History
The Columbia Chorale was formally organized in 1983 by Patsy Ford and Chris Jeffris, and directed by Dick Lapo, then professor of music at Wenatchee Valley College. In its early years, the group of about 30 singers was affiliated with the North Central Washington Museum and held concerts there. Mr. Lapo was joined and then succeeded as director by Brad Miller, then Dr. Margaret Licon.
Director 1999-2023
Dr. Mike Hibbett maintained a dedicated career in music education, church music, and performance for over 30 years. He received his Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Under his guidance, the Columbia Chorale reached new levels of excellence. And, while retired as director, he hopes to remain a vital part of the Wenatchee choral community. Thank you, Dr. Mike, for all your years of outstanding service!
Interim Director 2023-2024
Dan Jackson M.M. is a local Wenatchee legend, having directed the choral programs at Wenatchee High School for 30 years. Under his leadership, they toured in the US and Europe and achieved statewide and national awards for choral excellence and music theater productions.
The Columbia Chorale has performed major works including Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Karl Orff’s Carmina Burana, Mozart’s Requiem, Vivaldi’s Gloria, Handel’s Messiah and John Rutter’s Magnificat with the Wenatchee Valley Symphony. They have also performed the Rutter and Poulenc Glorias, Haydn’s Creation, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Bach’s Magnificat, Mozart’s Mass in C and Solemn Vespers, and requiem masses by Schubert, Fauré, and Rutter, all with orchestras comprised of musicians from the greater Wenatchee area.
“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.”