Because many choirs have a mandatory retirement age, older singers suddenly find themselves unable to pursue their passion. But thanks to Encore Creativity for Older Adults, seniors have an outlet to continue singing in a choral environment.
The brainchild of Jeanne Kelly, the Encore organization has a number of choral groups centered around the Washington, D.C., area. The idea is slowly expanding westward, and now Salt Lake City has its own Encore ensemble,
Salt Lake Encore Chorale
The Salt Lake Encore Chorale was started in September by composer Mary Lou Prince. This weekend the group will give its first concert and everyone is looking forward to it. “They’re revved up,” Prince said in a phone interview with Reichel Recommends. “There is a lot of excitement in the air.”
The program will include some well known Christmas pieces, among them “Gaudeamus Hodie” and “Sing We Now of Christmas,” along with some pieces Prince has written. “They’re doing a good job with my pieces,” she said. “I wrote those for older voices [when I was living in Arizona].” The songs will have a string quartet accompaniment, played by area musicians.
Joining the Encore Chorale will be members of the One Voice Children’s Choir, led by founder Masa Fukuda. “This is a nice way to form a bond between age groups,” Prince said.
The Encore Chorale consists of 19 members. The oldest is about 75, Prince said. The music they sing is arranged for four-part chorus. Prince has each voice range represented although, “we only have one guy on bass and the tenor section consists of women.”
The choir meets once a week for a 1 1/2 hour rehearsal. Prince said there is a lot of joy at each rehearsal, and that’s something she’s happy to see. “They’re always looking forward to what will happen next,” she said. “I try to keep rehearsals from being stuffy.”
Prince has seen a real camaraderie developing among the singers. “I can see friendships happening. As an example, two of our sopranos have gotten chummy with each other.”
As word about the Encore Chorale gets out, Prince hopes she’ll be able to get more singers to join. “I would love the choir to grow,” she said. “I’d love to get people in their 60s, 70s and even 80s. It would be fun.”
- CONCERT DETAILS
- What: “Sing We Now of Christmas!,” Salt Lake Encore Chorale, Mary Lou Prince, director, with the One Voice Children’s Choir, Masa Fukuda, director
- Venue: Salt Lake Community College Atrium, 1575 S. State St.
- Time and Date: 2 p.m., Dec. 14
- Tickets: $10 general, $5 children 12 and under
- Web: www.the-grand.org