History of the San Francisco City Chorus

The San Francisco Recreation Chorus was founded in 1979 by Adrian Horn as an activity of the Music Division of the San Francisco Department of Recreation and Parks (SFDRP).  The SFDRP provided financial support with stipends for the Director and Accompanist and use of public school space for the weekly rehearsals.  The Recreation Chorus averaged 50 singers and performed three free concerts each year.  Adrian Horn provided both musical and administrative direction until he left the position in 1984.

Upon Adrian Horn's departure, the Chorus' first elected Executive Committee (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer) was charged with finding a new director.  Led by a search committee, the entire Chorus selected Frederick Goff in September 1984.

Under Fred Goff's direction, the Chorus improved the quality of its performances, increased its visibility in San Francisco, and developed a more professional approach to concert rehearsals and performances.  The chorus changed its name to the San Francisco City Chorus in 1989.  In 1996, the chorus became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization now known as the San Francisco City Chorus Association.

When Fred Goff decided to leave the chorus in 1997, SFCC asked Larry Marietta to become its new Artistic Director.  Under Larry's leadership, SFCC's membership has grown to approximately 60 members, its reputation for musical variety and artistry has reached exciting new heights, and concert audiences continue to grow.  Currently, three formal concerts are presented each season.

In spring 2005, the Board of Directors sought to expand the Chorus' musical offerings while strengthening the quality its musicianship, and created a chamber ensemble, Vox Dilecti. The group of 16 singers comes from the larger chorus and performs two concerts each year, concentrating on Early and Baroque music.

In addition to its regular concert season, SFCC brings the sounds of the holidays to audiences throughout the Bay Area.  Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Chorus members may be seen and heard caroling throughout San Francisco and Berkeley as they participate in SFCC’s major fundraising activity.

Our annual Summer Sings series is an outreach and fundraising opportunity for Bay Area singers to learn more about SFCC, while singing along to choral favorites directed by favorite local conductors.  Summer Sings are held at Lakeside Presbyterian Church in San Francisco every July and August.  Our Sing-Along Messiah in December, another important fundraiser and outreach event, features a diverse, local orchestra of adults and high school students.