THE 1940's

As the 1940's approached and the effects of the Great Depression were still being felt, there was no money to be spent for entertainment and leisure time activities. It was because of a need and desire to look beyond the hard times that home talent cultural activities had a rebirth in Canton and Stark County.

Mrs. Dorothy Kerst Davis felt the time was ripe for a revival of operatic interest in Canton after singing in the opera chorus of the Chautauqua Summer Opera. Alfredo Valenti, head of the opera, and Alberto Bimboni of the Juilliard Conservatory, encouraged her to start an opera company and suggested Boris Goldovsky, from Cleveland Institute of Music, as the first director.

Goldovsky agreed to supervise a Canton Opera if at least fourteen trained singers would participate in it. Mrs. Davis had 100 signed up to sing, the night, January 14, 1939, Goldovsky was to meet with them, a blizzard hit Canton and only twenty appeared. However it was enough and the Canton Civic Opera was born.

The new operatic organization had to find the means to finance their ambitious program. Many ladies pitched in and made costumes. Boris Goldovsky donated his services for the five operas he directed. The principals and chorus members sang for the fun of it. In spite of these onations it was quickly realized that the opera could not be self-supporting and larger contribution funds must be raised.

Community leaders were contacted and a Board of Trustees was formed to guide the fledgling organization. Mrs. Basil Thurin was the first president and other board members included: Robert McCoy, Vice President; Homer Giessen, Treasurer; Mrs. Feliz Hinkle, Assistant Treasurer; Elizabeth Miller, Secretary; Hilda Schneider, Assistant Secretary; and Boris Goldovsky, William Reynolds and Dorothy Kerst Davis, Trustees.

Approximately one year after its founding, the Canton Civic Opera presented two performances of "The Bartered Bride" by Friedrich Smetana in Timken High School Auditorium. Rehearsals for the production had been held in churches, dance studios and even in city council chambers where spittoons were removed much to the dismay of the councilmen.

The leading female role of Maria in "The Bartered Bride" was shared by Dorothy Kerst Davis and Georgia Shrigley. The leading male role was sung by Thomas H. Nichols, who later became mayor of the city of Canton.

The overwhelming success of "The Bartered Bride" encouraged the opera association to launch a very ambitious program. Miss Jessie Mockel of New Castle, Pennsylvania was named musical director, Mrs. Norma Frizelle Stolzenback, Dramatic Coach and William Reynolds, Ballet Master.

The second opera, "Carmen," performed at Lincoln High School, had 1,100 enthusiastic "First Nighters." To quote a newspaper review, "Opera Is Growing Up In Canton." With the presentation of Bizet's Light Opera "Carmen" last night, Canton Civic Opera Association took a positive step forward from the day last season when it was born on the melodic strains of Smetana's "The Bartered Bride."

Boris Goldovsky and Alberto Bimboni jointly conducted the first five operas which also included: "Faust," "Cavelleria Rusticana" and "Pagliacci." Goldvosky left Cleveland for the New England Conservatory of Music and Maestro Bimboni led the group through 1950.

"Tales of Hoffman," which was presented in 1943, differed from the usual opera because of the substitution of women's voices for those of men in the prologue and epilogue due to the manpower shortage. Edward Kane, a professional concert artist from New York, was obtained to sing the title role when Thomas Nichols was called into service.

Conductor Bimboni in an interview, predicted continuing and growing success for the Canton Opera Organization, and said that such companies can do more than anything else to popularize operatic productions. He had highest praise for the rehearsal director and dramatic coach.

When Albert Bimboni, a member of the music faculty of the Juilliard School of Music, agreed to come to Canton to train Canton Civic Opera in such operas as: "Tales of Hoffman," "La Traviata," "La Boheme," "Carmen," "Mignon," "Elixir of Love," "Lucia De Lammermore," "Die Fledermaus" and "Romeo and Juliet," he was returning to Stark County some of the great musical gifts made possible by Augustus Juilliard, a Stark County native.

Community leaders continued to give their support to the opera and names such as W.A. Porterfield, Warren G. Smith, L.H. Ream, E.T. Heald, James A. Aungst, O.E. Barkey, Rev. George Parkinson, E.E. Shortridge, Clark Schneeberger, Hon. Reuben Wise, Dr. Loyal Leavenworth, Mrs. L.G. Pritz, Gordon Burris, Lucille Myers and many others were in the forefront.

Following the performance of Verdi's "La Traviata" in 1945, a newspaper review by Lois Zimmer said. "Once again, Canton Civic Opera Association proved to the complete satisfaction of a capacity audience that musically speaking, here is one city that no longer needs to depend on professional talent for its entertainment.

