Community Chorus Celebrates With Free Concert

It began as the Alameda Oratorio Society, and has been harmonizing community voices for three decades with free concerts in the community. 

Founded in 1982 by Bonnie Horlbeck and Charles Rhode, the Alameda Community Chorus — as it later became known — will celebrate its 30th anniversary with yet another free concert on Friday.

“Gotta Be This or That” takes place June 8 at 7 p.m. at the in Kofman Auditorium. The chorus will perform works by J. S. Bach and Randall Thompson, among other notable tunes. Admission is, of course, free. 

The chorus comprises more than 40 singers and performs at least two concerts per year in addition to community events, covering a range of styles from classical to pop. Chorus Director Kathryn Neale Manalo is a vocal soloist and cellist from Alameda. 

It was during the 1982 Alameda Mozart Festival that the group first showcased its vocal talents, under the direction of Al Price. Three years later, the chorus became affiliated with Alameda Adult School.

Have you enjoyed the Alameda Community Chorus over the past three decades? Share your experiences in the comments.