In Memoriam: Marshall A. Rutter

Marshall A. Rutter, a champion of professional choral singing and contemporary choral music, passed away peacefully at his home on December 4, 2024 at 93 years old. His passing was announced by the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Rutter was one of the founders of the Master Chorale and served continuously on its board for six decades.

As a past board member and board chair of Chorus America, Rutter’s strong leadership guided the organization through a period of critical growth. He served on the Chorus America board from 1987 to 1996 and chaired the board from 1993 to 1995, steering the organization as it expanded to serve a broader representation of the choral community. Together with his wife Terry Knowles, Rutter remained a powerful advocate for and supporter of Chorus America. In 2017 he was named a Chorus America Director Laureate in recognition of his immense contributions.

Rutter also received Chorus America’s Michael Korn Founders Award for the Development of the Professional Choral Art in 2001, honoring the national and international impact of his commitment to professional choral music. Thanks in great part to his leadership, the Los Angeles Master Chorale became one of the world’s preeminent professional choirs. Rutter commissioned many important contemporary choral works, including Morten Lauridsen’s O Magnum Mysterium in honor of Knowles. 

“Chorus America owes so much to Marshall’s leadership,” said Chorus America president and CEO Christopher Eanes. “Any period of organizational growth comes with challenges, and we are grateful for his skill in navigating those challenges and moving our organization forward. Our entire field continues to benefit from his love for choral music and the beautiful repertoire he helped bring to life.”