THE 1950's

As men and women returned home from the service, the musical taste of the audience seemed to swing to a lighter form of entertainment. Several light operas and operettas were added to the group's growing repertoire, and the policy to perform one grand opera and one light opera annually was established. Nineteen fifty-two saw the Canton Civic Opera Association incorporated and the Board of Trustees reorganized.

Performances of "The Merry Widow," "Rose Marie" and "Naughty Marietta," introduced local audiences a new novel and wonderfully captivating form of entertainment. Guest conductors including Isaac Van Grove, Matthew Ferrugio, Albert K. Germanson, Alberto Bimboni, Daniel Harris, Louis Lane, Arden Whitacre and Karl Kritz served from 1951 through 1959.

Preparation of the chorus, prior to the actual performances, was the task of local assistant directors such as George Kantzer and Martin Alexander. The ballet master was William Reynolds and dramatic coaches included Albert Gill and Mrs. Dale Thoma.

In 1956, an anonymous donor gave $500.00 to establish a vocal scholarship award, which was to be offered for an indefinite number of years until the Association could pay the annual grant with proceeds from productions. The selection was to be based upon an audition and offered to a student studying for a bachelor of music degree at an accredited school. Mr. R.C. Topping of Pittsburgh Musical Institute heard the auditions, and the first scholarship was awarded to Sandra Watson of Alliance, a student at Baldwin-Wallace College.

A departure from the staged productions was made in 1958 when a stand-up concert of opera, classical and popular music was presented under the direction of Arden Whitacre. In 1959, Karl Kritz, association conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony, directed the Canton Civic Opera for "The Magic Flute." The opera was given in concert version with all dialogue, scenery and costumes eliminated. The chorus and principals were seated on one half of the stage and the orchestra on the other half. Members of the cast were dressed formally and stood when it was time for them to give their parts. Russell Burt, a local attorney, as narrator linked the vocal portions describing the dialogue and action.

The full-length concert version of the opera was well received and called a courageous experiment. Canton Civic Opera was to be admired for this undertaking.

Community leaders continued their support and interest in Canton Civic Opera. Dr. Ralph K. Ramsayer, Mrs. L.G. Pritz, L.H. Ream, William S. Georges, Dr. John Dougherty, Blanche Kutt, Mrs. Atlee Piero, and Mrs. Emanual Elite among others served various board positions during this period.

Much of the organizations success in recent years may be attributed to two events which occurred in 1959. Mrs. Larry G. Pritz arranged a $5,000.00 yearly endowment for employment of professional talent to train and direct the amateur performers. Albert K. Germanson, a Columbus director of drama and music was selected as director. A violinist, he taught at Capital University, and had been choral director and soloist in pageants throughout the country.

The second momentous event was the establishment of a "continuing chorus" that would rehearse on a weekly basis to become a repertoire company. A chorus of sixty voices formed the nucleus of this exciting venture.

Nineteen fifty-nine was the inception of the Festival of Arts with the Canton Civic Opera joining the Canton Symphony, Art Institute and Players Guild in presenting their fall programs as special cultural events for the community. Canton Civic Opera's offering was "The Student Prince" which received enthusiastic acclaim from the audience. Thus, the foundation was laid for the Cultural Arts Organizations.

THE 1960's

Forces of growth were generated by director Albert K. Germanson that could not be contained in any high school auditorium in Canton. The Civic Opera productions shifted to Loew's Theatre for "Carousel" where the performance each night was given before a full house of more than 2,000. Canton City Council took the unprecedented step of passing a resolution of congratulations and commendation. In one leap the Canton Civic Opera had become a popular Canton and Stark County institution.

The success of such shows as "Carousel," "Oklahoma!" and "Music Man" continued to draw large audiences. Chorus rehearsals had been held at Reynolds and McIlvain dance studio, various churches and even the American Legion Hall, but in the early 60's the Civic Opera moved to the Stark County Historical Center. When the Center was constructed, a room for the Opera Association was a basic consideration because many supporters were active in both organizations. Acoustically, the room was regarded as the most perfect in the city.

Performing at the local movie house posed a problem as far as rehearsals on stage were concerned. The cast and musicians would gather at midnight after the movie was over, and then the movie house would become a theatre. As if by magic, scenery was hung, sets developed, costumes readied and the orchestra pit filled with musicians. The cast would rehearse through the night, often going home at dawn for a few hours of sleep before returning to the theatre that evening for the actual performance.

