NVC in National Pilot with Outreach Singalong
On May 9, the NVC returned to Camelback Post Acute Care & Rehabilitation (CPACR) Facility, Phoenix this time with a singalong from the Great American Songbook. Outreach director Kate Krietor shared a special lyric booklet “Classic Songs We Love” with all. With artistic director Eleanor Johnson at the piano and president Anita Murcko as emcee, the NVC and residents sang over 20 songs together ranging from Moon River to Rubber Duckie, Somewhere Over the Rainbow and God Bless America. Delighted residents said, “Come back, soon!” And we will.
NVC is proud to participate in this community pilot with Health Services Advisory Group HSAG designed to evaluate the benefits of community engagement for those living in skilled nursing facilities and their staff! The HSAG pilot, led by Debbie Nixon, is one of 3 in the US national pilot program, “Supporting the Neighborhood Enrichment Team (NET) to Enhance the Nursing Home (NH) Experience.”
“Classic Songs We Love.” (Left-right) Sally-Heath Lloyd, Margaret Neno, Linda Williamson, Kate Krietor, Craig Metzger, Mary Neuman (seated), John Prosek, Jennifer Donato, Carolyn Nyland, Vic Quiros, Mary Anne Iagulli, Graham Johnson, Anita Murcko. Not pictured: Barb Knaggs, Eleanor Johnson, Gervais Neno. Photos: G. Neno.
Outside the Camelback Post Acute Care & Rehabilitation Facility, Phoenix, AZ.
Getting ready for the singalong!
Singalong in action!
NVC Food Drive for St. Mary’s Food Bank
The choir that cares” donated nearly 300 pounds of food to St. Mary’s Food Bank just before Christmas. The collection effort was led by NVC outreach co-directors Kate Krietor and Jennifer Donato, shown in the photo delivering the goods to the St. Mary’s Food Bank drop-off.
NVC Caroling at Camelback Post Acute Care and Rehab (12/6/2023)
NVC Sings National Anthem for Diamondbacks – September 30, 2023
Watch the the North Valley Chorale singing the National Anthem at the Arizona Diamondbacks game here.
NVC Receives Arts Grant – September 2, 2022
The North Valley Chorale (NVC), a 60+ member community choir marking their 15th year in the Valley, received an $8000 arts grant from the Southwest Division of Albertsons, Safeway and Vons. As a multi-year recipient of this generous program, the grant will support NVC programming for the upcoming 2022-2023 concert season.
Tidings of Joy Virtual Concert – December 6, 2020
The North Valley Chorale’s virtual concert premiere was live-streamed Dec 6. Tidings of Joy premiere was seen by over 1000 enthusiastic fans from across the USA, Canada AND as far away as Australia!
Created and directed Eleanor Johnson, Tidings of Joy featured the North Valley Chorale Virtual Choir, harpist Paula Provo, thrilling soloists and our favorite emcee, Dan Thomson.
NVC Goes Virtual! – July 6, 2020
The North Valley Chorale (NVC) celebrated Independence Day by going virtual on the FOX 10 Arizona Morning Show, July 3, 2020. The selections included “America the Beautiful” and “Strike up the Band.” Twelve NVC singers worked with director Eleanor Johnson to pilot the new virtual performance medium. NVC tenor and information technology (IT) professional, Peter Lafford, produced the final product that was well-received by Fox10 AZ. You can view it HERE.
Even with the pandemic, NVC members are still rehearsing – virtually – and meeting weekly for updates and reminiscing. Graham Johnson, NVC bass, board member IT professional has created several mashups of prior NVC performances to enjoy until choirs can safely sing together again. Click HERE for NVC Salutes America and HERE for the Best of Carolyn, celebrating a special birthday of soprano Carolyn Nyland whose contributions to NVC are as impressive behind the curtain as her performances.
More virtual experiences and performances to some. Stay tuned.
Independence Day Outreach – July 4, 2020
The North Valley Chorale brought cheerful July 4th messages to veterans at the Beatitudes Campus and Pueblo Norte senior living communities. The festive cards thanking the veterans for their service were personally written by 19 NVC members and were delivered to the campuses by Kate Krietor, whose ideas inspired this effort.
The three veterans shown in the pictures are David Fuller, Raymond F. Maldoon, Henry W. Craig, all from the Beatitudes campus. You can almost see them smiling through their masks, and they were thankful to be remembered for their service on the Independence Day weekend.
As “the choir that cares” we feel honored to have been able to recognize the brave men and women who have served in our armed forces.
