Historical
Facts & Events
The
idea of a women's chorus originated with the Appleton Business and
Professional Women's Club, which had its own chorus and felt there was a
need for a group which would give all women of the city an opportunity
to sing.
In
1941, a new musical organization, Appleton Women's Civic Choral Society,
was formed in Appleton, WI. More than 100 women began
rehearsals. Albert A. Glockzin, who directed the Appleton
MacDowell Male Chorus, also directed the women's chorus.
Sue
Appleton, chorus member from 1965-1970, designed the Chaminade Logo
consisting of a "C" and special treble clef.
Before
the first concert, the name Chaminade was selected for Cecile Chaminade,
a then famous contemporary female composer and pianist. Chaminade
Chorus has two letters on file that Cecile wrote to the chorus after
their concert in 1943.
According
to the first program, the chorus title was Appleton Chaminade Club
Chorus, admission was $0.55 and 123 women were listed as members.
Long pastel formals and long white gloves were the traditional concert
attire of the chorus for many years. Long black skirts and black
blouses with a contrasting scarf make up the new concert attire.
Most
of Chaminade's memorable moments occur on stage:
"The
Spirit Within", featuring the tenor policeman from New York
City, Daniel Rodriguez, was performed on October 3, 2003 in the Lawrence
Memorial Chapel.
"Sing
For The Cure" was performed in the Fox Cities Performing
Arts Center on December 20, 2002 featuring singers from area choruses
combining with Chaminade to raise money for breast cancer research.
"I Love America",
a collaboration in 1976 with
the Appleton MacDowell Male Chorus
"Nutcracker Suite",
presented with the Makaroff School of Ballet
Presenting joint numbers
with "The Sweet Adelines", "Lawrence Arts Academy Girl
Choir" and Mary Catterton of "Surprised by Grace"
Having a variety of talented
guest artists on our program, both vocalists and instrumentalists.
Photo
Journal of Recent Events
December
2, 2007
"To Hear the Angels Sing" Christmas Concert
Chaminade Honors Former Member
Chaminade honored former member Meta R. who sang with Chaminade in the 1940's. She is now in an area nursing home and will be 104 years old in January 2008. The "Dream Weaver" program for the residents granted Meta's wish to hear Chaminade sing once more and attend their concert. Singing in the Chorus was one of her favorite memories. Meta was given a red satin scarf to wear and was an honorary member of
Chaminade that evening as she sat in the audience along with her attendants, her Grandson and a
nursing home representative. It was a lovely occasion and at the end of the Concert, the audience gave her a standing ovation along with the chorus, the harpist and the chamber orchestra.
August-September
2007
Newspaper Ad in the Appleton
Post-Crescent
Tuesday,
October 4, 2006
Chaminade Information Display
Fox Cities Choral Music Festival
Margaret & Ottilie staff the
Chaminade Information Display