The production staff for the Canton Civic Opera performances was composed of many volunteers. Mrs. Germanson, wife of the director, was production assistant in charge of costumes, and many of the cast members helped build and paint sets.

In 1965, the Timken Foundation purchased the old Harter Estate from Stark County for nearly one million dollars. The Timken Foundation proposed the site as a gift to the people of Canton, and offered to build and equip a Canton Cultural Center complex. An ambitious plan was drawn to house the Canton Art Institute, Players Guild plus a 1900 seat Music Hall for performances by the Civic Opera, Ballet and Symphony Orchestra as well as others.

However, due to rising construction costs, the Music Hall was eliminated from the project, but the Opera, Ballet and Symphony remained an integral part of the Cultural Arts Organization, and maintain their business offices at the Cultural Center while performing elsewhere.

Civic Opera moved back to the Timken High School auditorium as a performance site in 1968 after a scrim curtain fell to the stage during the performance of "My Fair Lady" at the Plaza Theater. There were no injuries and in true theatre tradition, "the show must go on."

The Women's Committee of Canton Civic Opera was organized in 1969 under the guidance of Mrs. Donald Vanek, business manager of the Association. Friends and wives of chorus members joined the newly organized group of volunteers to assist in box office, promotion, building costumes and providing support in the areas of the Arts. Mrs. Robert Wilgus was elected the first president.

Once again, more changes were to come, and in 1969 following the resignation of Albert K. Germanson as director, William J. Hamilton was appointed choral and artistic director of the Canton Civic Opera chorus.

Hamilton had been director of vocal music and drama at Glenwood High School for 13 years, and was named assistant professor of music at the Stark County Branch of Kent State University.

A newspaper review following his first Civic Opera production, "The Unsinkable Molly Brown," stated, "It was apparent that director Hamilton has taken seriously his new position with the chorus. Orchestra, chorus, supporting cast and principals all responded in gratifying concert to Hamilton's design."

THE 1970's

New ideas and new goals were the order under Director Hamilton's guidance. There was a new enthusiasm and energy among the singers, and soon the Chorus grew to eighty plus voices.

Louis H. Ream retired as president of the Association and was accorded the honor of life membership. William S. Georges, a Canton attorney, long active in the Canton Civic Opera was elected president of the Board of Trustees.

The Chorus became known for its outreach programs for various cultural, civic and religious organizations. The Summer Church series was initiated in 1971 to present worship in song for area churches during the month on July when most choirs were disbanded for the summer.

Another innovative program introduced by Director Hamilton in 1971 was the ENCORE series. Originally introduced as a mini version of many of the Broadway musicals Civic Opera had performed in the past, it is now a well-rounded program ranging from serious concert and sacred works to Broadway show tunes and special choreographed numbers. The theme each year is as varied as a birthday party for Mickey Mouse to a sophisticated musical journey to New York, New York, a salute to Irving Berlin or a Sentimental Journey through the 1940's. ENCORE has become the means to spotlight the talent versatility of the Chorus.

New York Yankee catcher Thurmon Munson was honored by Civic Opera at the opening performance of "Damn Yankees" in 1972. An autographed bat from the cast was presented to Mr. Munson at a reception held backstage following the performance.

A new Performing Arts Hall was constructed on the campus of the Stark County Branch of Kent State University, and in 1973 Civic Opera was invited to become Company-in-residence and to rehearse and perform in the 400 seat theatre there. While the business office remained at the Cultural Center for the Arts, the new "home" gave Civic Opera the opportunity to grow and attain new heights in performances. The acceptance by the audience was overwhelming with "sold-out" performances becoming the rule.

It was at this time Civic Opera began traveling to other communities to perform. Programs were given at the Goodyear Theatre in Akron, and for the 100th anniversary of the Lakeside Association at Lakeside, Ohio. Other trips also included Columbus, Ashland and northeastern Ohio.

Civic responsibilities were served in 1974 when the Chorus sang for the naturalization ceremony for fellow chorus members Brian Fitzsimmons and his wife Patricia when they became U.S. citizens.

Travel within the confines of Ohio sparked an interest for a concert tour overseas, but first, money had to be raised for such an ambitious undertaking. Originally planned as a fund-raiser, Ye Olde Madrigal Christmas Feaste was conceived. This unique program caught the interest of the entire community, and tickets were in such demand a lottery drawing was necessary.

