The Alexandria Choral Society has named Victoria Benson as its new executive director, effective at the beginning of the 2025-2026 season.
Benson succeeds Megan Yingst and brings experience in both arts management and commercial real estate operations to the 55-year-old organization. She previously served as board chair, producer and director at Fresh Squeezed Opera Company in New York City, where she produced dozens of musical events and increased donor engagement and revenue.
Her business background includes operational leadership at Adams & Company Real Estate, where she managed daily operations for 16 commercial properties and oversaw multi-million-dollar budgets.
A classically trained musician and opera singer, Benson has performed works along the East Coast. The choral society said her experience combines operational skills, fundraising success and passion for choral arts.
Benson will work with Artistic Director Kathryn Harsha on the upcoming season, which explores themes of listening, joy and human connection. The season opens Oct. 26 with “Do You Hear What I Hear?” — a collaboration with the Alexandria Children’s Chorus. December’s “The Weary World Rejoices” moves from contemplative works to hopeful classics.
Spring programming includes “American Voices” in March with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association, exploring American identity from indigenous roots to contemporary citizenship. In April, the chamber group Pro Coro Alexandria presents “History Has Its Eyes on You,” featuring music from Hamilton, Les Misérables and Palestrina in a church where George Washington once worshipped.
The season concludes in May with “I Hope You Dance,” celebrating movement and joy through contemporary works and music by Ysaye Barnwell.
The Alexandria Choral Society was formed in 1970 with encouragement from the Alexandria City Council and was independently incorporated in 1978. The organization’s mission is to enhance Alexandria’s cultural life by presenting diverse vocal music programs “at the highest artistic level.”
Over more than five decades, ACS has performed works ranging from Renaissance pieces to modern American compositions. The group has commissioned and premiered works by multiple composers and maintains the smaller chamber chorus Pro Coro Alexandria.
In 2020, ACS received an official letter of commendation from the Virginia Senate recognizing its 50th season and community engagement. The organization plans to resume European concert tours in 2025 after a program that began in the 1990s.
