The Landoliers Perform 27th Spring Concert

The Landoliers began rehearsals in midOctober 2022, under the direction of Suzanne Stearns, in preparation for their annual performance on April 16 th , which consisted of medleys and show tunes.

This year, the traditional March concert was delayed due to high Covid rates in the fall and winter months. A special feature this year, were the multiple solos by Joan Campbell, Peter and Marie McHugh, Bob Harris, Bob Fernander, Norman Olshansky, Pat Shrope, Masako Carlson, and Barbara Rothman, who is also the accompanist for the chorus. Nate Richards also added a special French Horn solo.

The Landoliers chorus was founded in 1996. Lenora Jost took over as director in the early 2000s. Her experience studying music allowed her to expand the group’s repertoire and conduct four-part harmonies. She was incredibly passionate about the Landoliers success and recalls putting ads in the paper encouraging residents of all skill levels to join.

Lenora’s favorite performance was Camelot because the show always brings back great memories. Even though most of the group was not musically trained, “they worked so hard and sounded great.” Lenora admits she gets chills from listening to the songs they performed then and now.

Lenora retired from the Landoliers in 2017 and turned over her talented baton to Suzanne Stearns. She continues to be a singer in the group.

Suzanne Stearns, an accomplished professional singer and voice coach, was hired to replace Lenora as director of the chorus. She holds her bachelor’s and master’s degree from the Eastman School of Music and has won several national vocal awards including first place winner of the Metropolitan and San Francisco Opera auditions.

She has been a leading singer in the MGM’s Hallelujah Hollywood show in Las Vegas and has entertained on the Royal Viking Cruise Line with her husband, Metropolitan Opera singer, Jason Stearns.

Suzanne also had an exciting career with the Army Band’s Army Chorale at Ft. Myer, Virginia where she was the choreographer and stage director for the 13-member group performing for presidents, ambassadors, officer’s conventions, and many other functions. Along with the stage direction of this prestigious group, she was also a performer and soloist.

She retired from the Army after a 20-year career and has performed many leading roles such as Fiordiligi in Cosi Fan Tutte, Alice Ford in Falstaff, Hemwige in Die Walkurie, Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni and many more.

If you are interested in joining the Landoliers for their 2023-2024 season, or want more information, contact Norman Olshansky at nfpconsultingresources@gmail.com.