Ye Olde Madrigal Christmas Feaste, a medieval dinner in the style of the 16th century of merrie olde England, was held in the McKinley Room of Canton Memorial Civic Center for the first ten years. Besides elaborate costuming and banners, one of the hallmarks of the Feaste was a twenty-foot Christmas tree suspended upside down from the ceiling decorated with hundreds of red bows.

Nineteen seventy-seven became the year for the long-awaited trip to Europe. One hundred ten friends and supporters joined the 77 singers on a chartered plane for the 16 day tour. Concerts were presented in the Netherlands, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France and Liechtenstein. Music of America by Americans was the theme of the tour. Newspaper reviews following the programs stated. . ."what the Canton Civic Chorale let us hear was beyond expectations. . .this is just a fantastic choir. . .with the flair of professional choir in a cabaret program. . .dead silence and long ovations were the best examples that the public enjoyed itself and that is what every singer wishes for. . ."

Funding for the overseas tour was gained from extra performances and various other projects. The theme became "a busy chorus is a happy chorus" as the members worked hard to achieve their goals.

Another highlight in the 70's was an appearance on the same bill with Bob Hope when he gave a benefit program for the Women's Board of Aultman Hospital. The Chorus entertained at the Hall of Fame Festival Enshrinees Dinner in 1976. A joint production of "A Little Night Music" was given with the Players Guild in 1979. Broadway musicals such as "South Pacific," "Anything Goes," "Most Happy Fella," "Oklahoma," "Plain and Fancy," "L'il Abner" and "Brigadoon" were well received along with the ENCORE and Ye Olde Madrigal Christmas Feaste programs.

Local businessmen and women who served on the Board of Trustees during this time included William Friedman, Floyd Shore, Louis Thurin, Donald Vanek, Deloris Cope, Audrey Vanek and Kay Owens.

In 1979 former chorus members and friends joined to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Canton Civic Opera at a reception held in Cable Recital Hall at the Cultural Center for the Arts. Opera founder Dorothy Kerst Bacon was one of the honored guests. Reminiscing and the renewal of old friendships provided a most successful afternoon program. The tradition of Canton Civic Opera was strong and vital.

THE 1980's

Always striving for perfection, Director Hamilton urged the Chorus onto great heights for the decade of the 80's. The outstanding success of the overseas tour in 1977 prompted a tour of the United Kingdom in 1980 where the group performed at St. Martin's-in-the-Fields in London, Durham Cathedral, Coventry Cathedral, Culzean Castle in Scotland and concerts with the world renown Dowlais Male Choir of Wales, the Treharris Choir of Porthcawl Wales as well as television and radio appearances in Great Britain.

A second tour to the United Kingdom was made in 1985 and included concerts in Wexford, Ireland, the Portsmouth Royal Naval Base, Southampton, the Royal Agricultural Fair, Coventry Cathedral, St. Machar's Cathedral in Aberdeen, Scotland and a return engagement with the Dowlais Choir in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. Advice and leadership for both trips to Great Britain was given by The Hoover Company which the Canton Civic Opera gratefully acknowledges.
The World's Fair at Knoxville, Tennessee and appearances at the Ohio State Fair rounded out the traveling for the Chorus in the 1980's.

The Broadway musicals, always staged with a full orchestra in the pit, continued to be favorites in the community with sold out performances. "The Music Man," "Guys and Dolls," "Call Me Madam," "How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," "Kiss me Kate," "My Fair Lady" and "Fiddler On The Roof" were presented.

The importance of vocal scholarships remained uppermost with the Civic Opera and Women's Committee of Civic Opera with over 100 scholarships having been awarded in the past thirty years. When the Rotary Club of Carrollton, Ohio contacted Civic Opera in 1985 to present an ENCORE program as a fund raiser for their scholarships, the response was most positive to assist. The Carrollton ENCORE performance each spring has been a beneficial relationship for all.

Ye Olde Madrigal Christmas Feaste moved to the Cultural Center in 1985 when the Great Court was transformed into a Tudor Castle of merrie olde England complete with drawbridge. A special Children's Madrigal performance was introduced in 1986 for sixth grade students giving the children the opportunity to experience the history of medieval times brought to life. The program has received very enthusiastic approval from school administrators and teachers with the schools calling months ahead for their invitation to attend.

A Show choir Workshop was introduced in 1987. The workshop, a non-competitive learning experience for high school students, brought choirs together from throughout the country to study choreography and special movements with guests clinicians such as Kirby Shaw, Andrew Haines and Stevie Rivers.

Community leaders of the eighties that had an impact on Canton Civic Opera included Richard Young, John Boebinger, Jack Baker, Larry Pitts, Allen Frease and Ray Gillman.

