Strathmore Concert To Honor Encore Creativity For Older Adults Founder

NORTH BETHESDA, MD — A choral organization for adults over 55 will celebrate its 15th anniversary at the Strathmore next month, with a concert conducted by its founder, Jeanne Kelly.

Encore Creativity for Older Adults said that more than 600 singers will be there representing Encore groups from Maryland, D.C., New York, Virginia and the online program.

“For many participants - retirees, widows, widowers, empty nesters and people looking for engaging experiences in their later years - Encore has provided a new community of friends, a new passion, challenging educational and performance opportunities, and most of all, joy,” said Joshua Vickery, CEO in a news release. “We are thrilled to celebrate Jeanne for all she has accomplished and Encore’s important milestone.”

The concert is scheduled for Saturday, May 14 at 3 p.m.

"The Annapolis, Md.-based nonprofit Encore Creativity for Older Adults was founded in 2007 by Ms. Kelly, who had a vision for a non-audition, professionally run choral program for people over 55, an age group that she felt was underserved in the arts in the country," the organization said in the news release announcing the concert. "Today, Encore has more than 1,200 singers in 26 in-person ensembles across the nation, including Chorales, ROCKS - rock & roll choruses - and Sentimental Journey Singers, a choir for those with early Alzheimer’s and memory impairment, plus a vibrant online university, summer camp, winter retreat and travel abroad programs."