News

By Julia Goldman In the midst of Camerata’s 60th year of continuous operation, the team welcomes a new role and professional in the shape of California-native artist, Alexis Neumann to help lead the non-profit’s future. From management, to box office, public affairs and run-of-show, Neumann will help lead the non-profit’s operations as its current general manager, Amy Barth, retires at the end of the 2025 - 2026 season. Born and raised in Encinitas, California, Neuma

By Julia Goldman An educator, choral clinician and Grammy-award winning conductor, Robert Istad shares his experiences leading the Long Beach Camerata Singers from 2009 - 2017. Pictured, the 2011- 2012 season of Camerata Singers pose before the Queen Mary. Graphic by Julia Goldman. From the very start, Robert Istad brought changes to the Long Beach Camerata Singers. Taking over as artistic director in 2009, Istad immediately expanded the ensemble from its size of about

By Julia Goldman Former Camerata Artistic Director, David Wilson, stands beside a poster that advertises the group’s international performance in Dresden, Germany in 1999. A scholar and conductor, Wilson spent much of his life restoring the works of German composer Johann Adolf Hasse, which saw its performance for the very first time on this tour. Graphic by Julia Goldman. What is now known as the Long Beach Camerata Singers began in 1966 as a small, 16-20 voice community

By Julia Goldman Graphic by Julia Goldman Whether showcased in concert halls, featured in commercial advertisements or debated as contenders for the “greatest work ever created,” musical masterworks continue to shape culture, foster connection and inspire appreciation for generations long after their debut. Follow along to learn the story and significance of four Camerata-sung masterworks of the past, plus a sneak peek of future performances coming to Long Beach! Bach’s

By Julia Goldman Photo caption: A collection of historic media from the Long Beach Bach Festival’s 44-year span, from photos of costumed musicians to local news headlines from publications like the Press Telegram, the Herald American and Call-Enterprise and the Daily 49er. Graphic by Julia Goldman Families, musicians and children, decked out in long stockings, garters, petticoats and spiral-bound power wigs once joined together every year in Long Beach, in the na

By Julia Goldman Graphic by Julia Goldman As mankind first stepped on the moon on July 20, 1969, Camerata sang! Known as the Vocal Arts Ensemble then, the ensemble sang that day at the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History and was featured on KFAC on-air radio broadcast. A 20th century jam packed with change, America and Camerata have experienced many historic “firsts” over the past 60 years. Follow along to learn intriguing tidbits and lore surrounding Camerata, f

By Julia Goldman Photo caption: Beside rows and rows of bookshelves that point toward her storied career as a German professor, department chair and dean of undergraduate education with the University of Irvine, Meredith Lee sits within her living room on Aug. 7 recounting a lifetime spent alongside Camerata Singers. Photo credit: Julia Goldman In the life cycle of a koi fish, in the time it takes a maple tree to mature, within the span of 30 years, Meredith Lee and Ruth S

By Julia Goldman Held at the mercy of a “very strict” instructor, Sharon Tanabe followed the footsteps of her mother and played violin as a child. Though Tanabe said she has always loved to sing, she viewed herself then as a violinist first and a vocalist second. It wasn’t until the summer of eighth grade when a surprised Tanabe learned she had placed in the highest vocal group after auditioning at the Interlochen International Music Camp that her life

As Americans fought for civil rights, as mankind first walked on the moon and while Easy Bake ovens entered the hands of children, Camerata sang. Founded in 1966 by Frank Allen, the Long Beach/South Bay-centered choir was known initially as the “Vocal Arts Ensemble,” consisting of just 16-20 singers. Described as a “young chorale” by the Press Telegram upon their inception, the group has since performed alongside the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra, toured across the world and

Long-time staff member, Fawn Gelff is retiring from The Long Beach Camerata Singers on July 28th. Fawn has worked with Camerata for many years as Payroll Clerk, Box Office Manager and Fundraising Support, first as a volunteer and then as a part time employee. Most recently, Fawn has been instrumental in transitioning Camerata’s box office software from Audience View to Ludus. Her warm, friendly customer service with patrons and her diligence in assisting employees with the A

Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal Names Long Beach Camerata Singers 2025 Nonprofit of the Year SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal (D–Long Beach) has announced the Long Beach Camerata Singers as the 69th Assembly District’s 2025 Nonprofit of the Year. The organization was honored during a special ceremony and luncheon at the State Capitol on May 21, 2025, as part of California Nonprofits Day. “Coming onto its 60th season, the Long Beach Camerata Singers have elevated the c

Graduate Composition Recital Monday, May 12th 6:00PM at Trinity United Presbyterian Church 13922 Prospect Ave, Santa Ana, CA 9270 Lucas Edwards (b.1998) is a native to Long Beach, California and a composer. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies from St. Edwards’ University in Austin, Texas. Growing up surrounded by choral music along with being a singer himself inspires his music. Nature and foreign cultures are also both passions and sources of inspiration for Lucas,

Long Beach Camerata Singers Announces New Office Location at 2017 Palo Verde, Suite 203 Long Beach, CA – The Long Beach Camerata Singers (LBCS) are excited to announce the opening of their new office suite located at 2017 Palo Verde, Suite 203, in Long Beach. This move marks an exciting new chapter for the organization, providing a welcoming and functional space for staff, collaborators, and volunteers. The new office suite is designed to foster creativity and teamwork. Equip

, making its premiere at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center’s Aratani Theatre in Los Angeles’ historic Little Tokyo district features one of Camerata’s Singers, Krishna Raman. Opening on February 22, and inspired by true events, tells the moving story of the Shimono family, Japanese Americans forcibly removed from their suburban home in Southern California during World War II. As the family struggles to survive the emotional and physical toll of their wrongful

Please welcome Jessie White as the new Long Beach Camerata Singers Public Relations and Digital Marketing Manager. Jessie steps into this role following Sarah Len who has served in this capacity for over 3 years. Sarah is moving on as Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship at California State University, Long Beach. However, Sarah is not leaving Camerata. She will be remaining with the organization as a singer. Camerata is grateful to Sarah for increasing the online vis

The Long Beach Camerata Singers’ 59th Season promises to be Brilliant, Bold and Beautiful! Dr. James K. Bass, Grammy Award-winning Artistic Director, announces the Long Beach Camerata Singers and Catalyst Chamber Ensemble 24/25 season with its opening concert, This powerfully moving performance is the second and final installment of Camerata’s Peace Project focused on environmental justice. The will celebrate Mother Earth with musical works such as by Jake Runestad, by Gw

Chorus America's 2024 Awards Recognize Outstanding Choruses and Individuals Education and Community Engagement Award: Long Beach Camerata Singers The Education and Community Engagement Award recognizes programs that expand a chorus’s role in its community. Successful programs demonstrate mission-based program development, viable music education, effective management and fiscal integrity, a commitment to artistic achievement, and collaborations that are sustainable, beneficial

On March 20th and 21st, The Long Beach Camerata Singers Children’s Music Academy (CCMA) went on tour with their Kinder Konzert entitled “Rainy Day Parade”to three YMCA Pre-Schools: 70th Street, Mayne, and First Friendships. Led by CCMA Program Director, Andria Cabrera, the Kinder Konzert brought to life the musical concepts of rhythm, beat and melody to the children ages two to five years. The CCMA teaching staff, Kim Mendez, Anne Gholson, Miguel Fernandez, German Godinez and

Sarah LenPublic Relations and Digital Marketing Manager Sarah Len currently works as Public Relations & Digital Marketing Manager with the Long Beach Camerata Singers. In her role she manages the social media platforms for the ensemble, communicates with artistic partners to promote concerts and events, and more. As a singer in the choir for nearly a decade, she is passionate about supporting the mission of the ensemble to enrich the lives of the community and performers thro