The GCCC performs three concerts each year. Photos by De Schrepper Photography
“Hey gang! Let’s put on a show!” This cheerful cry, reminiscent of a Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland musical, could have been heard at the inception of the Gold Coast Concert Chorus.
It all began with a community gathering of volunteer singers who joined with a church choir for a performance of Handel’s “Messiah” in 1987. Ventura’s Trinity Lutheran Church was celebrating its 50th anniversary. All singers in Ventura County who wished to participate were invited to join the celebration. Many of the singers enjoyed themselves so much, that they decided to continue to get together on a regular basis.
More than 30 years later, many of those first participants, along with many others, have been performing regularly. Along with three annual concerts, the dedicated volunteers sing for many local events such as the Ventura County Fair, the opening of the newly refurbished Community Memorial Hospital, a candlelit Christmas concert at the Ventura Mission, and at the Veterans Home of California. The group also has taken the “show on the road” performing many concerts in Europe and Hawaii, and twice at Carnegie Hall. Many of the group will be singing again at the iconic venue in 2020!
The GCCC performs three concerts each year: a holiday concert each December, a classical concert in March, and a “pops” concert in June. Currently under the dynamic direction of Ms. Elizabeth Helms, and assisted with dedication and talent by Jessica Helms as many as 90 singers approach the joyful task from various levels of musical talent and experience. Although they are a “non audition” choral group, what they lack in formal musical training, they more that make up for in enthusiasm and dedication.
Tickets are now available for the glorious Holiday concert “Harmony & Hope” which will be Friday, December 13 at 7:30 pm, and Saturday, December 14 at 2:00 pm at the Crosspoint Church, 5415 Ralston Street #6001, Ventura. Tickets are $5 for children, $15 for seniors and students, and $18 for adults. Call 805-616-7269 or order on line at www.GoldCoastChorus.org