Walsh College of Canton invited Civic Opera to become Company-in-residence in 1987 where rehearsal facilities were provided. At the same time, renovations were completed at the Palace Theatre in downtown Canton. The premiere performance was ENCORE '87-A Salute to America. A larger theater, the Palace was now the new performance "home" for the Canton Civic Opera.

The Civic Opera joined the community in 1989 welcoming the AA Canton Indians, a farm club of the Cleveland Indians by singing the national Anthem for the opening ball game.

In recognition of Canton Civic Opera's 50th anniversary, the first production of 1939, "The Bartered Bride," was presented to launch the second fifty years.

Grand opera and operettas are an important part of the history of the Canton Civic Opera Association, and there is equal pride in the programs that are presented today. As the Canton Civic Opera celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1989, we saluted the past and looked forward to an exciting future.

THE 1990's

The Cultural Center for the Arts made Cable Recital Hall available for weekly rehearsals of the Chorus in 1990 which meant reluctantly leaving Walsh College, but provided the group with larger rehearsal facilities. The business office had been housed at the Cultural Center since 1965, and now the opportunity to hold rehearsals and conduct business within the same structure was an advantage.

After 22 years as the choral director of the Chorus, William Hamilton retired in 1990 following the Ye Olde Madrigal Christmas Feaste performance in December. Assist director, Paul von Gunten, ably filled in for ENCORE '91 while the search committee looked for a permanent director.

Paul McGahie of Cleveland was named director in 1991 with The Gondoliers as his first production. He invited Kenneth Kramer of Stark Kent State University as assistant director, and the following year Dr. Alfred Anderson from the University of Akron assisted with the production of "Mame." Mr. McGahie left as director in 1993, and John Hayward, choral director at North Canton Hoover High School, was named director in the Spring. In June, 1993, the Chorus presented a pops concert at Chautauqua, New York under the direction of John Hayward. The attendance at the concert was over 5,000 and very well received.

A Summer Children's Workshop was organized by John Hayward in 1993, and a Children's Chorus of third through eighth graders was formed in the fall with 27 singers. Three years later, the Children's Chorus had more than doubled in size. The Summer Workshops have continued under the direction of Christine Riley. The children prepare a special musical program and take the show on the road for a performance at a nursing home. During the two-week workshop the children learn not only singing in preparation for their performance, but choreography, make-up, costuming and simple set-design.

The Children's Chorus which meets weekly throughout the school year is directed by Christine Riley. It has become an integral part of the Canton Civic Opera Association. The children have joined in performance with the Chorus for the Madrigal Feaste and Encore series as well as performing special concerts on their own. A Children's Advisory Committee made up of parents was organized in 1996.

Mr. Hayward resigned as choral director in December 1994. A series of guest conductors were invited to direct the Chorus. Steve Dallas led the group in Encores '95 and '96 with his special musical arrangements. Fred Bahr directed the 1995 summer church series.

In the fall of 1995 Fred Locker, the choral music director at Jackson High School, became the director of the Civic Opera Chorus. St. John's Passion and the summer church series were performed under Mr. Locker's direction.

Canton Civic Opera came under new leadership in 1997. Dr. Samuel Gordon from The University of Akron was named Artistic Director. CCO’s first performance under Dr. Gordon was the Fall ’97 performance of “An Afternoon with Mozart.” Under his direction, “Ye Olde Madrigal Christmas Feast” continued, including the 25th Anniversary production in 1999.

After leading the CCO Chorus in performances of “The Merry Widow” in Spring of 1998, Dr. Gordon took CCO in a new direction and initiated the first of a series of ‘dessert concerts.’ This new format of light entertainment with a dessert buffet at intermission proved to be very popular. Such programs as “Echoes of Broadway,” “A Sentimental Journey,” “My Funny Valentine,” and “Sweetness of Broadway” continued to delight our audiences.

The CCO Chorus was promoted as the ‘Canton Civic Opera Concert Singers’ beginning in the fall of 1998. Having made the transition from doing Broadway musicals to performing major works with orchestral accompaniment, CCO’s new name was more descriptive of its current format. Performances in area churches of Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem (1999), Faure’s Requiem (2000) and Haydn’s Creation (2001) expanded our outreach into the community and appealed to our audience’s serious side.

