Although many people are now hearing the Chorale for the first time, its range, popularity, and exposure have been evolving for years. The group has its roots in the Magnachords Male Chorus, which was founded and directed by Calvin Langejans and first performed in January of 1961. In addition to standard choral literature, the chorus performed for several years in an ever-widening variety of settings including the first Miss Holland Pageant, fashion shows, and the John F. Kennedy community memorial service. The group also produced a full-blown patriotic concert called The Battle Cry of Freedom, a show which included color guard, uniformed service men, and brass ensemble.
In 1967, the Magnachords sponsored the formation of a women's chorus that became known as the Bel Canto Singers. Like the Magnachords, the Bel Canto Singers began with a series of sacred concerts in churches. Almost immediately, however, the two groups began performing together. The members began production on a joint concert in midwinter and presented the first Festival Muziekale for Tulip Time in 1969-a costumed, choreographed, song and dance musical revue which continues today. In 1971 the two groups officially merged and became the Holland Community Chorale.
After a long, steady and increasingly satisfying development, the Holland Chorale now boasts over 85 volunteer members of all ages and from all walks of life. Membership in the Chorale is by audition, and some singers have been involved throughout its 45 year history. A frequent reaction of visiting artists and new audience members is one of surprise. Surprise at the dedication of volunteer singers, surprise at the range of music performed, surprise at the quality of those performances, and surprise at the ability of a community this size to support the arts to such an extent. For members of the Chorale, the only surprise is that this type of program seems so unusual.
The group presents a variety of concerts each season including major performances in October, December, March and May. Members of the Chorale often sing in local churches, nursing homes and for other organizations as a community service. In addition, they co-sponsor, ensure funding, and perform for the Holland Chorale Community Enrichment Program. This "major celebration of the arts" involves over 21,000 people every year, and has grown to involve music, visual art, creative writing, dance, drama, exhibitions, and contests. Perhaps its most significant effect on the community results from the interaction between the major guest artists and local students of all ages.
The most recent and talked about accomplishments of the Chorale are certainly the recording of three CDs/tapes for the Delta Record Company of Chicago. "The Carols of Christmas" debuted in December of 1995 to rave reviews. The subsequent project, currently titled "Great Hymns of Faith", was released by Delta Records in 1996, and is also doing very well. In 1998, "Gospel!" was completed and has been very successfully received, and most recently, in 2004 the Chorale released a CD of music by Stephen Paulus entitled "Songs for the Season".
Few community choral groups in this country can match the wonderful opportunities presented to the Holland Chorale over the years. During its history, the group has distinguished itself both locally and nationally. West Michigan residents might remember that the group performed in the first Miss Holland Pageant, or that its "Holland Chorale Presents...", a traditional part of the Tulip Time Festival, is considered one of the best musical revues around and continues to be a "must see" vacation event. Others might remark on the major new works commissioned and performed by the group, an expensive yet vital practice for the development of the arts. Still others simply remember the enjoyment they've experienced over the years watching, laughing and listening as the Chorale brought life to spirituals, holiday medleys, folk songs, and a large variety of traditional choral literature.
The group is not limited to local performances, however. Other highlights of their career include a concert in Chicago's Orchestra Hall, four prime-time television specials, appearances at the Midwestern Conference on School Music, the annual conventions of the prestigious American Choral Directors Association, and the Music Educators National Conference. Performances have also included collaboration with the Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and West Shore Symphony Orchestras.
Founder and director Langejans made the difficult decision to retire in 2000 from the position he held so faithfully and capably for forty years. The Chorale was delightedly successful in securing Gary Bogle as the new director following a year-long and exhaustive search process. Mr. Bogle assumed music directorship in July of 2000.
The Holland Chorale gratefully acknowledges the support of our community as expressed through patronage of our concert series, purchase of our recordings, advertising support, grant funding, and underwriting of our projects. We are humbled by the readiness of our community to assist our artistic endeavors. We are inspired by the never ending encouragement of families, friends and audiences. We are pleased to give back whatever we can through our music. We hope you are just as pleased as you experience another season of great music with the Holland Chorale.