Valley Concert Chorale: A Legacy of Choral Excellence in California
The Valley Concert Chorale is a distinguished ensemble of approximately 40 auditioned singers based in Livermore, California. Serving the Tri-Valley region of the San Francisco Bay Area, the choir is dedicated to bringing high-quality vocal music to the local community through a diverse range of performances and educational initiatives.
Performance Schedule and Collaborations
The chorale maintains a consistent annual calendar, typically presenting three distinct concerts. The season begins in November with a festive holiday concert, followed by a program of serious music in March, and concludes with a lighter musical selection in May.
To enrich their sound and reach, the Valley Concert Chorale frequently collaborates with other regional ensembles. These partners often include the San Francisco Concert Chorale, the Las Positas College Chamber Choir, and the Cantabella Children's Chorus. Additionally, the group organizes a popular annual "sing-it-yourself" performance of Handel's Messiah, hosted at the First Presbyterian Church in Livermore.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Leadership and Artistic Direction
Founded in 1963 by Ellen Cunningham, the chorale has been shaped by several talented directors, including David Babbit and Philip Manwell. Since 1998, the ensemble has been under the leadership of John Emory Bush.
Director Bush brings a wealth of experience to the group, having also led the San Francisco Concert Chorale and served as a director for the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, the College of Notre Dame in Belmont, California, and the Cathedral Church of Saint Matthew in Dallas, Texas. Supporting the choir is accompanist Daniel Glover, a concert pianist whose professional career has spanned 42 U.S. states and 42 countries.
Community Outreach and Education
Beyond the concert stage, the chorale is deeply committed to community engagement. The cornerstone of this effort is the Music in the Schools program, established in 1990. Through this initiative, a small troupe of about ten chorus members visits local elementary schools to perform short musical plays.
The repertoire for these school visits has included classics such as Hansel and Gretel and Tom Sawyer, as well as original works written by troupe member Bobby Jensen. These productions are a true community effort: local artist Carolyn Ramsey paints the scenery, while the cast members create the costumes and props. To foster engagement, selected students participate in the performances, and every student is invited to ask questions following the show.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Discography
The Valley Concert Chorale has captured its artistry in two professional CD recordings. The first, a collection of Christmas music, was recorded in 2003 at the Trinity Episcopal Church in San Francisco. The second recording, featuring Carl Orff's Carmina Burana, was completed in 2006 at the Mission Dolores Basilica in San Francisco.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1963 by Ellen Cunningham.
- Location: Livermore, California (Tri-Valley/San Francisco Bay Area).
- Membership: Approximately 40 auditioned singers.
- Current Director: John Emory Bush (since 1998).
- Educational Impact: Music in the Schools program active since 1990.
- Notable Recordings: Christmas music (2003) and Carmina Burana (2006).
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Concerts | Holiday (Nov), Serious Music (Mar), Light Music (May) |
| Key Collaborators | SF Concert Chorale, Las Positas College, Cantabella Children's Chorus |
| Accompanist | Daniel Glover |
| Outreach Focus | Elementary school musical plays |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Valley Concert Chorale?
The chorus was established in 1963 by Ellen Cunningham.
How many singers are in the ensemble?
The choir consists of approximately 40 singers who are selected via an audition process.
What is the Music in the Schools program?
Started in 1990, this outreach program involves chorus members performing short musical plays for local elementary school students to introduce them to music and theater.
Where were the choir's CDs recorded?
The 2003 Christmas CD was recorded at Trinity Episcopal Church, and the 2006 Carmina Burana CD was recorded at the Mission Dolores Basilica, both located in San Francisco.
Who is the current director of the chorale?
John Emory Bush has led the chorus since 1998.