The Czech Choraliers
In October 1978, the Wisconsin Czechs announced that Miroslav Pansky, director of the Green Bay Symphony, agreed to train the Northeast Czech Regional Chorus. Any member of the Wisconsin Czechs was welcomed to join the group. Also, anyone, regardless of ethnic origin, who was interested in the history, language and culture of Czechoslovakia, was encouraged to join.
The name soon changed to the Wisconsin Czech Choraliers. Their first performance was July 31, 1979, in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, along with the Gene Heier Orchestra. During the next seven years, the group presented a play with verses and music in both Czech and English. In July 1988 the group elected its own officers. It began singing at nursing homes, church services and accepted engagements at community events.
The Choraliers is made up of thirty-five members; the group is directed by Orv Konop and Gail Johanek and accompanied by Lumir Jebavy on the accordion. At times the group is accompanied by additional instrumentalists. Members come from Brown, Kewaunee, Manitowoc and Calumet counties in Wisconsin. New members are welcome to join at any time.
In recent years the group has performed at area nursing homes. It also performed at Houby Days in Cedar Rapids, Iowa – St. Wenceslaus Church in Spillville, Iowa - St. John Nepomuk in Racine, Wisconsin - Ethnic Days at the Kewaunee Heritage Farm in Kewaunee, Wisconsin - in the “Music under the Stars” program in Two Rivers, Wisconsin - Heritage State Park in Green Bay, Wisconsin and at the Western Fraternal Life Association in Black River Falls, Wisconsin.
In September 2003, the Choraliers recorded its first CD containing 20 polkas and waltzes sung in the Czech and English languages. In October 2005, the Choraliers recorded 19 Czech Christmas carols and religious musical pieces.
For more information, ordering CDs, or to join the group, call or e-mail:
Orv Konop: (920) 432-1556
okkonop aol.com
The name soon changed to the Wisconsin Czech Choraliers. Their first performance was July 31, 1979, in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, along with the Gene Heier Orchestra. During the next seven years, the group presented a play with verses and music in both Czech and English. In July 1988 the group elected its own officers. It began singing at nursing homes, church services and accepted engagements at community events.
The Choraliers is made up of thirty-five members; the group is directed by Orv Konop and Gail Johanek and accompanied by Lumir Jebavy on the accordion. At times the group is accompanied by additional instrumentalists. Members come from Brown, Kewaunee, Manitowoc and Calumet counties in Wisconsin. New members are welcome to join at any time.
In recent years the group has performed at area nursing homes. It also performed at Houby Days in Cedar Rapids, Iowa – St. Wenceslaus Church in Spillville, Iowa - St. John Nepomuk in Racine, Wisconsin - Ethnic Days at the Kewaunee Heritage Farm in Kewaunee, Wisconsin - in the “Music under the Stars” program in Two Rivers, Wisconsin - Heritage State Park in Green Bay, Wisconsin and at the Western Fraternal Life Association in Black River Falls, Wisconsin.
In September 2003, the Choraliers recorded its first CD containing 20 polkas and waltzes sung in the Czech and English languages. In October 2005, the Choraliers recorded 19 Czech Christmas carols and religious musical pieces.
For more information, ordering CDs, or to join the group, call or e-mail:
Orv Konop: (920) 432-1556
okkonop aol.com
