Berkeley Daily Planet, December 21, 2007
Letters to the Editor

ARLENE SAGAN

Editors, Daily Planet:

She is without question one of Berkeley’s great treasures. I might go so far as to say its shining star. For her involvement in numerous community music activities she’s been proclaimed by the City of Berkeley a “local legacy” and “cultural icon.” I’m referring to Arlene Sagan, director of the Berkeley Community Chorus and Orchestra, a position she’s held since l988.

Last Sunday afternoon, on a gray, dismal day, the beautiful St. Joseph the Worker church was transformed into a Viennese-type Concert Hall, thanks to the magnificent program presented by this tiny dynamo. The church was packed, as always, with people lined up along the wall and sitting on the floor, evidence of the popularity of these glorious concerts.

After a few announcements (sad news of the death of two musicians) Arlene stepped up to the podium, lifted her baton and opened the program with Verdi’s thrilling “Va Pensiero” from “Nabucco.” Next came a Vivaldi Concerto for Bassoon, performed by soloist, Cynthia Hanson. This brought thunderous applause from an audience perhaps not too familiar with the bassoon. Frank Chang, guest conductor, then led the orchestra in Rossini’s Overture to “L’Italiana in Algeri", another rousing number. The major work of the evening was Giacomo Puccini’s seldom heard “Messa di Gloria", beautifully sung by the huge chorus and featuring soloists Kevin Courtemanche (tenor) and Todd Donovan (baritone). The program concluded with chorus members coming down from the altar to the aisles to join the audience in singing once again Verdi’s “Va, Pensiero.” Inspired by that powerful, intense piece of music, all of us were suddenly Metropolitan opera singers!

Leaving the church, my friends and I agreed that Berkeley is indeed fortunate to be uplifted and entertained with these superb programs. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Arlene and Toby Steward, chorus manager. I urge all those people who have attended BCCO concerts over the years to lend their support by sending donations to this splendid organization.

Dorothy Snodgrass