LLUC Verdi Requiem Concert Program - Loma Linda University ...

The Sanctuary Choir of the Loma Linda University Church was established in the mid-1950s with the arrival of Dr. Oliver S.
Beltz, a retired professor of church music, who stressed classical church compositions including major oratorios. Shortly after his
arrival he was joined by Pat and Patsy Hicks, who eventually became full-time ministers of music. With Pat as the choral director
and Patsy as organist, the choir continued Dr. Beltz’s tradition of musical presentations. Patsy also formed multiple children’s choirs
beginning with the “Chirpers” and progressing upwards in age to “Cherubs,” and beyond. After the Hicks left in the early 1970s,
the choir was led by a number of directors, among them Estyn Goss, Bjørn Keyn, and Bailey Gillespie. With the appointment of
Phil Binkley, the choir continued the musical thrust of previous conductors. Binkley and his staff developed the format of the
beautiful Christmas Candlelight Concert still enjoyed by parishioners today. In 1987, Dr. Don Thurber became the music director,
holding this position for 23 years, his being the longest tenure in the history of the choir. Dr. Ariel Quintana, the present director,
was appointed in 2010. Under his leadership, the choir continues to thrive and play an integral part in Sabbath worship. Dr.
Quintana also serves as minister of music for the University Church.
The Sanctuary Orchestra of the Loma Linda University Church is an integral part of the church’s music ministry. Its
membership includes professional musicians, university and high school students, and local business, medical, and education
professionals, all of whom donate their time to enrich the music and worship experience of the University Church’s congregation.
The Sanctuary Orchestra participates in Sabbath worship services several times a year, including significant celebrations such as
Easter, Thanksgiving, and special Loma Linda University events. One of the central music ensembles featured yearly at LLUC’s
Christmas Candlelight Concert, the orchestra also presents an annual sacred concert of orchestral music and joins the Sanctuary
Choir in performances such as today’s. The Sanctuary Orchestra was founded by Oliver S. Beltz shortly after the formation of the
University Church in 1960. He was followed by Pat Hicks who also directed the Sanctuary Choir. During the 1970s, Raymond
Casey became the orchestra’s resident composer, arranger, and conductor. Mr. Casey composed a great volume of music, mostly
based on well-loved hymns, that was an important part of the orchestra’s repertoire for many years. One of the most significant
figures in the orchestra’s history was violinist Ardyce Koobs. A long time resident and former mayor of the city of Loma Linda,
Mrs. Koobs was perhaps the orchestra’s most ardent supporter and promoter. It is largely because of her dedication and untiring
work that this ensemble remains a strong part of the University Church’s music ministry. Other past conductors of the Sanctuary
Orchestra include Estyn Goss, Bailey Gillespie, Bjørn Keyn, Sylvia Goss, Philip Binkley, and Donald Thurber. The orchestra’s
current director is Adrian Dumitrescu, who shares conducting responsibilities with Dr. Quintana. A dentist by profession, Dr.
Dumitrescu also holds a Master of Music degree in violin performance from the University of Southern California.
The Cathedral Choir of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood began in 1941 under the direction of Dr. Charles
Hirt. He and his wife, Lucy, expanded the music program by introducing a graded choir system spanning young children through
adults. Many who sing in the auditioned Cathedral Choir today participated in one or more of the children’s choirs at Hollywood.
The Hirts remained at Hollywood until 1970. Since that time, the choir has been privileged to work with other fine conductors
including Ben Bollinger, Doug Lawrence, Dr. William Hatcher, Loren Wiebe, Dr. Fred Bock, and current conductor Dr. Ariel
Quintana, who has led the choir since 2003. Throughout its seventy-year tenure, the Cathedral Choir has served as the musical
anchor for one or more of the Sunday morning church services at Hollywood Pres, and shares a desire to serve God through the
ministry of music. Although the choir has had to adapt to many changes over the years, it retains the spiritual vision and focus
instilled from its beginnings. The Cathedral Choir has also enjoyed opportunities to sing with the Los Angeles Philharmonic,
participate in the Christmas Candlelight Concert at Disneyland, and record with many distinguished Christian artists. Prominent
conductor, the late Roger Wagner, led the choir in performances of works by Mendelssohn, Mozart and Duruflé. The choir has also
toured, with its message of the Lord through song, to the British Isles, Europe, Scandinavia, the northwest United States, and most
recently Argentina.
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VERDI
REQUIEM