To help accelerate the expansion and growth of its popular online TWC TV web series, D.C.’s only two time Grammy award-winning choral ensemble, The Washington Chorus, is proud to announce and welcome acclaimed arts critic and media personality Patrick D. McCoy as its new Guest Host and Creative Producer for the TWC TV series this October, November, and December.
“With over 7,000 series views, hundreds of dedicated live watchers, and a growing global audience, TWC TV has grown from a small idea to a beloved online program that brings together choral music lovers from around the world,” said TWC Executive Director Stephen Beaudoin. “From insightful artist and community partner interviews to sharing powerful music and performances, the feedback we’ve gotten is that this is a vital new initiative with lots of potential. And who better to help realize this potential than D.C.’s own acclaimed arts critic and bon vivant, Patrick D. McCoy? With Patrick as our guest host and creative producer these next few months, I’m truly excited to experience the vital conversations, stories, and music that will be shared on TWC TV.”
As Guest Host and Producer for the fall and winter shows, Mr. McCoy will curate and creatively produce five TWC TV episodes, also serving as the series host, bringing to light many of the artists, issues, and ideas connected to The Washington Chorus’ fall and winter programs through in-depth artist interviews, online performances, and more. His TWC TV guest host and creative producer role is modeled as a pilot program, and currently scheduled for five episodes: October 15, October 29, November 12, December 3, and December 17, 2020. All episodes will stream for free online via TWC’s YouTube channel on Thursdays at 5 pm Eastern.
Known across the DMV region for his insightful interviews of renowned classical music artists and his incisive commentary and sparkling personality, Mr. McCoy says he is delighted to join as Creative Producer and Guest Host of the TWC TV series in the fall and winter of 2020.
“This new relationship with The Washington Chorus represents a paradigm shift in my work as an arts journalist, but particularly, as a media personality that has focused on covering the DC performing arts scene in a variety of mediums and platforms,” Mr. McCoy says. “It was The Washington Chorus' former Executive Director Dianne Peterson and former artistic director Julian Wachner that considered my efforts with respect early on. That spirit has continued throughout the last 10 or so years, more recently with former Maestro Christopher Bell and now with current music director, Maestro Eugene Rogers. Even though this now means that during this particular season of hosting, I will not be able to 'cover' their efforts from an editorial standpoint. I am actually a part of the team and truly grateful for this unexpected invitation from current executive director Stephen Marc Beaudoin."
The Washington Chorus notes with gratitude the support of TWC TV from the HMFB Family Foundation, and for this and all TWC programs from the DC Commission on Arts and Humanities, National Capitol Arts and Cultural Affairs program and the US Commission on Fine Arts, the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, and the support of many more generous individuals, businesses, and foundations.
About Patrick D. McCoy:
Patrick D. McCoy distinguishes himself as a choral conductor, singer, host and music journalist residing in the Washington, D. C. area. A native of Petersburg, VA, he earned the BM in vocal performance from Virginia State University and a Master of Music in Church Music from Shenandoah Conservatory. Juxtaposing a busy schedule between writing and public appearances, his work has been published in The Washington Post, Early Music America, Prince Georges Suite Magazine, Classical Voice North America, The Afro-American Newspaper, CBS Washington and Examiner.com. Over the last 10 years, McCoy has become an important voice in the DC arts community and can be found at many of the major concert venues. As a media personality, he has appeared as a guest on DC's WPFW "Jazz Stories" with host Aaron Myers and as a guest judge on NBC-4's "Be A Voice."
Additionally, Mr. McCoy maintains an active schedule as a vocal soloist, teacher, moderator, panelist and adjudicator. Hosting his own podcast "Across the Arts with Patrick D. McCoy" since 2010, he has recently added the virtual component to the experience, bringing live interviews to social media. Formerly the performing arts columnist for Washington Life Magazine, his column "Perfect Pitch" featured luminaries in the arts such as Renee Fleming, Joshua Bell, Denyce Graves, Martina Arroyo, Lawrence Brownlee, Michael Tilson Thomas, Nicole Cabell and Julian Wachner, among numerous others.
He currently serves as Organist/Choirmaster at Saint John's Episcopal Church in Beltsville, MD. He is a member of the Music Critics Association of North America, a former member of the Shenandoah University Alumni Board of Directors, a past board member of The Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) The Association of Anglican Musicians, National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc. and a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Patrick credits all of these accomplishments to God and in loving memory of his mother.
To learn more, visit www.patrickdmccoy.com
