I have had the great fortune and privilege since 2022 to sing with the University Chorus at UC Berkeley.  The chorus meets several times weekly during the fall and spring semesters, it is a class taken for credit by current students.  The chorus is also open to community members and alumni by audition, and owing to hearing an inspiring performance of the Mozart Requiem in November 2021, I signed up to audition in late January of 2022.

Singing with the chorus has provided exceptional, gratifying, and inspiring musical experiences.  Since joining we have performed Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana," Mozart's Mass in C Minor K. 427, Brahms' German Requiem, a program of French choral masterpieces, and other works.  All concerts are live-streamed on youtube and saved there for posterity.

I have also noted the many positive aspects of the choral experience, for all singers regardless of age.  The wellness benefits are palpable, in addition to the many social benefits.  Most of the singers in the group are young enough to be my children, however the chorus was also expanded for the performance by the inclusion of the alumni chorus, and I have met many peers in that group who enjoy the activity as I do.  Let me also pay tribute to our choral director and conductor, Dr. Wei Cheng: in my mind she is a brilliant and master musician and would be so in any era.  

As a member of the UC Chorus I was also invited to participate in a performance of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony in June 2022 offered by the Berkeley Symphony Orchestra.  The photo of the ensemble is inspiring for me to consider - a truly diverse group of musicians playing and singing of joy and brotherhood.  I have been a great admirer of all things Beethoven since my undergraduate days, and this concert was a lifetime thrill for me.  Thanks very much to the Choral Director for this concert, Dr. Lynne Morrow, and also our Conductor, Joseph Young, for sharing their deep musicianship and leadership.