Doug Ross
Sometimes calling themselves “refugees” or a “refuge for those who love singing in choirs,” the East Valley Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Bruce Cochran, will present a full concert sponsored by the Sun Lakes Community Church. The concert will take place on Tuesday evening, February 20, 2018, in the Sun Lakes Chapel. Admission is free – with a free-will offering going to the ongoing ministry of the Chorale.
Their website states, “We give former church choir members a place to join their hearts and voices through richly meaningful music that expresses faith, hope and love. We enjoy serving diverse audiences connecting with believers, seekers and music lovers at churches. This includes community events, retirement communities and nursing homes and care facilities. It brings us much joy to see and hear how God uses our music in the lives of our listeners.”
Rev. Jerry McGhee, Pastor of the Community Church, says, “I have several of the Chorale’s CDs and am often listening to them as I go about church business. Their music selections are varied, including such songs as ‘How Great Thou Art’ – old standard hymns, such as ‘All the Way My Savior Leads Me’ and the favorite of nearly everyone, ‘Amazing Grace.’ Their performance of ‘Written in Red’ is a classic performance, and they often close their concert with that song.”
Bruce Cochran is the founder and director of the Chorale. For more than 36 years, Bruce has directed church choirs and small ensembles in New England, California and Arizona. He studied choral conducting at University of Southern California in Los Angeles and at the Bonner Institute for the Advancement of Choral Music in Glendora, California. Every year, he attends a Master Conducting Seminar in California to continue growing as a leader, educator and communicator in the art of choral conducting.
In addition to conducting, Bruce Cochran has produced six CDs since 2011. Many of his East Valley Chorale recording selections may now be heard on 10 radio broadcast networks and Internet radio stations with listeners worldwide.
Audiences enjoy Dr. Cochran’s sharing of humorous and inspirational stories that underscore the meaning behind musical selections. As an avid reader, he delights concertgoers with favorite author excerpts. He especially is appreciated for his engaging connection with singers and musicians.
Eric Addis has been the accompanist at the East Valley Chorale since early 2016. He is an unconventional piano player who delights, encourages, connects with and uplifts audiences by infusing his personality into his piano music.
While admission is free, a special ticket – a huge oversize ticket – for a very big concert – is available and will be honored at the doors until 6:30 p.m.
Sun Lakes Community Church meets every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. at the Sun Lakes Chapel, located across from the Sun Lakes Country Club. More information is available by calling the church office at 480-895-9247. The church website is www.sunlakescommunitychurch.org where you will find a segment of music by the Chorale.