SONGS ON A SUMMER BREEZE IN HANCOCK PARK

FELLOW ALTOS, Catherine Schuster and Nancy Reinisch are also on the board of the Metropolitan Master Chorale.

Enjoy an evening of songs by 12 members of the Metropolitan Master Chorale in a private Hancock Park garden on Sun., July 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. Songs on a Summer Breeze is a fundraiser for the one-year old chorale at the home of John and Nancy Reinisch. Nancy is coordinating the event with fellow singer Catherine Schuster.

Mezzo soprano Patricia Schuman, who hails from the Met, Teatro all Scall and Vienna State Opera, will also be featured at the event.

Selections include “Summertime” from “Porgy and Bess” as well as works from “Carmen” and “West Side Story” as well as other songs from the group’s six-century repertoire.

Nancy and Catherine are also on the board of the 50-member choir, who range in age from 21 to near 70. They are under the innovative tutelage of artistic director Glenn Carlos. Director of chorale activities at Los Angeles Valley College, he is also a consultant for the Grammys. “He is an amazing music teacher. He inspires me,” says Catherine. Nancy equally raved about her conductor.

The altos met about five years ago while members of the Hollywood Master Chorale. They have since fine-tuned their vocals, practicing weekly at Wilshire Presbyterian Church, and brushed up on music theory as well as learning to read all four voices: soprano, alto, tenor and bass. "That way you hear the chord you’re making when singing, "says Nancy.

A licensed clinical social worker in private practice, Nancy also works with children at Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA). It is among groups the Chorale involves in its community outreach.

She sang in high school and college, and then returned to voice about 11 years ago. “I decided I wanted to sing again,” she says.

Catherine played guitar and was inspired by Joan Baez before she too became a wife and mother. Board vice president and secretary, she uses her organizational skills as a consultant to fundraise, create data bases and is the group’s webmaster.

Proceeds raised at the event will help support the 2010-2011 season, which will feature three concerts beginning in December.

“Support your local group. We really are an excellent value,” says Catherine. “And, we’re really good,” adds Nancy.

For tickets and more information visit metrosings.org, or call 323-342-2263.

Source:Larchmont Chronicle