Dear friends and family,
Greetings from the SLO Vocal Arts Ensemble . . . We are looking forward to sharing music with you in our 48th concert season! As the Vocal Arts Ensemble moves through our first year without our much-loved leader and friend, Gary Lamprecht, you can expect our continued commitment to musical excellence, the
same carefully-crafted concerts, and that enduring sense of goodwill and hope that the VAE concerts always bring to you, our listeners.We arethrilled to announce the newest member of our artistic team, John Knutson! John will be serving as Melody Svennungsen’s assistant director in 2024-5. As many
of you know, John is Director of Choral Studies atCuesta College in San Luis Obispo, CA. He’s enjoyed a long and varied musical
career in piano and vocal performance, as well as being a distinguished music
educator, choral conductor and adjudicator, and director of award-winning
collegiate choirs. John’s expertise and passion for music will bring a creative
energy to the Vocal Arts experience for both members and audiences.THIS December, surround yourself with the sound of the “Season of Light” asthe Vocal Arts Ensemble presents a program of beautiful, poignant, and fun
songs. We’ll feature a few guest musicians who will bring excitement and texture to our selections. You’ll hear a mix of genre, with traditional, innovative, and “light” hearted pieces woven together. From snowy landscapes and moonlit pathways to winter celebrations and fireside fellowship, we know
you will be blessed and inspired by our offering of “Season of Light.”Please consider joining us for our 48th season of song! We are inviting singers to audition on September 3rd at the First Presbyterian Church of SLO [or by special appointment before that date.] Audition openings are filling quickly, so
reserve your time slot now by emailing Melody Svennungsen at svennotes@msn.com . . . see you soon!
Upcoming Events
WE SUPPORT PROPOSITION 28 ( art & music k-12 Education funding initiative )
Get Involved with Vocal Arts
"Singing has always seemed to me the most perfect means of expression." - Georgia O'Keefe
Volunteer
Consider Ushering
Vocal Arts is always in need of volunteers to help us execute our concerts and special events. Ushers arrive about one hour before concert time and are finished about 20 minutes after the concert, and receive a complimentary seat at the concert as a thank you for their assistance. We also seek community members to join our Board of Directors periodically. Contact Kate@vocalarts.org or call 805-541-6797 to learn more or to sign up.
Audition Info
Sing with Us
The Vocal Arts is an award winning choir with members who are passionate about choral music. Singers must memorize the music and commit to a rehearsal schedule. If you are interested in joining our group, please download the Member and Audition Guidelines below and review. Auditon date: Tuesday September 3, 2024 at 6:15 pm at the San Luis Obispo Presbyterian Church, 981 Marsh St.
See below and click the button for audition information, concert schedule and you may email Melody Svennungsen, Artistic Director, at svennotes@msn.com Thank you for your interest!
Youth Music Education
Developing The Next Generation
To further our mission of choral excellence in the schools, The Gary & Patricia Lamprecht Education Endowment was established in 2017 in recognition of our 40th anniversary. The endowment provides for scholarships in the areas of choral music and orchestral strings. Each year we award a $1000 scholarship to two local high school seniors to continue their education in music. Deadline to apply for the scholarship is Friday, March 28, 2025. Over $11,000 in local scholarships have been awarded to deserving seniors.
To donate to the endowment, please mail your check, written to "Charles Schwab" with "Lamprecht Endowment" in subject line, to Vocal Arts PO Box 4306 SLO CA 93403.
2025 Central Coast Choral Festival
In late March we host a Choral Festival attended by schools from all over the state with a chance for choirs to perform on a world class stage at the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center. Choirs are reviewed and adjudicated by professional judges. Over 1000 students attend this event. This year it will be on Thursday, March 20 and Friday, March 21st. For more information contact cccfestival805@gmail.com.
Speakers Bureau
Chorale members of San Luis Obispo Vocal Arts Ensemble are available to speak to your organization!
The Vocal Arts Ensemble is a volunteer based Chorale group of 37 members who have created an internationally acclaimed Community Choir led by Musical Director Gary Lamprecht. We provide lively presentations for civic groups around the county. We showcase our educational programs as well as upcoming concerts. Most talks are from 30 to 45 minutes but can accommodate other needs.
Possible topics include:
The importance of Choral music in the schools, showcasing our Central Coast Choir Festival in March. The Pat and Gary Lamprecht Endowment awarding music scholarships to deserving high school students in San Luis Obispo County, and presentations on our three concert series during the year.
Talks are free of charge but donations are accepted via our website!
Please contact (805) 541 6797 and leave a message with name of organization, date of event and contact information.
Donate to Vocal Arts Today!
Give The Gift of Song
Vocal Arts is dependent on your generous donations to continue our mission. We are a 501(c)(3) non profit organization and your donation is fully tax deductible. Your financial support allows us to rent concert venues, produce promotional material and cover operating expenses.
- Consider adding us to your estate plan
- Consider sponsoring a singer for $200 for the year.
Donate via Paypal @sanluisobispovocalartsensemble - use credit/debit cards or your account
Mail a check to "Vocal Arts Ensemble"
PO Box 4306 San Luis Obispo, CA 93403
Connect With Us
watch for new events and activities of Vocal Arts
Email - Exectutive Director
You Tube Channel
Phone Number
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