Our story

The Healdsburg Chorus has become one of Sonoma County’s most cherished community arts organizations, bringing together singers and audiences through a shared love of music for nearly four decades. Rooted in the belief that choral singing can strengthen community, foster friendship, and enrich civic life, the Chorus has grown from a small gathering of enthusiastic local singers into a respected and enduring cultural institution in Northern California.

The origins of the Healdsburg Chorus date back to 1987, when a small group of community members in Healdsburg, California began discussing the possibility of forming a local singing organization. Their vision was simple yet ambitious: to create a welcoming chorus where people from all walks of life could gather to experience the joy of music-making together. From that modest beginning, with approximately twenty singers, the organization that would become the Healdsburg Chorus was born.

Two individuals were central to the Chorus’ founding and early development: conductor Betty Zukov and pianist Susan Nelson. Zukov, a beloved teacher and musician in the Healdsburg community, provided artistic leadership and inspiration, while Nelson offered steadfast musical support as accompanist and collaborator. Under their guidance, the ensemble—then known as the “Healdsburg Community Chorus”—presented its first concert in 1988 to enthusiastic community support.

Over the years, the Chorus steadily expanded both in size and artistic ambition. What began as a small community ensemble grew into a chorus of approximately sixty singers. Along the way, the organization formally adopted the name “The Healdsburg Chorus,” reflecting both its broader artistic identity and its increasing prominence within the region’s cultural life.

Throughout its history, the Healdsburg Chorus has remained committed to its founding mission: creating extraordinary musical experiences while remaining open and accessible to community singers. Unlike many formal auditioned ensembles, the Chorus welcomes non-professional singers and emphasizes participation, learning, and musical growth. Prospective members are not required to read music or audition formally; instead, the organization has long prioritized enthusiasm, dedication, and a love of singing.

Under Betty Zukov’s leadership, the Chorus developed a reputation for warm, engaging performances and a strong sense of camaraderie among its members. Her influence shaped the artistic and organizational culture of the ensemble for a quarter century. In May 2013, the Healdsburg Chorus celebrated its 25th anniversary and honored Zukov upon her retirement after twenty-five years as founding director.

The Chorus then entered a new era under the direction of Jim Humphreys, an experienced music educator and choral conductor who assumed leadership in the fall of 2013. Humphreys brought an energetic conducting style, a strong pedagogical background, and a sense of humor that helped the ensemble continue to grow artistically while maintaining its welcoming spirit. During his tenure, the Chorus expanded its repertoire and deepened its musical development.

At the same time, Susan Nelson continued serving as accompanist, remaining a stabilizing and beloved figure within the organization. Her dedication, musicianship, and patience made her an essential part of the Chorus’s identity for more than three decades. Nelson retired in 2019, concluding an extraordinary partnership with the organization she helped found.

The contributions of both Betty Zukov and Susan Nelson have been permanently recognized through the Chorus’ annual music scholarship program. Originally established as the Betty Zukov Music Scholarship, the award was renamed in 2019 as the Betty Zukov and Susan Nelson Music Scholarship in honor of both founders. The scholarship supports graduating Healdsburg-area high school seniors pursuing music studies and reflects the Chorus’s continuing commitment to music education and community enrichment.

In recent years, the Healdsburg Chorus has continued to evolve artistically while remaining deeply rooted in community participation. Under director David Martin, the Chorus entered its 37th and later 38th season, presenting regular winter and spring concerts in Healdsburg and surrounding communities. Martin brought decades of experience in music education, orchestral performance, and conducting, further strengthening the ensemble’s musical foundation. Now in its 39th season, the chorus welcomes Don Scott Carpenter as its next director.

The Chorus’ performances have traditionally included a broad range of repertoire, from holiday favorites and folk songs to Broadway selections, classical arrangements, spirituals, and contemporary choral works. Concerts are typically presented twice annually: holiday performances in December and spring concerts in April or May. The ensemble regularly performs at venues such as the Raven Performing Arts Theater in downtown Healdsburg.

A defining characteristic of the Healdsburg Chorus has always been its role as a community-building organization. The Chorus’ mission emphasizes the belief that music transcends divisions and brings people together. Singers of varied backgrounds and skill levels participate not only to perform, but also to form friendships, support one another, and contribute to the cultural vitality of Healdsburg and Sonoma County.

The organization has also maintained a strong volunteer culture. Chorus members assist with ticket sales, fundraising, publicity, and organizational support, reflecting the cooperative spirit that has sustained the ensemble since its founding. Financial support from donors, sponsors, and audience members has allowed the Chorus to continue expanding its artistic offerings while keeping participation accessible to the broader community.

Today, the Healdsburg Chorus stands as a testament to the enduring power of community music-making. What began in 1987 as a conversation among neighbors who simply loved to sing has become a longstanding artistic institution serving generations of singers and audiences. Through leadership transitions, changing musical eras, and the growth of Healdsburg itself, the Chorus has remained faithful to its original vision: celebrating community and sharing the joy of music.