From first-time singers to seasoned voices, meet the West Hartford Women’s Chorale.

By Melissa Cole

Karen Bachman has always loved to sing, and 22 years ago, while traveling abroad with her friend Sheila Nussbaum, she had an idea.

“We started thinking about it in Ireland. We were on a trip together, and there’s so much music there. We said, ‘Let’s sing when we go home.’” Bachman said.

And so they did. That idea became the West Hartford Women’s Chorale. Bachman and Nussbaum co-founded the group, and though Nussbaum has since stepped away, Bachman remains a devoted member more than two decades later. What began as a group of about 14 women has grown into a vibrant choir of 78 members, ranging in age from 19 to 90. The chorale is non-auditioned, welcoming women of all singing abilities. Some have previous singing experience, and others have none at all, just looking to be part of a group, enjoy the experience and share the love of music together. 

Ali Appel has been a member since 2006. She sang in high school, but didn’t have any formal training. 

“I had a friend who was in it and I had been looking for something to do with singing. My youngest was finally of an age where I felt like I could find some other things to do so I joined, and never looked back. It has been the most welcoming community ever. More than you can possibly imagine.”

Appel loves the friendships she’s made and looks forward to the weekly Tuesday evening rehearsals, no matter how crazy life is.

“Even on a day when work is very rough or whatever is going on and you’re just tired, you always feel energized when you leave.” Appel added, “This is really the only place where I feel like I have a group of people. These are my people,” 

Robin Doyle moved to West Hartford in 2005, hoping to meet new people and find a sense of community. She heard about the choir through a neighbor and decided to give it a try.

“I sang in high school and college and hadn’t done any kind of formal singing in about 20 years when I joined,” Doyle said. “Everyone was so welcoming.”  She sings in the soprano section and especially enjoys the wide range of music the group performs.

“We try to choose music from many different genres,” Doyle said. “You’ll hear everything from classical to Broadway to pop within the same program. It’s a wide variety, something for everyone.”

This group is preparing for a special event taking place this Saturday: A Festival of Women’s Voices at Bristow Middle School. The festival will feature not only their chorale, but also choirs from Simsbury High School and Glastonbury High School, along with the Cetto Chamber Singers. Each ensemble will have the unique opportunity to work with world-renowned, California-based guest composer Kate Crellin.

The grand finale will feature all four choirs joining voices for the final two songs. Members say the event is sure to be family-friendly, appealing to anyone from children up to grandparents. 

Co-founder Bachman says a central part of this choir’s mission is to help enhance the community in some way. Each year, they select an organization close to their hearts to benefit from the concert’s donations. This year, all proceeds will support the Refugee Women’s Center of Connecticut. 

“They’re all volunteers. They’re helping refugee women which is a huge job when you think of coming to a country without language, without a community, and totally different customs. They’re helping women get driver’s licenses, learn a language, and have some social time with other women.”  Bachman said.

A Festival of Women’s Voices is Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Bristow Middle School.  The suggested donation is $15. 

Thinking about joining the West Hartford Women’s Chorale yourself? They love adding in new members. Fall rehearsals are the perfect opportunity to stop by, test it out, and experience if it’s a good fit. Chorale members say if you come once, chances are you’ll be hooked.

To learn more about the West Hartford Women’s Chorale visit their website.

More information about the Refugee Women’s Center of CT can be found here.

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