about us
Founded in 1983 by James Blanton, Goliard Concerts has grown from a small community-based ensemble to a critically acclaimed arts organization with a citywide presence. Goliard Concerts is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and, in addition to its full concert season in Astoria, performs in parks and senior centers throughout the city, presenting a variety of music including Broadway and opera favorites, barbershop and brass quartets, and chamber and vocal ensembles of all sizes and combinations.
Goliard annually sponsors a composer-in-residence, commissioning at least one new work each season. This work is premiered in various venues throughout the Southeastern United States during an annual tour of the region by Goliard's principal players, giving new compositions a national venue to be heard and new audiences exposure to the Goliard Ensemble's fine performances.
The New York Times has praised Goliard for its versatility and creativity in programming while New York Newsday has embraced Goliard's concerts as "music for the people." Goliard's consistent artistic excellence and service to the community have won continuous support and recognition from the New York State Council on the Arts, The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the Queens Council on the Arts and the Office of the Queen's Borough President.