What is PAPA
The Pennsylvania Academy of Performing Arts, PAPA International, is comprised of community members, along with business and artistic professionals, dedicated to promoting the performing arts with integrity.
PAPA has enlisted a cadre of national and international advisors from the fields of Music Composition, Dance, Theater and Business. This core group of professionals will play an integral part in the development of our performing arts goals and objectives.
We will accomplish our mission by:
- Supporting an interest in the arts within the community and surrounding areas by opening performance opportunities for all ages.
- Providing a venue for a wide variety of performances, concerts, lectures, visiting artists and special events.
- Providing access to culture and the arts to develop life-long learning skills, develop talent and offer educational opportunities.
- Providing residency programs and affording access to the most exceptional composers, best emerging and established professional national and international artists.
- Encouraging national and international partnerships in the performing arts.
- Creating a research library and repository of artistic information and resources.
- Encouraging partnerships with businesses to enhance the life of the local, national and international community.
Where we are...
Masterworks Choir - The first audition was held October 2006, which yielded a 60 member Masterworks Choir comprised of adults, college and high school students within the community. The first performance was held in February 2007 and obtained rave reviews.
Now under the direction of S. Katherine Mikijanic, this choir provides adult voice and advanced high school voices with the opportunity to sing music of the highest caliber in a positive choral setting.
Ariana Women's Choir and Orpheus Men's Choir - These choirs commenced in the summer of 2007. Under the direction of S. Katherine Mikijanic and Christopher G. McGinley, both choirs rehearse during the summer months, culminating in a shared concert in mid-August. These choirs provide students and adults an opportunity to explore the repertoire that makes these choirs unique.
Chamber Choir - The Chamber Choir, directed by S. Katherine Mikijanic, is an auditioned group of 24 advanced singers that serves as a community outreach ensemble. The choir performs for community functions and events throughout Chester and Delaware counties, increasing awareness of PAPA and its other choirs. Currently, the Chamber Choir is accepting commissions to perform for special occasions, corporate events, holiday gatherings, and more. To hire the Chamber Choir for your upcoming event, please contact papachoir@gmail.com.
Where we are headed...
The vision of PAPA is to expand the age range and styles of the choral opportunities offered, ultimately to include a Youth Choir and Jazz Choir. PAPA’s vision also includes expanding to other performing arts, including an Orchestra and Concert Band.