“My late husband, Dr. Clark Bedford, recognized a need for a choir based in the North Hills that would give strong singers the opportunity to perform large choral masterpieces. In its infancy, the Chorale had about 25 members, and rehearsals were at a little Lutheran Church near North Park. One of my fondest memories is the excitement at Ingomar Church when extra chairs had to be added in the back of the sanctuary due to the sell-out crowd at the performance of the Bach Magnificat - it was so special to see how many people were there to support the Chorale!” -Sandra Bedford “Being a married couple singing in the Pittsburgh Concert Chorale has been wonderful in so many ways. Not the least of these is that it’s given my husband and me the treat of reversing the tables on our children so that we were the performers and they were in the audience. As parents of three, we did have the opportunity to attend their piano recitals, band concerts, elementary school talent shows, marching band competitions, etc. where we waved proudly and clapped wildly! But also, our children had the opportunity to attend our concerts, wave at us from the audience, and see a side of us that showed them that we did not stop living when we graduated from college. When they attended our concerts, they were gently reminded with a family mantra, ‘You’ll be a better person for it.’ And - I believe they are! (One of them is currently singing with us in PCC.) P.S. - Added bonus - Every Tuesday rehearsal was “Date Night”! -Bernie and John Heisey “Having retired in January, 2005, I can remember auditioning for Clark Bedford in his home in February, 2005 and joining this wonderful group. I also recall the change in style when Katie Mueller replaced Clark – she could hear every bad note! It meant so much to me that most of the group sang ‘O Magnum Mysterium' at my wife’s memorial service in 2011, shortly after Susan’s arrival. Additionally, I fondly recall PCC’s trips to New York, Chautauqua, Italy, and to New York again! PCC has been a huge part of my life for 20+ years now. I feel very fortunate to be a part of this group.” -Bruce Cooper “I've been coming to concerts by the Pittsburgh Concert Chorale since 1990, when I was 10 years old and it was called ‘The North Hills Chamber Singers’. My parents had recently joined the choir and heavily encouraged their three children to attend the concerts. Fast forward 26 years to 2016: I had just moved back to Pittsburgh and was looking for things to do and new people to meet. My mom convinced me to try out for the choir, and now here I am in my 9th season singing with the Pittsburgh Concert Chorale! The PCC has given me the opportunity to sing amazing music surrounded by talented people, many of whom have become close friends, and it gives my mom the excuse to feed me dinner before rehearsal every Tuesday.” -Annie Heisey "The PCC will always be special to me for many reasons. It all began in 1993 when friends invited my late husband and I to hear a concert and I was sure I wanted to be a part of this marvelous choral group. I auditioned in the Fall of 1994 and was accepted as an alto by Music Director, Clark Bedford. Larry Humes got to hear my December concert and Mozart's Requiem before he passed away in May 1995. For 4 1/2 years, the chorale was my 'family' and supported me as I continued singing during my widowhood. Then along came Charlie McChesney and we planned a wedding for February 2000. When the singers found out our plans, they came to me with their 'gift' of singing at the wedding! 50 of them shared that 2-20-2000 Sunday afternoon ceremony and added 'JOY' to the theme that I had selected. With Clark at the helm and David Billings at the organ, it was an amazing gift and blessing. In my 25 years as a PCC alto 2, I sang under the direction of Clark, Katie Mueller, and Susan Medley, and what a privilege that was! I decided at age 80 (in 2019) that it was time to 'retire' and was immediately given the responsibility of recruiting ushers for the PCC concerts. Having served on the board for many years, Charlie and I have been named board members Emeritus and we count it a privilege to support the group in every way we can. Pittsburgh can be as proud as I am to have the PCC as a wonderful regional asset. THANK YOU, PCC, for what you have meant in my life! -Ruth Ann (Humes) McChesney