Ron Hatley Commission

During the 15-year history of the Festival Singers of Florida, there have been several initiatives that began as dreams.  In 2015, we decided to bring the Nairobi Chamber Chorus to the United States so they could share the joy of African choral music with choirs throughout the southeast, and in 2016 we began the AVoice4Peace initiative.  We have programmed music with instrumentalists that has challenged our budget.  When these challenges seemed overwhelming, Ron Hatley has provided the hope we have needed to move forward with our dreams.  He served as host and driver for the Nairobi Chamber Chorus tour befriending each member of that ensemble, and he has done the same with members of Festival Singers of Florida. 

This year’s commission is dedicated to Festival Singers of Florida current and past presidents; Holly Hodges Cook, Lauren Rizzo, Melinda Fradley, and Leslie Gray. We are honored to work with composer Hans Bridger Heruth on his new work, “When You Are Old.” This work will be premiered at our first concert performance in September.

Our goal is to raise $3000 a year that the ensemble will use to commission composers in the future.  Ron celebrates in possibilities and we believe that the Ron Hatley Commission Fund will allow us to continue enhance the choral art!