The Houston Choral Society may have started with just 30 members, but the passion of its members and leaders has the group acclaim both locally and internationally.

Kevin Klotz, who took over as the society’s director in May, said music has played a significant role in his life since childhood. Klotz’s father played guitar, his uncles performed in a country band and his grandmother sang opera music. Before long, he found himself learning to play instruments and performing in groups at school.

“Music is all I’ve ever known,” Klotz said. “It’s something I go to because it brings me a lot of joy.”

Before Klotz, the society was led by Betty Devine who founded it in 1987 in an effort to advance the choral arts through education and collaboration with other groups.

In its nearly 30 years of performances, the group has organized five international tours, singing in European cities, such as London, Dublin, Edinburgh, Berlin, Rome and Vienna. In 1992, the group opened the Republican National Convention in Houston.

“Dr. Devine has built a very successful and professional ensemble that has clearly established itself as a powerful force in the choral community,” Klotz said. “My vision is to continue these things as well as the high excellence already established by the ensemble.”

Today, HCS has nearly 75 members who perform a variety of compositions that range from major classical works to Broadway reviews and folk music.

HCS is funded by ticket sales, donations, grants and contributions from the chorus members themselves. Those interested in getting involved can audition by appointment from 9 a.m.-noon Jan. 7 or from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 9 at The Foundry Church.

“I think the community knows the hard work the singers put into presenting professional-level concerts that not only sound great, but also communicate emotion and passion,” Klotz said.