History
The Jewish Folk Chorus has been in existence
since 1926 -- over 80 years! Currently, we perform songs in Yiddish, Hebrew,
Ladino and Russian. Our origins are rooted in the labor movement, and we usually
add a labor and/or protest song to the repertoire each season. Over the years
the Chorus has sung many interesting and difficult Jewish musical works, without
forgetting the simple folk music of our ancestors. We preserve a rich, diverse
and deeply satisfying musical heritage.
Performing
We average about six concerts each season, at
different venues around the Bay Area. Most of our concerts take place in San
Francisco. We crown every season with our annual recital, which usually takes
place in June. For more information, see our concert page.
Get Involved
We encourage folk music enthusiasts from all
walks of life to join our chorus, regardless of musical experience. If you bring
with you a talent in addition to singing, or just want to be helpful, let us know
and we'll find something for you to do that you will find satisfying, and we'll
be grateful for. We hope that you will join us.
Conductor
Our conductor since 2003 has been Stephen Varney. Stephen holds a Masters Degree in Piano Pedagogy, and Choral and Orchestral Conducting from Holy Names University and is the founder of the Berkeley School of Music. In 2005, he won, with Naomi Sanchez, first prize and the Abild American Music Award at the National Federation of Music Clubs National Ellis Duo Piano Competition in South Carolina.
Accompanist
Barry Koron has been the piano accompanist for “The Jersey Boys” in San Francisco, the touring show that has played here throughout most of 2007. He has been music director for for various performances at the New Conservatory Theater Center, the American Musical Theatre of San Jose, and Theatre on the Square. Mr. Koron has also worked with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, the Silicon Valley Symphony, the Oakland East Bay Symphony, and others.