Spring of 1999 brought Canton Civic Opera’s 60th Anniversary Celebration Concert featuring three works by Texas composer Randol Alan Bass. The concert included a selection from “The Bartered Bride” in tribute to the very first production by Canton Civic Opera back in 1939. Ending with several Broadway medleys, the anniversary concert took its audience full circle through the musical genres for which CCO is known. This performance was held in the Great Court of the Canton Cultural Center, the same site as Ye Olde Madrigal Christmas Feaste.
Taking advantage of the ‘same site’ familiarity, Canton Civic Opera undertook another new production in the Great Court in the Spring of 2001. The festive “Viva Italia”, an evening of Italian music and food, proved to be so popular it sold out immediately and became an annual event. The CCO Children’s Chorus and Girl’s Ensemble performed at this event, and continued to make appearances in the Madrigal Feaste and in their own concert series.

The 2000's

In 2002 the Five Choir Festival, which would also become an annual event, was added to our season. The Canton Children’s Chorus, a high school, college and church choir were invited to participate in conjunction with the concert singers of Canton Civic Opera. In fall of 2002 the Canton Children’s Chorus, directed by Christine Riley, celebrated their 10th anniversary. VIVA ITALIA was created and sponsored by the Olive Garden for the next three years.

In 2003 the Canton Civic Opera changed its name to Voices of Canton Inc., “VOCI”, (pronounced VO-chee – an Italian word for many voices.) The new name was chosen to be more reflective of what the organization encompassed. The high school girl’s singing group chose Treble VOCI for their new name. The concert singers participated in a 3 choir festival in Kitchener, Ontario in June.

In the summer of 2004 Voices of Canton concert singers spent two weeks in Italy touring and performing. In August 2005 VOCI sang the National Anthem at the Hall of Fame Football Game for a full house. A successful “Christmas at the Candy Cane Castle” was created in 2005, and an ensemble sang backup to Kenny Roger’s Christmas Show at the Civic Center Treble VOCI disbanded but Bel’ VOCI – an adult hand bell group performed their first two concerts during the holidays.

VOCI received their first grant from Arts Build Stark for “FIESTA” in 2006, performed for high school Spanish students. The second grant was awarded in 2007 for “Down in the Valley” a folk song opera performed in four local schools. For the past two years the spring event was renamed Love Makes The World Go Round and Around The World In 80 Minutes and for the first time in 32 years the winter event was changed from “Ye Olde Madrigal Christmas Feaste to a successful new event of “Winter Wonderland.”

