Following on almost two years of performances around the community, Tucson Chamber Artists is taking the next step to making itself a permanent part of the local music scene.

The two-dozen-member choral group, under the leadership of Music Director Eric Holtan, has incorporated and is seeking Internal Revenue Service status as a 501(c)3 non-profit foundation, as it prepares to pursue support from the local arts and business community. As the second classical choral group in the state, and first in Tucson, Holtan said he’s expecting to build on the support the singers are already receiving.

A recipient of a doctor of choral music from the University of Arizona, Holton started the group in November 2004 to provide a local alternative to the Phoenix-based Bach Choir. “Choral music is a strong interest of mine because of the artistic challenges. There was no professional choral ensemble here, so I thought this would be a good place to start one.” He said, “It is classical church music from the early Renaissance through the 21st Century,” and because the music was written to be performed in churches, “we’ve been performing at St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church and Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley.”

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Although the group is already receiving cash and in-kind donations, Holton said incorporation will now allow Tucson Chamber Artists to pursue larger grants. “Our near-term goal is $100,000.” Although that’s much less than the Arizona Symphony Orchestra’s annual budget of about $4 million, it’s a step toward the chamber’s long-term fundraising goal of $300,000 per year. “That’s the budget for the Phoenix Bach Choir and we think it’s attainable.”

Key to reaching the Tucson Chamber’s fundraising goal will be acquiring a corporate sponsor, Holton said. “We’re definitely looking for a company in town that would like to support an arts organization like ours.”

More than just a source of money, he said support by a high profile business brings attention and legitimacy to arts groups, even as it enhances the image of the company. “That’s why the business world plays a significant role in supporting the arts. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship,” he said.

For Kay Wiley, speech and language pathologist for Carondelet Health Network, performer and president of the Tucson Chamber Artists’ board of directors, “Our goal is to increase our presence in Tucson.” Corporate sponsorship and individual gifts help make that happen. “It pays for advertising and professional programs, as well as renting a venue, acquiring sheet music and hiring accompanists.”

It will also allow the board to put Holton and other staff members on salary. “There’s a lot we’d like to be doing. So, we’re hoping for an angel.”

E-mail comments for publication to editor&@azbiz.com. Contact Philip S. Moore at pmoore@azbiz.com or at (520) 295-4238.

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