Verdi Chorus

About The Verdi Chorus

The Verdi Chorus first started performing in 1983 at the old Verdi Ristorante di Musica in Santa Monica under the direction of soprano and former Pasadena City College opera program director Anne Marie Ketchum De La Vega, our Artistic Director.

The Verdi Chorus presents two concert weekends (performances on Saturday and Sunday) each year as well as other collaborative events, and brings the beauty of grand opera choruses to community audiences. It offers performance opportunities to both aspiring and established singers.

WE ARE

THE JUDGMENT OF EGYPTIAN PRIESTS

THE VOICE OF REVELERS ON A CHRISTMAS EVE IN PARIS

THE OUTCRY OF SLAVES IN BONDAGE

THE SONG OF ALL THE ANGELS IN HEAVEN

THE WEEPING OF EXILES IN CIVIL WAR

THE SOUND THE SUN MAKES AT DAWN

THE CURSES, THE RAGE

THE MADNESS, THE GLORY

WE ARE THE VOICE OF BEETHOVEN

AND STRAUSS AND PUCCINI AND WAGNER

WE ARE THE MUSIC OF THE HUMAN HEART IN LOVE

WE ARE THE VERDI CHORUS

Aurelio De La Vega

The Verdi Chorus mourns the loss of Aurelio De La Vega, longtime board member and husband of Artistic Director Anne Marie Ketchum.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Aurelio De La Vega on February 12, 2022. Maestro De La Vega served as Musicologist on the Verdi Chorus board for over two decades, and those who were fortunate to have known him will miss his intelligence, vast musical knowledge, sensitivity and ready wit.

Born in Havana Cuba in 1925, Maestro De La Vega was a world-class composer and a key figure in Los Angeles music circles. His catalog includes orchestral, chamber, vocal, piano and electronic works and his commissions were sought the world over. Throughout his long life, he garnered numerous recognitions, including the Kennedy Center Friedheim Award which he received twice (1978, 1984); the Cintas Foundation William B. Warren Lifetime Achievement Award; the Carlos V Hispanic Imperial Order, of which he was made a member; and four nominations for a Latin Grammy -- three times for Best Classical Contemporary Composition and once for Best Classical Album.

Distinguished Professor of Music and Director of the Electronic Music Studio, Maestro De La Vega taught composition for 34 years at California State University Northridge, and was regarded as "larger than life" by legions of students and colleagues. In 1971 he was named Outstanding Professor of the entire Cal State University system.

In his later years he received well-deserved homages and accolades. A 40-minute documentary film entitled Rebel with a Cause, narrated by Cuban-born actor Andy Garcia, was produced by Camilo Vila, and one year ago, to honor his 95^th birthday, two books were published on his life and work: Aurelio de la Vega: Impresiones desde la distancia by Manuel Gayol Mecias and Enrico Mario Santi's The Other Time: Aurelio de la Vega and Music.

Maestro De La Vega's contributions to the music world will live on, carried forward by countless students, musicians, singers, fellow composers and those who discover his music in generations to come.

For more information about his life and work and to view the documentary, please visit aureliodelavega.com.