NVC Delivers Birthday Dreams – June 25, 2020
North Valley Chorale (NVC) is helping children in foster care celebrate birthdays. This year, in partnership with the Arizona Helping Hands “Birthday Dreams” program, the NVC Outreach Committee, Barbara Lafford, Kate Krietor, and Michelle Serries, collected birthday gifts and celebration items, like candles, cake, and icing, for “Birthday in a Bag.”
NVC members Peter Lafford (left) and Barbara Lafford (right) delivered the birthday donations to Sherie Siegel (center), corporate engagement officer, Arizona Helping Hands. “Thank you so much for ALL of the incredible donations! We will definitely put them to great use to further help boys and girls in foster care throughout our state. We truly appreciate the support and look forward to continuing to partner.”
In support of the NVC’s outreach mission as “the choir that cares” NVC continues to collect items to help children in need. We invite you to join us in our outreach initiatives. Contact us today!
NVC members Peter Lafford (left) and Barbara Lafford (right) delivered the birthday donations to Sherie Siegel (center)
Brahms Concert is Postponed to 2021 – March 12, 2020
Out of an abundance of caution and with a sincere concern for the wellbeing of our members, patrons and volunteers at a higher risk for the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus), the North Valley Chorale has made the difficult decision to postpone our April 3 performance of the Brahms Requiem. Tickets and ads purchased for the April 3 concert can be used for the new date (May or fall) or applied to a future NVC concert. Further updates will be posted here and on our Facebook page.
Caroling at Valleywise – December 18, 2019
Members of the North Valley Chorale entertained residents at the Valleywise Behavioral Health Annex of Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix December 18, 2019 with traditional holiday music. The event was organized by NVC member Michelle Serries with Chaplain Irene at the Valleywise Behavioral Health Annex. The harmonies and joyous enthusiasm were appreciated by the residents and staff
NVC at Sojourner with Pueblo Norte – December 10, 2019
The North Valley Chorale partnered with the Pueblo Norte senior community to provide goods and financial assistance to the Sojourner Center, a domestic violence shelter for women and children in Phoenix. On December 10, 2019 NVC members Bobbie Lafford (Outreach Coordinator) and Kate Krietor delivered the donated items and presented a check for $630 to the Center. NVC also donated holiday gift bags for the residents that included the Chorale’s CD, We Wish You Christmas.
10th Anniversary Tour & More
The North Valley Chorale (NVC) concluded its year-long 10th Anniversary Celebration with the group’s 2nd international tour, May 29 – June 11, 2019, with well-received concerts in Ireland, Scotland, England. And France.
The local finale, “Gotta Sing” on May 11, 2019 was at the Camelback Bible Church, Paradise Valley was a crowd-pleaser with favorites from the past decade of NVC concerts – pop, art songs, Broadway and gospel.
Other highlights include Celebrate the Season holiday concert featuring Bach’s Magnificat, a Master class and concert with famed choral composer Morten Lauridsen; Carmina Burana with Symphony of the Southwest; 2 live TV appearances at FOX 10 Arizona Morning Show and 2 new CDs: Celebrate the Holidays & Celebrate-NVC in Concert. What a fantastic way to celebrate 10 years!
NVC at FOX 10 for Patriotic Tribute – May 27, 2019
NVC appeared Memorial Day May 27, 2019 on the FOX 10 Arizona Morning Show performing America the Beautiful and God Bless America.
Click the image below to view!
NVC Rocks at Herberger – April 27 & 28, 2018
The Herberger Theater Center rocked this April 27 and 28 with the North Valley Chorale’s (NVC) fun twist on the old-time radio hour. On the Air! was created and directed by Eleanor Johnson and Shannon Barrett. The 60-member local volunteer choir wowed both new and returning fans with “the best show yet!” The group also welcomed the youth singers from the Benchmark Show Choir, directed by NVC’s Carolyn Nyland.
After the national anthem, the very funny, fast-talking DJ, Dan Thomson (real-life actor, comedian), kicked off 2 hours of non-stop singing, dancing and “pure entertainment.” Our live “studio audience” was On the Air! too, singing along with the NVC to hits from the 40s through the 90s. The playlist included Elvis, Nat King Cole, Bill Haley, the Beach Boys, Carole King, the Beatles, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Chicago, Madonna, Pointer Sisters, Cyndi Lauper, Sheryl Crow, Whitney Houston and Journey. The show was studded with spectacular solos, charming cameos and great group performances!
The fans have spoken…On the Air! stands out in the hit parade of NVC crowd-pleasers! Check out the On the Air! souvenir program for details.
