The group consists of nine wonderful people. They are:
Basil Joseph-The choral director, who was an orchestra leader at the age of 11 years old! He is a tenor/baritone, who also plays the violin and the viola. He does nostalgic standards as well as classical music.
Klyda Mahoney-She is the Coloratura Diva from New York. She has been a school teacher, actress, dancer, and singer. She sings standards, jazz, blues and opera.
Sofia La Monica-With a beautiful deep and rich contralto voice.
Armida Ochoa-Who has a beautiful soprano voice. She was taught to sing by nuns in her Catholic school. She loves to sing old Spanish love songs which will bring tears to your eyes!
Raised Cicinelli-Another beautiful soprano voice, although she prefers to sing mezzo-soprano and feels most comfortably doing so.
Eleanor Scipione-Another contralto who also has a beautiful singing voice.
Julius Shapiro-Who has a lovely tenor voice and loves Cole Porter.
Dan Chesler-Another tenor/baritone who has a very extensive repertoire of standards.
And finally:
Claudia Chasman-Who is the pianist for the group. She was classically trained from ages 6-12. She does not use any sheet music because she has perfect pitch and can just do the song from scratch. What a remarkable talent! And, I have known Claudia for over 15 years, and not only is she one of my closest friends, but I did hear her play the piano and she is truly amazing!
This group is going to be performing their Christmas concert on December 15th at 12:30 P.M. at the Ernani Bernardi Senior Citizen Center, in Van Nuys, California, 6514 Sylmar Avenue at Haynes Street.
You can also view much more of their music by going to YouTube.com and typing in the “Silver Chords.”
Although this writer has not yet had the pleasure of attending one of their concerts, I plan on attending their Christmas concert, and I am sure that I will be entertained to the fullest.
I hope that each and every one of you can attend and enjoy this wonderful and so talented group.
The Silver Chords span all of Los Angeles County, and especially senior centers such as the Santa Clarita Senior Center.
This poem is for everyone in the group. I wrote it, and I think it fits you all to a tee.
YOU ARE SPECIAL
You are a special person,
God knows that you are,
He knows you have the capacity,
To shine like a star.
You must think like that,
And know that it’s very true,
Because when it’s all said and done,
There’s no one as special as you.
by Debbie Bongiovanni-Sharp