Love in the air for Young@Heart Chorus

By Ashley P otter apotter@repub.com

The Young@Heart Chorus will step outside of its usual repertoire when it performs at the Academy of Music on Sunday.

“The Love Show,” which will begin at 3 p.m., will feature covers of songs by Rihanna, Lizzo, Rina Sawayama, Miley Cyrus and more. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m.

The Young@Heart Chorus was founded in 1982 at a Western Massachusetts elderly housing project, and has developed into a generation-crossing musical group that has performed across New England and beyond. The group is made up of seniors, ranging in age from 71 to 94, and is led by director Bob Cilman.

Current chorus members, according to the group’s website, include: Sara Lee Bartley, born in 1938; Helen Boston,born in 1930; Medford Rodney Boston, born in 1952; Graciela Cabrera, born in 1942; Rosemary Caine, born in 1945; Lu Cauley, born in 1929; Claire Couture, born in 1936; Jayce Dearman, born in 1938; Rollie Emond, born in 1937; David Fersh, born in 1946; Justa “Ana” Garcia, born in 1930; Ray Homstead, born in 1946; Jerry Little, born in 1939; Barbara Lockhart, born in 1941; Steve Martin, born in 1928; Norm Moreau, born in 1933; Rosalie Moreau, born in 1934; Sonia Nieto, born in 1943; Gloria Parker, born in 1929; Beda Polanco, born in 1941; John Rinehart, born in 1935; Jack Schnepp, born in 1930; Bill Sheppard, born in 1939; Anita Shumway, born in 1934; Shirley Stevens, born in 1935; Marion Van Arsdell, born in 1943; and Leila Irene Wilson, born in 1941.

The Young@Heart Chorus performs with its mission in mind: to prove to the world that it’s “possible to grow old without growing boring.”

Tickets for the Academy of Music show range from $20 to $50 and can be purchased in person, online at aomtheatre.com, or by contacting the box office at 413-584-9032, ext. 105.

“The Love Show” is also being held as part of the Massachusetts Card to Culture program. Ten balcony seats will be available at a discounted price of $10 to patrons with a valid EBT, WIC or ConnectorCare card, on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information on the Card to Culture program, visit masscultur alcouncil.org/organiza tions/card-to-culture/ directorial debut is a decades and continent-spanning romance about two friends separated in childhood who meet 20 years later in New York.

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