Hear the On the Air! radio ad from Oldies 92.7 FM
NVC Shines with North American Premier “Lux” – February 25, 2018
Photo: David Kaufman
Listen now to the North Valley Chorale performing in concert
the “Sanctus” from John Rutter’s Requiem:
The North Valley Chorale (NVC) delivered another radiant concert on Feb 25 at the Church of the Beatitudes. Directed by Eleanor Johnson, Lux Aeterna! featured the uplifting and inspiring music of two popular contemporary composers, John Rutter and Norwegian-born Ola Gjeilo.
The performance featured the North American premiere of “Lux” by Gjeilo, the former composer-in-residence for the Phoenix Chorale. Lux has special meaning for the Chorale and Director Johnson. The 8-part a cappella piece was commissioned last year by NVC’s Matthew Johnson and wife Libbi in memory of their stillborn son, Benedict. Listen HERE to Sterling Beeaff interview Eleanor and Graham Johnson on K-BACH (89.5 FM radio in Phoenix, Arizona). Chorale members were honored to sing and support the commission that “shed thou thy beams within our hearts.”
Lux Aeterna! opened with a heartfelt interpretation of the sublime Requiem by John Rutter featuring NVC audience favorite, soprano Sarah Smith. In addition to Gjeilo’s Lux, the second half was filled with music that touched the hearts of all. Faure’s Claire de Lune, Gjeilo’s Ubi Caritas, Paulus’ Pilgrim’s Hymn, Morricone’s Gabriel’s Oboe, Mendelssohn’s If With All Your Hearts and How Can I Keep from Singing. Crowd-pleasers Danny Boy with tenor Eric Thomson and Irish Blessing closed this inspiring concert.
The solo performances by alto Claire Penneau, tenors Robert Heyde, Vince Lane and Eric Thomson and bass Stephen Schermitzler were “truly gems.” The all-female local chamber ensemble was “superb” and featured harpist Paula Provo, oboist Melanie Garcia, flautist Lee Chivers, cellist Li Ma, percussionist Mary Anne Kremer-Ames and Dr. Marion Hostetler on keyboards.
“This is truly beautiful music that will touch people’s hearts” accurately predicted Director Johnson, “Our choir members love to sing it and I’m sure that will shine through at the concert.” It did. Congratulations to Director Johnson and the NVC on another outstanding performance. For more details about Lux Aeterna! check out the program in the NVC Archive.
NVC at Carnegie Hall, Radio City, Orpheum – December 2017
The North Valley Chorale (NVC) finished out 2017 with their biggest bang yet! The group traveled on Thanksgiving Day to New York City (NYC) where the Chorale took the stage in Radio City Music Hall as the pre-show for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the world-famous Radio City Rockettes. After a choral master class and multi-day rehearsals, NVC joined choirs from around the globe as for the sold-out holiday season kickoff, Messiah Refreshed at Carnegie Hall on November 26 (see HERE for review).
Back in Phoenix, the NVC performed for the first time at the downtown Orpheum Theater on December 1, 2 & 3 as River City’s singing townspeople in The Music Man In Concert. The group appeared on the FOX 10 Morning Show December 8 (see HERE to view).
The NVC’s signature holiday concert on December 9, Behold! featured a glorious first half with Handel’s Messiah, including live chamber orchestra, at the Church of the Beatitudes, Phoenix. The second half was “absolutely magical!” Opening with Pat-a-Pan Salsa, complete with a sassy salsa dancers, and a fun sing-along, the NVC reprised their NYC a capella performances, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, I’ll Be Home for Christmas and Jingle Bell Rock (see HERE for program). Another Behold! highlight was Tomorrow Will be My Dancing Day, composed by the father of NVC tenor, Peter Lafford. (Click HERE for Peter’s reflections.)
Outreach events for the season included neighborhood caroling and entertaining at the Poinsettia Tea, the annual fundraiser for local nonprofit, Duet, Partners in Health and Aging. Tea attendees were treated to a Taste of Broadway, with excerpts from NVC’s Herberger Theater sell-out this past May, Broadway Blast!
What could top this season? Wait and see what NVC has in store for 2018-2019 10th Anniversary Season!
Patriotic Tribute by North Valley Chorale at Fox 10 – May 29, 2017
The North Valley Chorale was honored to perform for the Fox 10 Arizona Morning Memorial Day tribute, remembering those who died while serving in America’s armed forces. Over half of the sixty-strong North Valley Chorale, including several Veterans, performed in the Fox studio against a backdrop of stars and stripes, led by Director Eleanor Johnson.
