Who We Are
Introducing the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers
The Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers is a premier choral ensemble in Southwest Florida. Since forming in 2001, the Mastersingers have grown from a small chorus to an 80-plus voice ensemble of men and women dedicated to excellence in music. We are a diverse group of vocal musicians who represent all walks of life with a shared love of singing and a commitment to our mission.
To experience the Fort Myers Mastersingers in person, attend one of our upcoming concerts!
What We Believe
Raising the Bar for Excellence in Choral Music
The Mastersingers believe that a love of music lasts a lifetime. It can touch people of all ages, bringing joy and light to our community. That’s why we always strive to raise the bar for excellence in choral music, delivering stirring performances with exceptional showmanship and musicality.
Our Mission
Our Vision
To be a significant cultural presence in the fabric of the Southwest Florida community; attract and develop outstanding choral singers; obtain the resources needed to perform great symphonic masterworks; and remain a contributing force in choral music education in Southwest Florida.
From the Top
Come Sing with Us!
Membership is based on:
- Experience
- Ability to attend rehearsals and performances
- Vocal quality
- Commitment to the shared vision of the group
If you are interested in joining the Mastersingers, please contact us to schedule your audition!
Membership Requirements:
- Prospective members must be 18 years or older
- Be a full or part-time resident in Southwest Florida
- Successfully complete and pass an audition
- Pay annual dues and music fee
- Attend rehearsals on Monday nights from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Fort Myers (Zoom option available as needed)
Our Musical Expertise
About the Mastersingers Leadership Team
Matt Koller Artistic Director and City of Palms Youth Choir Director
Matt Koller, Artistic Director and City of Palms Youth Choir Director
Matthew Koller is the founder and conductor of the City of Palms Youth Choir in Fort Myers, FL. Matt is a graduate of Westminster Choir College where he was a member of the Westminster Choir under the direction of Joseph Flummerfelt. He now sings with The Same Stream Choir in Philadelphia, conducted by James Jordan.
Matt’s choirs have performed several masterworks, including Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, Schubert’s Mass in G, Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata, Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb, and Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem. They have appeared in Carnegie Hall in performances of Paul Mealor’s Stabat Mater and Jubilate Deo. His choirs have performed many world-premieres and have commissioned composers Gerald Custer, Peter Fischer, Blake Henson, and Thomas LaVoy. He has guest-conducted performances of Dido and Aeneas for Florida Gulf Coast University Opera and led Gulfshore Opera in a performance featuring internationally acclaimed tenor Anthony Kearns.
Matt maintains a very active private voice studio. His students have appeared in lead roles on Broadway, television, film, national tours, and work in fields such as music education, sacred music, theater, dance, casting, and arts administration.
Aside from classical choral and vocal music, Matt enjoys conducting and playing percussion for musicals. His most recent engagements include Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, Let’s Fall In Love, Tenderly, The Rosemary Clooney Musical and Always…Patsy Cline at the Florida Repertory Theatre.
Molly Phillips Intermezzo Choir Director
Molly Phillips, Intermezzo Choir Director
Molly I. Phillips is a musician, music educator, and board-certified music therapist. She holds a master's degree from the University of Georgia in Music Education with an emphasis in Music Therapy. As a board-certified music therapist for over 20 years, she serviced the greater Rochester, NY area before moving to Florida to be closer to family.
As an experienced musician, Molly has worked with a variety of students and community members of all ages and diverse backgrounds. Her education in both therapeutic and traditional teaching methods combine to provide a unique approach. She encourages individual exploration and creativity within a person-centered environment.
Before leaving Rochester, she held the title of Music Education Department Chair for Spectrum Creative Arts, a community arts therapy center. During this time, she developed new programs, led peer supervision, and coordinated performance opportunities for students and community members alike.
She looks forward to discovering the many talents and abilities within the greater Fort Myers community while continuing to provide quality creative services.
Janet Carter Accompanist
Janet Carter, Accompanist
Janet Carter has been the accompanist of the Mastersingers since the group’s inception. It is her sixth year accompanying the City of Palms Youth Choir and her third year accompanying the Intermezzo Choir. She has a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a master's degree from Northern Illinois University. She has been president of the local chapter of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association and served two terms on the board of the Florida Elementary Music Education Association. Janet has accompanied many all-county choirs and was twice an accompanist for the Florida All-State Elementary Choir.
