About Us

Richard LeeUnder the direction of Maestro Richard Lee (shown on right), the MasterWorks Chorale first gained national recognition in 1985 as one of two choral groups selected to perform at the 50th Presidential Inaugural Parade for President Ronald Reagan in Washington, D.C.

In 1992, Encore International Discovery invited the MasterWorks Chorale to perform in a celebration co-hosted by the United States, the Dominican Republic and Spain to mark the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas.

The MasterWorks Chorale earned a standing ovation for performances in New York City's Carnegie Hall in 1994 and 1996 and performed at the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City in 1997.

Among its many local venues are performances at the Pioneer Center, Nightingale Concert Hall, Wingfield Park, opening of the Nevada Legislature and State-of-the-State address by Governor Kenny Guinn, liturgical concerts in local churches, and special civic dedications and memorials.

Richard Lee, Founder and Musical Director

Through Mr. Lee’s talent, the Chorale has risen from an amateur musical group to prominence in Northern Nevada’s artistic community. Born in Chunking, China, Mr. Lee was trained in Taiwan, first as a soloist and then as a conductor. He received a Master’s Degree from Brigham Young University, where he won numerous honors. He’s served on the faculty at University of Nevada Reno and Sierra Nevada College and most recently at Truckee Meadows Community College. In his role as Musical Director, Mr. Lee selects the music, trains Chorale members, leads twice-weekly rehearsals and conducts public performances.

Betty Schweizer, Chorale Accompanist

Ms. Schweizer has been the Accompanist for the Chorale for 13 years. She holds a M.A. in music from the University of Nevada Reno. She is recognized for her talent, discipline and sensitivity to the Musical Director. Her work requires her to attend all rehearsals and performances throughout the year.

Guest Artists

Performances are often enhanced by guest artists:

  • Helen Lee has taught voice at University of Nevada Reno’s Music Department for more than 20 years. Among her solos are Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra
  • Joanne Grauer, Ph.D., has been a guest accompanist. She is an accomplished recording artist and has been a guest pianist on Marian McPartland’s series Piano Jazz.
  • Past artists have included veteran storyteller and reporter John Tyson, guitarist John Kapeghian, narrator Tony Gonzalez, Band Leader Glenn Little and others.
MasterWorks Chorale Board of Directors

Board of Directors

  • President: Margaret Boroughf
  • Vice President: Ronda Heard
  • Corresponding Secretary: Mary Beaubriand
  • Recording Secretary: Cynthia Heard
  • Treasurer and Resident Agent: Byron Young
  • Members at large: Rome Carrillo, Betty Eger, Mark Magney, Marcia Peck, Charles Wu