyment of all, and to encourage young men who sing to become the next generation of male choral singers.
Vision
Measure for Measure’s vision is to be a premier choral group that entertains and inspires increasingly large and diverse audiences by performing a broad range of music composed and arranged for male voices. The men of Measure for Measure embrace the belief that singing is for a lifetime and that it will serve as a source of inspiration for young singers to carry on the tradition of male choral singing that brings joy to both performer and listener.
History
Measure for Measure was founded in 1988 by five alumni of the University of Michigan Men’s Glee Club, to provide an opportunity for men to perform music composed and arranged for male chorus. Under the leadership of its founding conductor, Dr. Leonard L. Riccinto, Measure for Measure debuted with seventeen singers in April 1989.
Measure for Measure has appeared at conventions of the American Choral Directors Association, Michigan School Vocal Music Association, Intercollegiate Men’s Choruses, Inc, and the International Male Choral Symposium. Measure for Measure collaborates annually with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, and has also enjoyed performances with the Detroit, Flint, Oakland, Plymouth, Rochester, and Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestras. Measure for Measure has toured throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe, and collaborated with acclaimed soloists including George Shirley, Ara Berberian, Glenda Kirkland, and Jennifer Larson.
The men of Measure for Measure embrace the belief that singing is for a lifetime, and every season hold concerts that encourage young men to continue singing. Measure for Measure’s efforts to promote male choral singing have led to collaborations with the men’s choruses from the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Azusa Pacific University, Ball State University, Bowling Green State University, Grand Valley State University, Miami University (OH), and Ohio University, among others.
Measure for Measure has performed several benefit concerts for charitable organizations including Dawn Farm, Hope Clinic, United Way, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital – Pontiac, Mott’s Children’s Hospital, Save-A-Heart Foundation, Saline Area Social Services, Eastern Michigan University music department scholarships, Branch United Youth Choir, and a project sponsored by the Livingston Arts Council to restore the Howell Opera House.
