manassaschanticleers.com

“Long live the merry, merry heart that laughs by night and day.  It’s a heart of joy, no matter what some folks say!”

The Manassas Chanticleer Singers are a group of men and women who represent the look and musical sounds popular during the mid and late 1800’s.  We perform 4-part harmony, both a cappella and with instruments, in a variety of period music including folks songs, hymns, songs by popular composers of the era (such as Stephen Foster), and patriotic pieces from the Union and Confederacy.  The Chanticleers began in late 2007 when several All Saints Church (Manassas, VA) Contemporary Choir members were encouraged by Manassas Museum staff to begin performing at Museum events like period teas.  With the help of the Museum staff we began to research antebellum costumes, popular music, and authentic instruments which enabled us to begin taking on the appearance and sound of a 19th century singing troupe. We continue to refine the various elements of our look and the quality of our music, often performing with an authentic portable pump organ built in the mid-19^th century.