Someone once said that listening to a great choral masterpiece is like hearing the voice of the Soul. The author of that quote is anonymous, but for those who love to sing or to listen to the works of Handel, Bach, Mozart and the other great composers from the Renaissance era all the way to today's more contemporary music of Aaron Copeland and Ralph Vaughn Williams, the quote expresses the spiritual depth of the art form of choral music.

The Mastersingers was formed to offer singers a challenging, all encompassing musical experience. Although emphasizing the great choral master composers, the group performs a variety of music for both large and small audiences in sacred and secular settings. The Mastersingers provide an opportunity for experienced singers to perform a wide range of choral music with strong emphasis on the masterworks thereby promoting and enhancing the choral art form in the Southwest Florida community. The group offers singers the challenge of enhancing their musical skills while enjoying the familial atmosphere of a select group of singers. Selection of music is intended for the enrichment and growth of the singer as well as for the enjoyment of audiences.

Under the direction of Dr. Nancy Cobb-Lippens the 85 voice ensemble of vocal musicians enjoys a reputation of musical excellence and innovative programs. They perform approximately six to eight concerts each season.

The Mastersingers perform music in languages as diverse as Latin, Russian, German and French as well as English. Rehearsals are dedicated not only to preparing the music but to the principles of voice production and fundamental choral techniques. Each individual is an important element in the overall sound of the group.

Recent performances have included the works of Bach, Brahms, Rachmaninoff, Monteverdi, Handel and Verdi and many contemporary composers.

The Fort Myers Symphonic Chorus, doing business as The Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers, is a 501(c) (3) charitable organization incorporated in the State of Florida.