Voices of Naples

Our History

On Super Bowl Sunday, 2002, seven people met to discuss the feasibility of starting a community choir.  The goal was lofty, the obstacles daunting.  All the things that were necessary to form a group were missing – rehearsal space, music, money, and – most importantly – singers! 

The seven founders, Mariellen and Lee Lemasters, Marian Molander, Nancy and Ken Beaty, Marilyn and Peter Highland,  became the incorporators of Voices of Naples, Inc., a Florida not-for-profit corporation.  Almost magically, most of the missing elements fell into place.  First Christian Church of Naples graciously allowed us to use their Fellowship Hall for rehearsals and, initially, to store the few pieces of music we were able to acquire.  Letters were sent to members of the community known to participate in and support choral music, inviting them to the first rehearsal in mid-February.  The initial hope for 60 singers was quickly surpassed, as membership topped 85 within weeks.

During the summer hiatus, a windfall of music was received as a gift from the Ohio Valley Chorale in Wheeling, West Virginia, a group that had folded after being in existence for more than 20 years.  Plans were finalized for VON’s premiere concert, presented February 9, 2003 at First Christian Church to a standing-room-only audience.

In March 2003 we received the designation of “charitable organization” under chapter 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and November 30, 2003 marked the first presentation of our annual “Sing-Along Messiah”.

The operation of Voices of Naples is vested in a seven-member Board of Directors, including six directors elected by the membership in rotating classes, and the Artistic Director, who serves as an ex-officio member.  The officers (president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer) are chosen from within the board.  Section leaders act as liaisons between the chorus and the director. 

Who We Are

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Douglas Renfroe is a nationally acclaimed bass-baritonewho has specialized in oratorio works  and has performed throughout the United States and Europe.  He received his undergraduate degree from Westminster Choir College, his graduate degree from Catholic University of America, and in 2004 was awarded an honorary Doctorate from the University of California.  He has been a featured soloist and guest conductor with the Varna International Music Festival, including the Bulgarian premiere of Elijah in 2007, and the bass soloist in Voices of Naples’ annual “Sing-Along Messiah” for the past six years.  Renfroe is Cantor and Music Director at Temple Bat Yam on Sanibel Island and also serves as Music Director at Beach United Methodist Church (Fort Myers Beach) and Artistic Director of Moorings Capital Opera.

ACCOMPANIST

LaVon Mattson is the organist at East Naples United Methodist Church.  She was a voice and piano major at Bethel College, St. Paul, Minnesota, and Viterbo College in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.  Prior to moving to Florida, LaVon was the administrative assistant to the president of the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Interlochen, Michigan.  A native of Kulm, North Dakota, she also teaches piano.  LaVon is a legal assistant at the law firm of Goede & Adamczyk, Naples. Her spouse is the jazz pianist Don Coates.

Voices of Naples is a proud member of the United Arts Council
of Collier County 

the American Choral Directors Association

and

Chorus America