Marin Choir Marks 30 Years with Special Performance

A Legacy of Music and Unity

Every summer, Marin becomes a hub for musical excellence as the Consort Chorale gathers to celebrate the power of music. This year’s production, titled "Songs Worth Singing," showcases a diverse range of musical styles from renowned composers such as George Frideric Handel, Robert Schumann, Giuseppe Verdi, as well as modern icons like the Beatles, Queen, and Eric Whitacre. The performance also features works by Allan Robert Petker, the group's Artist Director, and Kevin Memley, this year’s special guest. The show will take place at 4 p.m. at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Tiburon. It includes contributions from associate directors David Irvine and Sanford Dole, along with accompanist Brad Schultz.

The event promises a wide array of musical experiences that appeal to all ages. "It's a wonderful variety, and that's what makes it entertaining for any age," said Petker, reflecting on the 30th anniversary celebration. Admission prices range from $17.85 to $33.85, with free entry for children under 10. For more details and ticket information, visit consortchorale.org.

Origins of a Musical Journey

The story of the Consort Chorale began when Petker, then serving as the music director at the Presbyterian Church of Novato, partnered with a local singer named Bob Friestad to form a choir. Their goal was to tackle challenging music while maintaining an enjoyable atmosphere. The group accepted members through an audition process, which remains a key part of their selection today. Currently, the ensemble consists of around 36 singers, including both professionals and those with prior musical experience.

Initially, Petker thought the group would be a one-time project. "The very next year, I moved away," he recalled. "My wife had been a student at the seminary, and she got a call, and we moved to Oregon. I thought that was the end." However, a few members drove up to Oregon and proposed the idea of making the group a summer-only choir. They planned for Petker to return periodically to prepare the group for a single concert. That plan worked, and despite living in the Los Angeles area now, the tradition has continued for the past 30 years. People kept coming back, and more individuals began auditioning.

Over time, the group expanded its scope by incorporating orchestral ensembles into their performances.

Expanding Horizons Through Music

Petker, known for his work as a composer, arranger, conductor, and music publisher, has also led other choirs, including the Los Cancioneros Master Chorale and Santa Clarita Master Chorale in Southern California since 2015 and 2004, respectively. He describes the Consort Chorale as a family, each member bringing their own unique personality. "This is the group I've had the longest. It does have a very special place because it was the first chorale," he said.

Since 2008, Petker has brought together singers from all three of his groups to form the Allan Petker Chorale for occasional summer tours. "We've sung at Carnegie Hall. We've sung in different places in the world," he shared. This summer, the group performed in Spain. "I was exhibiting at one of these music conferences because I have a music publishing company as well. I was at one of the national conferences, and the person next to me was an organist, but he had a little tour company. He was the one that said, 'You should consider taking your choir on tour.' So then we put together the first tour."

The Power of Music

For Petker, the experience of leading the group is deeply meaningful. "I feel extremely blessed because this is a thrilling way to journey through life," he said. "And I even said to the group recently, 'When we come together to sing and we do music from all eras, nothing else in the world matters for a few hours because we are completely as a group, unified and trying to do our best to understand and bring the art out.' It is very life-giving and it does feed our souls. It unifies the group and brings them together again every summer."