Articles

For the last decade of the twentieth century and the whole of this twenty-first century, Eleanor Kenitzer has been the pulsing heart of a musical experience in Nevada County and beyond.  That music wasn’t new here.  The singing of gold miners who came from Cornwall had been heard in these parts for 90 years.  It was Eleanor who helped bring it back to life, first in the Cornish Carol Choir and then the Grass Valley Male Voice Choir.  And now she’s stepping aside as Director of the Male Voice Choir.

2020-21 has been difficult years for singers, particularly those who find great joy in group or choral singing.  Covid-19 has interrupted the regularly scheduled joy of learning new music with the goal of bringing joy to an audience through performance. Despite the challenges, the Grass Valley Male Voice Choir has continued to find new ways to keep on singing.  We met weekly on Zoom, have worked to maintain our repertoire of our legacy music, which includes songs from out Cornish Male Voice tradition, such as “Morte Christe”, or “What Would I Do Without my Music?”  We have added old favorites, like “Over the Rainbow” and “Why We Sing”  as well as new songs, Billy Joel’s “For the Longest Time—Covid 19 Version”. We are looking forward to restarting rehearsals and performances soon - as safety allows - under the direction of our new director.

I'm thrilled for the opportunity to lead this vibrant group of singers! I believe when we sing or perform music, either individually or as a chorus, we open up ourselves to our inner most language of feeling and expression. Music is language which can express feelings from joy to sadness and grief, a language which can stir our hearts and the hearts of listeners; one which is greater than the sum of individual voices. This dynamic of collaborative dependency gives men the opportunity to open up and draw closer to each other - to richly fellowship together - as we explore diverse genres of vocal music from traditional to contemporary, Bach to the Beatles and beyond.

Change is never easy, and this year and a half has proven that truth many times over. So, too, is GVMVC changing. Sadly, we've 'graduated' a member or two to the heavenly choir, a few members have moved out of the area, and another deciding to pursue other interests. In that regard, we must announce the retirement of Eleanor Kenitzer, our founding director of 24 years. THankfully, she will continue to be involved with music in the area - specifically the Cornish Christmas Carol Choir among others. Taking up her baton is George Husaruk, who brings an enthusiam and experience to the group. While I, too, find life guiding me away from Grass Valley, I plan to stay involved as Communications Manager and webmaster remotely for the time being.