In 1987 the Chorale became an independent, not-for-profit performing arts organization. The group has performed with the Storrs Collegium Musicum and the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and has sung as part of the combined chorus at an all-Beethoven concert celebrating the fiftieth anniversary year of Palmer Auditorium at Connecticut College. In 1995, under the direction of Dr. Michelle Holt, members of the Chorale and friends visited Germany, Austria and Switzerland and in 1997, toured Belgium and France.

Beginning in 1997, the Chorale extended its community involvement by awarding a college scholarship to a senior class student attending Fitch or Stonington High School who will be pursuing college study in music.

Recent major works performed by the Mystic River Chorale include: Gloria by Francis Poulenc, Magnificat in D and Wachet Auf BWV 140 by J. S. Bach, Saint Saens Christmas Oratorio, Beatus Vir by Antonio Vivaldi, Dona Nobis Pacem by Ralph Vaughan Williams, John Rutter's Gloria, Messiah by G. F. Handel, Requiem by Maurice Durufle with the Norwich Diocesan Choir and, with the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, Chichester Psalms by Leonard Bernstein, Requiem by Gabriel Fauré, I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes by Adolphus Hailstork, Symphony No. 2 Op 52 (Lobegesang) by Felix Mendelssohn and Carmina Burana by Carl Orff. In January 2001 in conjunction with Mendelssohn's Magnificat, the Chorale gave the second known public performance of the recently discovered Mendelssohn Gloria.

Since 1998 Members of the Chorale have also sung back-up for Paul Anka and Rosemary Clooney during their November-December concert performances at the Fox Theater.

The Mystic River Chorale has had four directors through the past quarter-century: Jim Dehls, Michelle Holt, Joan Cook and Frank Martignetti.