President Napolitano honors UCOP Singers at their 40th anniversary concert
December 21, 2015 •
As the UCOP Singers began their holiday concert in the Franklin lobby on Dec. 11, COO Rachael Nava stepped forward to present them with the following tribute in honor of their 40th anniversary:
In Appreciation
Office of the President Singers
Ringing in the holiday season for the past forty years, the Office of the President Singers have delighted and warmed the hearts of their colleagues with their beautiful voices and joyful singing. Whether dashing through the snow in a one horse open sleigh, roasting chestnuts on an open fire, spinning a dreidel, dancin’ and prancin’ in Jingle Bell Square, or bringing us some figgy pudding, they have met smile after smile from delighted UCOP audiences. The names and faces may have changed with the passing years, but the happiness they bring remains a constant. Always a highlight of the season, we thank them for sharing their great musical gifts with us and for decking our hall with boughs of music.
Janet Napolitano
President
After director Daniel Scuiry accepted the honor on behalf of the group, the singers filled the lobby with beautiful renditions of holiday favorites, including Deck the Halls, Jingle Bells, Oh Chanukah, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Silent Night and Dona Nobis Pacem.
Judging by the smiling faces and enthusiastic applause, they definitely brought joy to the world of UCOP staff.
UCOP Singers for Season 40:
Charlotte Strem
Christopher Hanson
Cyndi Lukk
Daniel Scuiry (Director)
Eric Kessell
Jennifer Fisch-Lemp (Special guest)
Harumi Murata
Ishtar Peeler (soloist on Go Tell It on the Mountain)
Julia Arno
Kim Williams
Linda Kane
Matthew Mayeda
Michael Thwaites
Pamela Kan-Rice
Regina Ranoa
Sandra Wulff
Sue Taylor (Emerita)
Keyboard accompanist: Gail Lew
Cornet: George Lemp
Coordinator: Charlotte Strem
Thank you, dear singers, for bringing your beautiful harmonies to our halls. You sounded particularly lovely this year! I doff my holiday cap to your hard work and creativity.
It has been my pleasure to sing with the UCOP Singers for a number of years. Thank you Singers for your dedication to the spirit of the season, taking time from your busy schedules to rehearse and practice.
I’m encouraged by this support of the top management!
Seasons greetings!
Mike
Thank you, Daniel, and everyone, for your warm and welcoming hospitality and excellent musicianship. It is such an honor and joy to sing with you. I look forward to the next opportunity!