HISTORY OF SUNCOAST SINGERS SHOW CHORUS

The Chorus is in its 29^th Year.  Here are some highlights in its history:

1980 - Started performing as the “Largo Community Chorus” under the direction of Mary Jane Johns. 

            She was also the founder of the “Clearwater Community Chorus”.

1983 - Suncoast Singers registered as a “not for profit corporation”.

1985 - Presented a full production of “The Music Man”.

1990 - 10^th Anniversary Celebration.

1995 - Mary Jane Johns retires and Brian Smawley was made director.  The chorus celebrated its 15^th Anniversary.

1996 - The chorus moves its Concert Venue to the new Largo Cultural Center

             to become an anchor group along with Eight O’clock Theater.

2000 - Name changed to “Suncoast Singers Show Chorus” to better describe what we do.

2004 - Robert Knabel named new director of Suncoast Singers and Dede Natale was named accompanist.         

            Moved rehearsal venue to Faith Presbyterian Church in Seminole.

2005 - Celebrated 25^th Anniversary.

2006 - The chorus was invited to Carnegie Hall to perform Mozart’s Requiem.        

          Thirty (30) members of the chorus were joined by 70 East Lake High School students.

2007 - Moved mid county venue to Faith Presbyterian Church in Seminole

           Additional shows at venues in Tarpon Springs and St. Petersburg's Palladium Theater.

2008 - Developed an association with Tarpon Springs Rotary, The All Children's Hospital Foundation and Suncoast Voices for Children (Guardian Adlitem). 

           These children's charities are supported in part by the proceeds of benefit concerts produced by the chorus.

Suncoast Singers is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation.  All donations are tax deductible.  To be a patron call (727)399-0599.  Patrons can have their name appear in the programs for all shows.