Before the Beginning! The Year Is 1954 or so…
The first records of this group go back to the fall of 1954 when the first performances of a Cedar Rapids community chorus were presented. These were directed by our “Future Founder” Torrence Carlson and accompanist, Ruth Webster. Rehearsal was held in the “old” music building at Coe College. During the early “Civic Chorus” days there were no dues, and it was a non-auditioned group.
For a brief period the group was known as the “Cantata Singers,” under the direction of Rosella Duerkson, accompanist was Bob Keaton, and it was an auditioned ensemble.
Also, in the 1950’s traveling opera troupes would perform in Sinclair Auditorium at Coe College, and our chorus members would sing in the opera chorus. They performed such works as “Der Fliedermaus,” and “La Traviata.”
And So We Begin … The Year Is 1959
In the spring of 1959 the idea to “organize” into a permanent Community Chorus surfaced. The group performed Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra in the spring of 1959. Formal documentation of the “Cedar Rapids Civic Chorus”, including bylaws and officers, were established in the fall of 1959.
Director: Torrence Carlson
Accompanist: Ruth Webster
Language Coach: Ernst Sielaff (also a member)
Membership President: Art Wulfsberg
Our
First Director - Torrence Carlson 1954-1970
Torry, to his friends gathered his friends together and began the group as
far back as the spring of 1954. They formally organized the Cedar Rapids
Civic Chorus, which eventually evolved into the Cedar Rapids Concert Chorale
in the spring and fall of 1959. Mr. Carlson received his B.A. degree from
Northland College in Ashland, WI. He directed church choirs, sang in the
Northland choir for three years under S.J. Steen, played in the Northland
band for three years, and was a member of the Northland quartet for three
years. His major while at Northland was Music and Social Science. Torry
was drafted into the Army in June 1942 and served three years and seven
months. He resumed his teaching career at Canby, MN and taught vocal music
for seven years. He received his Master’s Degree from the University of
Wisconsin and then moved to Cedar Rapids in 1953 and taught at Wilson High
School. Among his many accomplishments was his directorship of the Collins
Men’s Chorus (Radio Co), St. Stephens Lutheran Church director for
Junior-Youth-Senior Choirs, not to mention his becoming Song Leader for
Cedar Rapids Rotary Club and music contest judge for over 20 years for State
Music Contest. Mr. Carlson was also appointed the Northeast Representative
of Iowa Music Educators Association, and the Fine Arts Coordinator for Cedar
Rapids Community School District.
Memories of Torry Carlson (from his friend and
mentor Richard Hoffman)
On Tuesday, November 25, 1997 Cedar Rapids lost one of its musical giants
with the passing of my friend and mentor Torrence Carlson. After fighting a
difficult battle with failing health for several years, Torry went on to a
heavenly reward (undoubtedly full of the best music ever!). While in our
midst, Torry had a profound effect on the musical life of our community.
Probably most often remembered as a music educator, Torry shaped the musical
environment of Cedar Rapids, first as a choral director at Wilson Junior
High School and then at Jefferson High School. He was also a musician at
several area churches, song leader for the Cedar Rapids Rotary and at the
time I knew him best, music administrator for the Cedar Rapids Public
Schools.
Torry set some very worthy standards for the musical arts and encouraged a terrific talent pool of teachers to settle here. The number of lives he touched with his music was immeasurable. There are two special things about Torry that we should consider: First Torry was a showman. He loved musical theatre and rarely missed a Broadway performance in our community, whether it be academic or professional. With his wife, Ruth (also an accomplished musician), he brought us many unforgettable theatrical/musical moments. Second, we also remember Torry because he is responsible, indirectly, for the group of singers assembled here today. In the late ‘50s it was Torry who organized the Cedar Rapids Civic Chorus, which has evolved into the Cedar Rapids Concert Chorale. His presence is still represented by his daughter, Becky Collier, a member of this choir. Torry, we miss you. You brought us wonderful music, filled with life and passion – things we will remember throughout our lives.
The 1960’s belonged to the Cedar
Rapids Civic Chorus!
As long as Torry conducted, they were called the Cedar Rapids
Civic Chorus. One of the highlights during this time period were
performances of two oratorios by Felix Mendelssohn, “Elijah,” and “St.
Paul. In the early 60’s the group moved under the umbrella of the Cedar
Rapids Recreation Department. At those concerts, the Civic Chorus passed
buckets through the audience to collect free will donations.
Our 2004-2005 45th Anniversary Season 