In Memory of Matthew C. Rosendahl
Chesapeake Chorale members past and present were saddened to learn that Matt died on January 30, 2024 in North Carolina, of lung cancer at age 75. He is survived by his wife, Victoria. Matt was the long time Artistic Director of the Chesapeake Chorale. Over almost two decades Matt taught us to sing and perform hundreds of songs for our annual Christmas Concerts. In the early years he also prepared us for a Spring Concert as well as the Christmas concerts.
Matt taught us, inspired us and entertained us. Rehearsals were always fun. He would admonish us not to “scoop” up to our pitch and warned us “not to follow the sopranos, they will lead you astray every time!” Audiences will recall enjoying the professional, polished performances that he directed. Members will recall the joy we each received personally singing with Matt. Local schools received over $200,000 in contributions to their music programs during the years Matt directed the Chorale. We will miss Matt but will endeavor to carry on the tradition that he has left us with.
Matt taught us, inspired us and entertained us. Rehearsals were always fun. He would admonish us not to “scoop” up to our pitch and warned us “not to follow the sopranos, they will lead you astray every time!” Audiences will recall enjoying the professional, polished performances that he directed. Members will recall the joy we each received personally singing with Matt. Local schools received over $200,000 in contributions to their music programs during the years Matt directed the Chorale. We will miss Matt but will endeavor to carry on the tradition that he has left us with.
About the Chorale
We were thrilled to resume singing in 2022 and offering our Christmas Concert series after a long hiatus during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our weekly practices are traditionally on Monday evenings, 7:00-9:00 pm, starting the Monday after Labor Day at Grace Episcopal Church in Kilmarnock. If you are thinking about joining the Chorale make sure you're on our email list for updates.
The Chesapeake Chorale began as the vision of founding President and Artistic Director, Kimberly Leggett. The Chorale’s mission of enhancing and sustaining school music programs benefits the community both culturally and financially. All proceeds collected from ticket sales are given to area schools to keep music programs alive and thriving. Since our founding in 1996, this non-profit, volunteer community choir has grown in size from 30 to nearly 100 members at one point and donated in excess of $260,000 in equipment and money for the improvement of school performance facilities and music programs.
The Chesapeake Chorale began as the vision of founding President and Artistic Director, Kimberly Leggett. The Chorale’s mission of enhancing and sustaining school music programs benefits the community both culturally and financially. All proceeds collected from ticket sales are given to area schools to keep music programs alive and thriving. Since our founding in 1996, this non-profit, volunteer community choir has grown in size from 30 to nearly 100 members at one point and donated in excess of $260,000 in equipment and money for the improvement of school performance facilities and music programs.
Press coverage of Chorale Donations to Schools - 2018
Accompanist -- Arline Hinkson has been active as a performer and teacher. She did her piano studies with Katherine Bacon at the Julliard School of Music and with Pierre Sancan at the Conservatoire de Paris. She received a Masters Degree in Music Education and a Professional Diploma in School Administration from Long Island University. Arline retired from a career as Director of Music for the Westbury School system on Long Island where she taught strings, employing her violin background. She has appeared as a soloist with the Oklahoma City Symphony, the C.W. Post Orchestra and the Northern Neck Orchestra. She has been a performing member of the Long Island Symphony, the North Shore Symphony, the Tidewater Intergenerational Orchestra and the Northern Neck Orchestra. Embracing the musical life of the area, she has been active in the Crewe String Program and as the secretary for the Rappahannock Music Study Club. Arline has also appeared in performances with churches and chamber groups.