About Us:
Since its humble beginnings in 1961, the Torrance Civic Chorale has grown to between 90 and 100 singers. Members come from the surrounding South Bay communities and encompass all age groups from young adults to people with over 50 years’ vocal music experience. The Chorale represents professions in aerospace, banking and investments, education, parenting, military, medical, governmental social services, professional antique dealers, students, retirees, and church employees. The choristers’ diversities span Japan, China, Chile, England, the Philippines, Spain, Korea, Scandinavia, France, Ireland, Germany, Italy, Greece, Scotland, Middle East and Central America.
The Chorale is under the sponsorship of the Cultural Services Division in the Community Services Department of the City of Torrance. Irene Apanovitch-Leites is Artistic Director and Conductor, with accompaniment by Diana Brownson. Orchestras, bands, instrumental ensembles, and individual musicians are engaged to perform with the Chorale as needed.
The group’s musical repertoire varies widely from the classics to ancient ballads, pop tunes and Broadway musicals to newly composed masterworks. In Fall 2018, the Chorale premiered Daniel Newman-Lessler’s latest composition, E-mu-nah.
The full choir performs three major concerts per year, two in December and one in April, all held at the beautiful James R. Armstrong Theater in Torrance. Additional events include somewhat smaller groups performing for community outreach and holiday/social occasions around the South Bay, such as the Torrance Memorial Holiday Festival and the City of Torrance’s 45th anniversary Sister City event with Kashiwa, Japan. Their international choral travel has spanned Europe, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong, and Canada and they will be performing the works of Randol Bass at Carnegie Hall in New York City in November 2018.