1940 The Bartered Bride Boris Goldovsky
1940 Carmen Goldvosky-Bimboni
1941 Faust Alberto Bimboni
1942 Cavelleria Rusticana Alberto Bimboni
1942 Pagliacci Alberto Bimboni
1943 Tales of Hoffman Alberto Bimboni
1943 Romeo and Juliet Alberto Bimboni
1945 Mignon Alberto Bimboni
1945 La Traviata Alberto Bimboni
1945 Elixir of Love Alberto Bimboni
1947 Lucia de Lammermoor Alberto Bimboni
1948 Die Fledermaus Alberto Bimboni
1950 La Boheme Alberto Bimboni
1950 Vagabond King Alberto Bimboni
1950 Rigoletto Alberto Bimboni
1951 Merry Widow Isaac Van Gove
1952 The Desert Song Isaac Van Gove
1952 Naughty Marietta Isaac Van Gove
1952 Martha Matthew Ferrugio
1952 Rose Marie Albert Germanson
1953 Chocolate Soldier Albert Germanson
1953 La Traviata Alberto Bimboni
1954 Gypsy Baron Alberto Bimboni
1954 Madame Butterfly Alberto Bimboni
1956 Elixir of Love Marcel Frank
1957 Suzanne's Secret D. Harris/L. Lane
1957 Amahl and the Night Visitors Louis Lane
1958 Chorale Arden Whitacre
1959 The Magic Flute Karl Kritz
1959 The Student Prince Albert Germanson
1960 Carousel Albert Germanson
1961 Oklahoma! Albert Germanson
1961 Song of Norway Albert Germanson
1962 Brigadoon Albert Germanson
1962 Showboat Albert Germanson
1963 The Music Man Albert Germanson
1963 The Merry Widow Albert Germanson
1964 Where's Charley? Albert Germanson
1964 New Moon Albert Germanson
1965 Plain and Fancy Albert Germanson
1965 Bloomer Girl Albert Germanson
1966 Fiorella Albert Germanson
1966 Great Waltz Albert Germanson
1967 Kiss Me Kate Albert Germanson
1967 How to Succeed in Business Albert Germanson
1968 The Desert Song Albert Germanson
1968 My Fair Lady Albert Germanson
1969 Vagabond King Albert Germanson
1969 Unsinkable Molly Brown William Hamilton
1970 Guys and Dolls William Hamilton
1970 South Pacific William Hamilton
1971 Encore '71 William Hamilton
1971 Pajama Game William Hamilton
1972 Encore '72 William Hamilton
1972 Damn Yankees William Hamilton
1973 Carousel William Hamilton
1973 Encore '73 William Hamilton
1973 Anything Goes William Hamilton
1974 Encore '74 William Hamilton
1974 Li'l Abner William Hamilton
1974 Christmas Chorale William Hamilton
1975 Encore '75 William Hamilton
1975 The Most Happy Fella William Hamilton
1975 Ye Olde Madrigal Xmas Feaste William Hamilton
1976 Encore '76 William Hamilton
1976 Oklahoma! William Hamilton
1976 Ye Olde Madrigal Xmas Feaste William Hamilton
1977 Encore '77 William Hamilton
1977 Europe/Concert Tour William Hamilton
1977 Brigadoon William Hamilton
1977 Ye Olde Madrigal Xmas Feaste William Hamilton
1978 Encore '78 William Hamilton
1978 Sacred Choral Concert William Hamilton
1978 Plain and Fancy William Hamilton
1978 Ye Olde Madrigal Xmas Feaste William Hamilton
1979 Encore '79 William Hamilton
1979 Kismet William Hamilton
1979 Ye Olde Madrigal Xmas Feaste William Hamilton
1980 Encore '80 William Hamilton
1980 Great Britain Concert Tour William Hamilton
1980 Annie Get Your Gun William Hamilton
1980 Ye Olde Madrigal Xmas Feaste William Hamilton
1981 Encore '81 William Hamilton
1981 Call Me Madam William Hamilton
1981 Ye Olde Madrigal Xmas Feaste William Hamilton
1982 Encore '82 William Hamilton
1982 The Music Man William Hamilton
1982 Ye Olde Madrigal Xmas Feaste William Hamilton
1983 Encore '83 William Hamilton
1983 How to Succeed in Business William Hamilton
1984 Encore '84 William Hamilton
1984 Encore '84 (Massillon) William Hamilton
1984 Guys and Dolls William Hamilton
1984 Ye Olde Madrigal Xmas Feaste William Hamilton
1985 Encore '85 William Hamilton
1985 Encore '85 (Carrollton) William Hamilton
1985 Great Britain/Ireland Tour William Hamilton
1985 The Boy Friend William Hamilton
1985 Ye Olde Madrigal Xmas Feaste William Hamilton
1986 Encore '86 Paul Von Gunten
1986 Encore '86 (Carrollton) Paul Von Gunten
1986 Kiss Me Kate Willliam Hamilton
1986 Ye Olde Madrigal Xmas Feaste William Hamilton
1987 Encore '87 William Hamilton
1987 Encore '87 (Carrollton) William Hamilton
1987 My Fair Lady William Hamilton
1988 Ye Olde Madrigal Xmas Feaste William Hamilton
1988 Encore '88 William Hamilton
1988 Encore '88 (Carrollton) William Hamilton
1988 Fiddler on the Roof William Hamilton
1988 Ye Olde Madrigal Xmas Feaste William Hamilton
1989 Encore '89 William Hamilton
1989 Encore '89 (Carrollton) William Hamilton
