Donald Smith Celebrates 20 Years with Farmington Valley Chorale

"How did that happen?" exclaimed Donald Smith. "Twenty years as director of the Farmington Valley Chorale!" The Chorale recently celebrated the occasion with festivities at a rehearsal that included a large cake and lots of homemade goodies. Don has been music director and conductor of the Chorale since 1981, and over the years the group has sung sacred, classical, contemporary, spiritual and patriotic music. Membership in the Chorale has varied through the years from 30 to 100, with members coming from as far as Massachusetts and Middletown. Many members live in the Farmington Valley, and all are welcome—from age eighteen to eighty.

The group actually began in 1970 as part of the Town of Simsbury’s 300th anniversary celebration. Coming from all the choirs of churches in Simsbury, the group of almost 100 performed for over six months and gave a major concert for the closing event. Many members of the group wished to remain a chorale group to serve the Farmington Valley community, so a nonprofit organization was created. Giving two major concerts a year with professional soloists and orchestra keeps members busy rehearsing from September to May. After each concert, part of the concert is given to entertain residents at local nursing homes.

Donald Smith is Director of Music at Burlington Congregational Church. After graduating from Western Connecticut State College, he studied conducting privately with Gustave Meir and at Temple University with Robert Page.

Along with accompanist Bridget De Moura Castro, directing Sunday night rehearsals has become a tradition. Has Don ever missed a rehearsal? No one can remember. Right now the group is getting ready for the annual Christmas Concert on Friday, December 14 at Avon Community Baptist Church. The program will include sacred pieces as well as traditional Christmas carols. For more info about the Chorale or concert, call 860-651-8399.