Singers Invite The Public To Attend Entertaining Winter Concert

Music can have powerful meaning; it can take you back in time and connect you to a special moment, place or person. For many people around the world, music is often one of the few things that can bring people from different backgrounds together. The Moldaw Singers choral group is proof that music can bring people with different backgrounds and stories together to share experiences and memories. It is with this idea in mind that the Moldaw Singers will begin the New Year with an international program for their Winter Concert Performance, which will be held on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at Moldaw Residences at 7:30 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend this free and enlightening concert. The program, titled “Around the World in Eight Languages,” will feature music performed in the native languages of various countries. The senior singing group is made up of residents of Moldaw Residences and is led by Linda Mankin. She earned her undergraduate degree in music education at New York University, went on to earn her master’s degree in music composition at Stanford University and taught in the music department at Foothill College for 30 years. Mankin encourages anyone, regardless of age, to find the best way to enjoy the benefits of music, as she now leads a choral group of nearly 30 seniors in their 70s, 80s and 90s at the retirement community, Moldaw Residences.

“I felt that this was a pivotal time for this performance,” said Mankin. “There is so much talk today in our country about immigration, and I thought that this would be the perfect opportunity to recognize our citizens who come from other lands, and to honor them by highlighting who they are and where they were born.’”

The Moldaw Singers will perform multiple songs featuring solos and accompaniments by the full chorus. There will also be instrumental performances from a pianist and clarinetist, and even a few opportunities for the audience to join in! The final song of the night will be a special performance of the familiar tune “It’s a Small World” that will be partnered uniquely with “Happy Birthday,” in honor of the 240th birthday of the United States.

The languages that will be represented are as follows:

· Croatian

· English

· French

· Hebrew

· Japanese

· Russian

· Spanish

· Yiddish

The Moldaw Singers are excited to bring the songs of their families and homelands to life and share their history with the audience. Mankin always designates a special theme for each concert to keep them fresh and create unique experiences for both the performers and audience members involved. For some of the Moldaw Singers, this will be their first performance, and they will have the opportunity to share a special part of their lives through song.

“Some of our performers came to the U.S. at very interesting periods in their lives,” said Mankin. “We have one member who lived through the Holocaust and others who escaped war and other circumstances as children. This is a very special way for them to connect where they come from with where they are now.”

“We’re so proud of the residents who make up this chorus and give such special performances that touch the lives of all who hear them,” said Kevin Hogan, interim executive director of Moldaw Residences. “Linda Mankin is truly a remarkable and musically gifted individual, and we at Moldaw are looking forward to welcoming the public for this special performance.

Members of the public who would like to attend the concert should RSVP by calling (650) 433-3629.