The Cathedral Choral Society is the resident symphonic chorus of Washington National Cathedral. The 160-voice chorus is the oldest choral group in Washington, having been founded in 1941 by Paul Callaway who served as music director until 1984. Since 1985, J. Reilly Lewis has conducted the Society in musical masterpieces from plainsong to the classics to contemporary works. Since its founding, the Cathedral Choral Society has presented numerous world premieres, many of them commissioned by the Society, and has maintained a tradition of showcasing both promising young soloists and internationally known artists.