1989 The Bartered Bride William Hamilton
1989 Ye Olde Madrigal Xmas Feaste Willliam Hamilton
1990 Encore '90 William Hamilton
1990 Encore '90 (Carrollton) William Hamilton
1990 Hello, Dolly! William Hamilton
1990 Ye Olde Madrigal Xmas Feaste William Hamilton
1991 Encore '91 Paul Von Gunten
1991 The Gondoliers Paul McGahie
1991 Ye Olde Madrigal Xmas Feaste Paul McGahie
1992 Magical Moments/Musical Stage Paul McGahie
1992 Magical Moments (Carrollton) Paul McGahie
1992 Mame Paul McGahie
1992 Ye Olde Madrigal Xmas Feaste Paul McGahie
1993 Encore '93 Bravo Paul McGahie
1993 Bravo (Carrollton) Paul McGahie
1993 Chautauqua NY Pops Concert John Hayward
1993 Oklahoma! John Hayward
1993 Ye Olde Madrigal Xmas Feaste John Hayward
1994 Encore '94 Jubilee John Hayward
1994 Carousel John Hayward
1994 Ye Olde Madrigal Xmas Feaste John Hayward
1995 Encore '95 Steve Dallas
1995 Frog Prince Patty Carmola
1995 Damn Yankees Fred Locker
1995 Ye Olde Madrigal Xmas Feaste Fred Locker
1996 Encore '96 Steve Dallas
1996 Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz Patty Carmola
1996 A Tribute To The Tony's Fred Locker
1996 Ye Olde Madrigal Xmas Feaste Fred Locker
1997 St. John's Passion Fred Locker
1997 Once Upon A Shoe Patty Carmola
1997 An Afternoon With Mozart Samuel Gordon
1997 Ye Olde Madrigal Xmas Feaste Samuel Gordon
1998 The Merry Widow Samuel Gordon
1998 Echoes of Broadway Samuel Gordon
1998 Haydnfest Samuel Gordon
1998 Ye Olde Madrigal Xmas Feaste Samuel Gordon
1999 A 60th Anniv. Celebration Concert Samuel Gordon
1999 A Sentimental Journey Samuel Gordon
1999 Grant Us Peace Samuel Gordon
1999 Ye Olde Madrigal Xmas Feaste Samuel Gordon
2000 My Funny Valentine Samuel Gordon
2000 We Praise You Samuel Gordon
2000 Sleeping Beauty Patty Carmola
2000 The Sweetness of Broadway Samuel Gordon
2000 Requiem by Faure Samuel Gordon
2000 Ye Olde Madrigal Xmas Feaste Samuel Gordon
2001 Viva Italia! Samuel Gordon
2001 Haydn's The Creation Samuel Gordon
2001 Once Upon A Shoe Patty Carmola
2001 Zippity Doo Dah Samuel Gordon
2001 Gleaming Brass&Glittering Voices Samuel Gordon
2001 Ye Olde Madrigal Xmas Feaste Christine Riley
2002 Five Choir Festival Samuel Gordon
2002 Viva Italia! Samuel Gordon
2002 28th Madrigal Xmas Feaste Christine Riley
2003 Five Choir Festival Samuel Gordon
2003 Viva Italia! Samuel Gordon
2003 Trip to Kitchener, Ontario Samuel Gordon
2003 100 Years of Broadway Samuel Gordon
2003 Celebrating Beautiful Ohio Samuel Gordon
2003 29th Madrigal Xmas Feaste Christine Riley
2004 Five Choir Festival Samuel Gordon
2004 Viva Italia! Samuel Gordon
2004 Concerts: St. Paul’s Lutheran Samuel Gordon
         St. Bernard in Akron
2004 Trip to Italy Samuel Gordon
2004 How Sweet the Sound Samuel Gordon
2004 30th Ann. of Madrigal Feaste Samuel Gordon
2005 5 Choir Festival Samuel Gordon
2005 Viva Italia! Samuel Gordon
2005 Concert: Western Reserve Samuel Gordon
2005 Christmas at the Candy Cane Castle VOCI singers
2005 31st Madrigal Feaste Samuel Gordon
2005 Backup Singers to Kenny Rogers Eric Riley
2005 Concert: St. Paul’s Lutheran Samuel Gordon
2005 Concert: First UMC Cleveland Samuel Gordon
2006 Five Choir Festival Samuel Gordon
2006 FIESTA Samuel Gordon
2006 Viva Italia! Samuel Gordon
2006 Fall concert: St. Paul’s Lutheran Samuel Gordon
2006 St. John the Evangelist –Cleveland Samuel Gordon
2006 First Congregational – Akron Samuel Gordon
2006 32nd Madrigal Feaste Samuel Gordon
2006 Strategic Planning Session
2006 Songs from America’s Heart Samuel Gordon
         St. Paul’s Massillon
         Cathedral of St John – Cleveland
         First Congregational – Akron
2006 Christmas at the Candy Cane Castle VOCI singers
2006 Ye Old Madrigal Christmas Feaste Samuel Gordon
2006 Bel VOCI: First UMC – Cleveland Eric Riley
         Bel VOCI: Zion Lutheran Eric Riley
2007 5 Choir Festival Samuel Gordon
2007 Love Makes the World Go Round Samuel Gordon
2007 Mass of the Children Samuel Gordon
2007 Songs for the Cause Samuel Gordon
2007 Lux Aterna w/ Malone Chorale Samuel Gordon
2007 Christmas in Candy Cane Land VOCI singers
2007 Winter Wonderland Samuel Gordon
2008 5 Choir Festival Samuel Gordon
2008 Around the World in 80 Minutes Samuel Gordon
2008 Strategic Planning Session

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