News: Justin Raffa Stepping Down as MCM Artistic Director

Mid-Columbia Mastersingers (MCM) Artistic Director Justin Raffa has announced that 2026-27 will be his final season with the organization.

“The past 19 seasons as the artistic leader of this amazing organization have been the foundation and joy of my professional career,” Raffa stated. “Change in life is inevitable and while my season with the MCM family is coming to a close, I will leave them with all affection and hope for every success in the future.”

Raffa was hired in the summer of 2008, joining MCM as they were undergoing a comprehensive rebranding effort and name change. As MCM's longest serving Artistic Director, Raffa helped engineer major organizational changes with a goal to become more community centric, including significant growth of its annual operating budget and staff, an increase of its singer roster to over 350 members, an expansion of its ensemble offerings from one to four, its merger with longtime Tri-Cities mainstay Columbia Chorale, large scale collaborations with local arts organizational partners, and the creation of an annual partnership called Mid-Columbia Arts Fundraiser (MCAF).

“Mid-Columbia Mastersingers and the entire Tri-Cities community are stronger because of Justin's vision, creativity, and steadfast leadership over the past 19 years,” says Emilia Keener, MCM Board President. “His commitment to artistic excellence and his belief in the transformative power of choral music have shaped not only our organization, but also the lives of countless singers, audiences, and community partners. While Justin's tenure as Artistic Director will conclude at the end of the 2026–27 season, the vision and values he instilled in Mid-Columbia Mastersingers will continue to live on through our members, our programs, and the broader community he helped inspire. As we prepare to celebrate our 40th anniversary season, we are deeply grateful for Justin's extraordinary contributions and the enduring legacy he leaves for future generations."

The Mid-Columbia Mastersingers will celebrate its 40th Ruby Anniversary season in 2026-27, and has been dedicated to its mission to transform lives through the power of choral music since its founding in 1986 as Consort Columbia. Raffa and the MCM Board of Directors have a season of special choral projects and surprises planned to make this 40th anniversary and his final season one to remember.

News & Events

2026 Annual Meeting

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Columbia Chorale

Sing with Columbia Chorale!

All singers 16 years of age and over are welcome. No auditions or prior experience required.

The next session will begin in fall 2026. Contact chorale@mcmastersingers.org for more info, or visit Singers to learn about our other choirs.

Rehearsals are held weekly on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 PM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Kennewick.

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It is our mission to transform lives through the power of choral music. We envision a world where choral music is valued and supported by the community and is accessible to people of all ages and cultures.

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Our Mission

We fulfill our mission through our adult choirs, with an emphasis on collaboration with other arts organizations and outreach to a wide range of communities.

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News: Justin Raffa Stepping Down as MCM Artistic Director