Jim Griewe – Chorale Director to retire.
MELANIA MAHONEY/Sonoma Valley Sun
The Sonoma Valley Chorale’s performance at Gundlach Bundschu Winery next month marks the premiere of its 35th season. It also marks the start of a season-long tribute to Jim Griewe, the chorale’s founding director.
“When we heard Jim was retiring, we all decided this season should be dedicated to him,” said chorale member Shannon Howlett. “It’s our way to celebrate what Jim has given to both the chorale and to the community.”
After more than three decades, Griewe has decided it’s time to step down as director of the Sonoma Valley Chorale and pass the baton to someone else. “After this season David Irvine will be taking over as chorale director. He’s been my associate director and I know he’ll do a wonderful job.”
The respect is mutual. “I’m not only excited but also honored to be entrusted with the tradition that Jim has established,” Irvine said. “I’ve conducted chorales all my life, but never one of this size.”
Griewe says he will remain involved in the chorale as both its artistic director and conductor of the smaller chamber ensemble. “I’ll still be involved, but I’ll also be able to more fully concentrate on my consulting and real estate business.”
Under Griewe’s leadership the Chorale has grown from its early origins in 1973 as a small church choir to a 110-voice community chorus with a large and varied repertoire, ranging from classical music to show tunes. Since then, the chorale has set the standard by which community choirs throughout Northern and Central California measure themselves.
A remarkable achievement, considering Griewe never believed in holding auditions or bringing in paid professionals for solo performances. Griewe feels music is a gift that should be shared by all. “Everyone has music in them. The aesthetic seed is in everyone,” he said. “That’s what I want the Chorale to always be, giving people the opportunity to realize their hidden talent.”
Griewe’s musical talent for performance and conducting was developed at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. After receiving degrees in music and psychology, he returned to Sonoma Valley, where he was born and raised.
Perhaps it was his rigorous training as a professional musician at San Francisco’s Conservatory or his major in psychology, but season after season Griewe has always found ways to bring out the best in the chorale, ever though members range from all ages and come from all walks of life, with varied musical skills.
“It’s like a football coach who uses plays that best fit the team’s talent; it’s the same with directing a choir,” explained Griewe. “I select music that best fits the choir’s strengths. ‘Cause they all want to succeed. I try to instill in my members respect for the music. Have pride in doing your best. If you do, you will give the music life.”
Saturday, September 8, beginning at 6 p.m. The Sonoma Valley Chorale will be performing Twilight & Jazz in the Vineyard on the grounds of the Gundlach Bundschu Winery, 2000 Denmark Street, Sonoma. For tickets and information call 707.935.1576 or log on to www.sonomavalleychorale.org. If you’d like information becoming a member of the Sonoma Valley Chorale, please contact Shannon Howlett at 707.290.9175.
