An important branch of the Bach Choir family is the people we work with.

Their talents and hard work make our concerts and events possible. Mindful of these ties, our wonderful SFBC Board voted last week to pay the instrumentalists, soloists, and other staff who would have been employed for our May concerts, in addition to the workshop leaders we paid in March for our cancelled Many Voices, One Art Choral Festival on March 7.

This represents a financial commitment of close to $15,000. I am beyond proud and grateful to these generous and compassionate people on our Board and in our choir, especially as we watch most freelance musicians’ income suddenly drop to zero.

Since we’re a choir that’s not rehearsing, what are we doing? 

We’re still meeting at our regular rehearsal time, but on Zoom instead of in person. 50 singers attended this week! We’re seeing each other’s faces, catching up on news, doing a vocal warm-up together, and then having a short presentation that’s interesting, engaging, and fun. Oh yes, and we’re meeting each other’s pets!

I am heartbroken not to be rehearsing Brahms with our wonderful singers every week (and boy, they sounded FABULOUS at our last rehearsal!). But the lovely thing about music is that we can make it ourselves, and there are more ways than ever before to enjoy it, even in isolation.

What has not changed is this opportunity to tell you how grateful we are that you are part of the Bach Choir family.

Thank you for your love of music, your belief in live performance, and the many ways you support our community.

Sending my very sincere hope and wish that you and your family are staying healthy and finding sources of joy, creativity, and mutual support as we go through this together.

In gratitude,

Magen Solomon, Artistic Director