I read Mike Smith’s column last week and I have to agree
wholeheartedly. The arts are very important, not only to the
individual who is looking for an outlet to express themselves
artistically, but to the community. We have no arts center (yet)
that can provide a venue for plays, concerts, and other artistic
endeavors, so we perform in churches, restaurants, schools and old
theaters. Mike knows how difficult that can be sometimes.
Dear Editor,
I read Mike Smith’s column last week and I have to agree wholeheartedly. The arts are very important, not only to the individual who is looking for an outlet to express themselves artistically, but to the community. We have no arts center (yet) that can provide a venue for plays, concerts, and other artistic endeavors, so we perform in churches, restaurants, schools and old theaters. Mike knows how difficult that can be sometimes. But with the financial help from our local businesses and the Community Foundation, the San Benito Stage Company and the San Benito Oriana Chorale have been able to bring good entertainment to Hollister.
I would like you to know that the San Benito Stage Company is not the only outlet for those who like to sing. In fact, singing is the main thing we do in the Oriana Chorale. We sing everything from “The Messiah” at Christmas to Broadway hits in the spring. We have people in our audience who come from all over the Bay Area to hear us sing “The Messiah” at the mission, and our first dinner show at Ridgemark last year was sold out.
This spring, we are planning another great musical production which will take place at Ridgemark for dinner, the Presbyterian Church and at the mission – all taking place the last week of May.
So, if you want to sing, “what are you waiting for?” The opportunities are there. It may be hard sometimes, but I can’t tell you how rewarding it is to work together with a great group of people to put on a show. If you’re interested, Oriana is starting rehearsals this week. Call 637-2848 for information.
Laurie Venturini, president of the board of directors of the San Benito Oriana Chorale
