Founded in 1988, the San Jose Peace Chorale is composed of a diverse group of singers. We are a non-profit, non-partisan organization whose members believe in:
- Bringing together people of all kinds
- Presenting beautiful, spirited, excellent music
- Supporting struggles for peace, freedom, equality, and justice
- Cherishing the earth
The San Jose Peace Chorale is the dream child of Genie Bernardini. Working in the Peace Movement, she thought: “Wouldn’t it be wonderful to get a group of singers together who would enjoy singing to further the cause of Peace while making beautiful music?”
Genie found interested Peace Community friends to join such a choir, then contacted the Choral Department at San Jose State University to find a Conductor. Dr. Charlene Archibeque, Choral Department head, suggested lan Glasman, then working on a Masters in Choral Conducting.
The choir was ‘born’ one evening in February, 1988, in the Bernardini living room, with an original membership of about ten.
- February 1988 – December 1989 Director Ilan Glasman grounded us in classical style, sharing his newfound knowledge of choral techniques and music. Rehearsals were at Mother Olson’s Inn. Masters Recital Nov 1988, concert Nov 1989.
- January 1990 – June 1990 Deanna Uesugi, a member with conducting and arranging expertise, took over temporarily. Worked on articulation, phrasing, and warm-ups.
- August 1990 – July 1991 Director Phoebe Pinney-Fazio taught us to hear ourselves and gave us our sense of family. Concerts Dec 1990, May 1991.
- September 1991 – June 1992 Director Bob Wells added small groups from the Chorale into our concert. Rehearsals moved to a church and then to a Friends’ meeting house. Concerts Jan & June 1992.
- September 1992 – June 1995 Director Marty Peterson was a sensitive role model who encouraged solos. He taught us to ‘get off the page’ and led us to perform to our personal potential. Rehearsals moved to St. Paul’s, then to First United Methodist. Concerts April 1993, 1994 & 1995.
- September 1995 – June 2000 Director Corliss Greene was a dynamic, energetic force who continued to improve our sound and musicianship. Rehearsals moved to Luther Burbank School, then to Del Mar High School. Concerts April 1996, 1997, 1998 & 1999.
- September 2000 – June 2002 Director Paul Prohaska brought his love for Shape Note singing to the Chorale, as well as some of his original arrangements. Rehearsals moved to the Chai House in his second season.
- September 2002 – June 2004 Classically trained Marzena Jones worked extensively on developing the Chorale’s sound quality, and explored more challenging pieces.
- September 2004 – Present Current Director Diane James, for many years a Tenor in the Chorale, emphasizes the “community” aspect of our group. She brings energy and humor to our rehearsals. She instituted joint concerts with other groups, including the Orchard City Chorale (which she also directs). Concerts May 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007.
