CoroAllegroDelaware’s Chamber Choir

Everyday People. Exceptional Music.

Founded in 1987, CoroAllegro has spent nearly four decades bringing exceptional choral music to audiences in Wilmington and throughout the region. What began with many professional singers has evolved into a 36-voice auditioned chamber ensemble of dedicated amateur singers. The professional caliber of the music, however, remains at the heart of what we do.

Our singers are retirees, young adults, and mid-career professionals who come together because they love music and love making it with other people. Some have been part of CoroAllegro for decades; others are new voices joining us each year. During our September–November and February–April seasons, we rehearse every Tuesday evening for two hours, while members also practice independently and sometimes work with private instructors.

Beyond our spring and fall programs, CoroAllegro supports our community through benefit concerts that have lifted up other worthy nonprofit organizations and performances that showcase their artistry alongside our own. Many Tuesday rehearsals end with members heading to a local pub together, and some singers form smaller specialty ensembles with their fellow CoroAllegro members. We are a welcoming community made up of people with different ages, backgrounds, experiences, and musical journeys, united by a shared love of singing and the making of music.

The full CoroAllegro ensemble, thirty-six singers, on the chancel steps.
CoroAllegro, spring 202636 voices

Why We Sing

Ask our members why they return year after year, and you’ll hear variations on the same themes: camaraderie, community, lifelong friendships, the joy of singing, and the satisfaction of making great music together.

For many, CoroAllegro is a connection to a lifelong love of singing. For others, it is a chance to discover something new. For all of us, it is an opportunity to be part of something bigger than ourselves.

Our Mission & Values

CoroAllegro is dedicated to artistic excellence, community, inclusion, education, and integrity. We believe that outstanding choral music can enrich lives, connect people, and strengthen the communities in which we live.

We pursue that mission through ambitious performances, welcoming fellowship, outreach to underserved communities, collaboration with other organizations, and support for the creation of new music.

Artistic Leadership

David Simmons, photographed against a dark ground.
David SimmonsArtistic Director

David Simmons, Artistic Director

David Simmons has served as the Artistic Director of CoroAllegro since July of 2025. Raised in Fleetwood, Pennsylvania, David is pianist, organist, conductor and music educator who has been playing professionally since the age of 14.

From 2006 through 2019, he served as the Artistic Director and Conductor of the 100-voice Congressional Chorus. In 2021, David and his husband Michael moved to Wilmington, Delaware when he accepted the appointment as the Director of Music for the historic Trinity Episcopal Church.

Julie Nishimura, leaning on the lid of a grand piano.
Julie NishimuraCollaborative Pianist

Julie Nishimura, Collaborative Pianist

Julie Nishimura joined CoroAllegro as its Collaborative Pianist in 2025. Julie was the University of Delaware School of Music’s Faculty Accompanist for 31 years, having performed over 600 recitals, chamber music concerts and opera performances, in addition to teaching the Accompanying Classes.

During his many years in our choir, Dana blessed us with his beautiful tenor voice and his strong support for all of our activities. As it turns out, his commitment lasted even beyond his passing, as he left CoroAllegro a gift in his estate. Our board used this gift to establish the Dana Robertson Legacy Fund, which we’ve used to commission two new pieces, the powerful “A Letter to the World” by Peter de Mets and Mark A. Boyle, and the ethereal “Infinite” by John Conahan.

Board of Directors

The Voices of CoroAllegro