Sonoma Valley Chorale’s milestone concert

Sonoma Valley Chorale, the longest running non-audition chorus in the Valley, celebrates its 50th year with a gala concert, Light in the Darkness, on December 8 and 9. Artistic Director and Conductor Travis Rogers leads a program of classic and contemporary holiday songs, with the big, rich vocal ensemble accompanied by a string quartet. 

“We’ve never sounded better,” said Sheila Whitney, who’s been singing with the troupe since moving to Sonoma in 1993.

SVC was started by Jim Griewe, Kay Adams, Mary Torzilli, Margaret Steele, and Dan Ruggles. John Schafer has been singing all the 50 years and Linda Goudey, a member of the company’s board of directors, has sung at every concert for 45 years. She recounts how big a sound the 200 members made back then. They even toured Europe twice, and once to the East Coast and Canada. 

“Sonoma Valley Chorale is truly a grass roots local homespun original Sonoma institution,” Whitney said.

The upcoming shows at the Sonoma Veterans Hall (Dec. 8 at 7:30pm; Dec. 9 at 3pm) are a reunion of sorts, with a call to the many past members to come and enjoy the show. 

“We are looking for any and all former singers to join us at this Gala Celebration with a one time ticket price of $20 at the door,” Whitney said. “We are so excited for the future under the direction of the very gifted choral conductor, Travis Rogers.

Composer and Conductor Z. Randall Stroope will take part in the holiday concerts, and Assistant Conductor Bailey Cooke leads the Chamber Choir.

A talented soloist, Whitney enjoys being one of the voices in the long Chorale tradition. “I’ve always enjoyed singing with ensembles; being part of a gorgeous wave of sound is powerful.” 

Tickets are $20-$35. Sonomavalleychorale.org.