Gold Coast Concert Chorus History

Chorus sings at the Holiday Concert, December 2000

Gold Coast Concert Chorus was formed in January 1988 under the direction of Kurt Berentsen to celebrate Trinity Lutheran Church's 50th anniversary. Following this, the Chorus adopted a format of presenting a spring concert of light mixtures of choral selections, a holiday concert incorporating familiar tunes, and a midseason concert consisting of choral classics. In recent years, the Chorus commenced a program entitled "Klassics for Kids", to introduce children to the world of choral music.

Stephen Dombek served as director from April 1992 to July 1995. Kenneth Helms served as director from 1996 until his death in March 2005. Julie Crooks served as director from July 2005 to June 2006. Elizabeth Helms served as Guest Director for the June 2005 and December 2006 concerts, and has now accepted the permanent position of Artistic Director.

The Chorus traveled to New York in July 1991, to perform at Carnegie Hall (under the direction of John Rutter) and at Lincoln Center. Other tours were in 1995 to Great Britain and in 1998 to France, Italy and Croatia. The Chorus had successful tours of Central and Eastern Europe from June 28 - July 14, 2001, and the British Isles from June 25 - July 11, 2004.

The Chorus is composed of singers with all levels of experience. The singers have an opportunity to participate in any or all of the three productions per year with only a 3-month commitment at any one time.

Rehearsals are held on Monday nights from 7:00 pm until 9:30 pm in the sanctuary of Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Rd, in Ventura. Rehearsals for the March 2008 concert will begin on January 7.

We welcome new members to our fine chorus! Members pay annual dues, pay for their music and volunteer their time. Members assist in fundraising, promotion and educational activities.

If you are interested in joining Gold Coast, please contact Laurie Oberlander, Membership Chairperson via email.