The Group opened with a soulful performance of America the Beautiful (Ward & Bates) – “the Heroes’ Verse” – “Oh beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife; Who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life.” The Chorale, glittering in red, white and blue outfits, closed the show with a rousing rendition of Irving’s Berlin’s God Bless America.
Fox 10 anchors Troy Hayden and Andrea Robinson thanked the Chorale for the “always beautiful music.”
Viewers were directed by Fox 10 anchors to the NVC website for more information on auditioning for the NVC, the open Summer Sings and upcoming North Valley Chorale concert season.
NVC “Blast” is Sellout at The Herberger – May 5 & 6, 2017
North Valley Chorale opens performance with “Broadway Blast!” Photo by David Kaufman.
If you were among the lucky patrons with tickets to North Valley Chorale’s inaugural performance at the prestigious Herberger Theater Center, May 5 & 6, you surely had a blast! Audience members described the sell-out performances of Broadway Blast! as “energetic and fast-moving” “the best show yet” and “a lot of fun for the audience AND the singers-you could tell!”
Directed by Eleanor Johnson and Shannon Barrett, the Phoenix-based community choir of over 50 volunteer singers sported top hats, canes and their signature sparkling vests for the Broadway classics, New York, New York, Lullaby of Broadway, They’re Playing My Song and 42ndStreet. The show was non-stop singing and dancing with medleys from South Pacific, Porgy & Bess, Guys & Dolls, Sound of Music, Gypsy and Chicago. Annie and Kids on Broadway were presented by the talented 3rd – 6th graders from the Benchmark School Show Choir, directed by NVC’s Carolyn Nyland. The rousing and visually-pleasing finale from Hair was the perfect ending to the “razzle-dazzle” of North Valley Chorale’s 9th season.
Debra Larson, longtime NVC fan, supporter and Herberger Theater Board Vice Chair, described the show as “beautifully sung, creatively costumed and stunningly choreographed.” The North Valley Chorale will be returning to The Herberger Theater in April 2018. Stay tuned!
Benchmark Show Choir charms with “Kids on Broadway” Photo by David Kaufman.
North Valley Chorale and Benchmark youths during “Hair” finale. Photo by Samantha Barrett.
NVC “Razzle-Dazzles” Fox 10 – April 21, 2017
The North Valley Chorale returned to “razzle-dazzle” Fox 10 Arizona Morning viewers with a sneak preview of the group’s upcoming show, Broadway Blast at on April 21. Over half of the nearly 60-strong local volunteer choir, directed by Eleanor Johnson, were warmly welcomed by Fox 10 anchors Troy Hayden and Andrea Robinson, “Look at all these talented people!”
Wearing top hats and shimmering in gold and black, the Chorale performed excerpts from their upcoming show Broadway Blast! The Sinatra standard, New York, New York was followed by Everything’s Comin’ Up Roses from the hit musical, Gypsy.
President Dr. Anita Murcko explained that NVC would be singing and dancing for the first time ever on The Herberger Theater stage, May 5 & 6. Murcko guaranteed, “You’ll have a blast at NVC’s Broadway Blast!” – and warned viewers to get their tickets soon-before the expected sellout.
Did you miss the segment? Want to see it again or share it? Thanks to Fox 10 Arizona Morning, you can click here to see the NVC Broadway Blast! sneak preview.
Visit the NVC website calendar for dates and details about the upcoming North Valley Chorale events and concerts.
North Valley Chorale Returns from Successful European Concert Tour – June 28 – July 12, 2016
North Valley Chorale tour members outside the Melk Abbey in Melk, Austria
This summer Director Eleanor Johnson led the North Valley Chorale (NVC) on the group’s first international concert tour, American Showcase-Europe Tour 2016. The American Showcase concert program was available in German, Czech and English. The Chorale delighted concert-goers in Munich (Germany), Salzburg and Vienna (Austria), and Prague (Czech Republic) with selections from Broadway musicals, spirituals, folk songs, and traditional and contemporary American music. NVC members also participated in a 2-day Mozart master class that culminated in the performance of the Mozart Requiem with the Vienna Chamber Orchestra and choirs from around the globe as part of the international “Sing Mit” Choir Festival. From the awe-inspiring cathedrals, magnificent palaces and grand museums to intimate community centers and tiny monasteries, North Valley Chorale members agreed that each performance… and each audience was very special. Most members described the American Showcase-Europe Tour 2016 as “trip of a lifetime.” All agreed that the musical, cultural, social and gastronomic aspects of the experience were equally wonderful and that the only way to have improved the trip was if every NVC member was able to tour with us.
