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The Silver Chords: Sharing Our Joy Of Music
“The mission of The Silver Chords Chorus is to be an inclusive multigenerational choral group that welcomes singers of all skill levels,
regardless of age, disabilities, religion, race, culture, sexual orientation and gender expression,
in order to bring harmony, good will and entertainment through performing free concerts to the Long Island community.”
A History of the Silver Chords Chorus
The Suffolk County Senior Citizens' Chorus was formed in the fall of 1980. It began as a small Smithtown ladies choral group, but then was expanded by Director Linda Monner to include men and women throughout Suffolk County. The village of St. John graciously donated their recreation center for rehearsals. In April of 1981, the 33 member group presented its first concert, consisting of simple arrangements of songs that they enjoyed singing.
By 1984 the group had outgrown its rehearsal facilities. The Smithtown Town Board offered the Smithtown Senior Citizen's Center for its rehearsals.
In September of 1986, the group adopted the name "The Silver Chords." In 1987, they received an invitation to perform at the official New York State Senior Citizens Day festivities in Albany. There they performed before hundreds of people and were greeted by Governor Mario Cuomo.
The Silver Chords became the proud recipients of the Gerald Farley Award in 1990. It was presented to them by the Suffolk County Senior Citizens Advisory board at their annual All About Aging Conference. In 1992, the Chorus was the opening act for "Rosemary Clooney's White Christmas Party" concert at Westbury Music Fair. The Silver Chords performed on their own as well as with Ms. Clooney and Debbie Boone.
The Chorus received a citation in 1994 from the Town of Islip, recognizing The Silver Chords for 15 years of free concerts. It was presented to them by the Islip Town Supervisor Pete McGowan.
In 1995, Linda Monner stepped down as director. For the next 14 years, The Silver Chords would be led by Director Robert Wochinger who brought his own style, vitality and love of music to the group. In 2004, Bob and the Chorus were featured in the Arts and Lifestyle section of the Times Beacon Record.
The Silver Chords honored Smithtown Town Supervisor Patrick Vecchio with a plaque during their December 2009 concert at the Kings Park High School. Supervisor Vecchio has supported the Chords by providing the Smithtown Senior Center as a rehearsal site.
That same year Bob retired from his choral directorship. The third Director would be Spyro Kalas. Spyro started commissioning works by local composers to be premiered by The Silver Chords.
In 2014, Carl J. Ferrara took over as conductor of The Silver Chords. Carl has welcomed young singers into the group as soloists. In 2016, our youngest full time members joined at the ages of 13 and 14. The Chorus was featured in "Spotlight On..." for Smithtown Public Access. In 2016, The Silver Chords performed at the Beacon Theater in NYC singing with the rock group Guster.
In 2019, they presented the Long Island Premiere and second performance EVER of the Mass by Arthur Frackenpohl. They have also premiered pieces by Michael Bussewitz-Quarm, George Simon, and Carl J Ferrara.
Choral activities were temporarily suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020-2021, but then the Chorus came back strong with some holiday concerts during the Fall and Winter of 2021. The Silver Chords Chorus celebrated their 40th anniversary during the 2022 season. In 2024, they performed with the Smithtown Community Band and Sunrise Theatre Company.
They continue to provide a venue for people who love to sing to participate in making beautiful music.
Carl J Ferrara
Carl J Ferrara
Conductor
Carl J Ferrara has been conductor of the Silver Chords since 2014, following two years, on and off, as a guest conductor. He is also the Music Director for The Harbormen Barbershop Chorus, and Setauket United Methodist Church, served as Associate Music Director for L.I. Voices, and has sung with the Brookhaven Choral Festival.
He has been a music educator for 30 years. He is a member of NYSSMA, SCMEA, and NAfME. Currently, he is teaching in the Amityville School District. He presents choral workshops all over New York and North Eastern United States.
A songwriter and composer, he has written two musicals, several songs and choral works, some of which have been premiered by the Silver Chords. His newest is a collection of Canons, Rounds, and Partner Songs. He has been Music Director for theatrical productions and cabarets across Long Island and NYC and is currently on the faculty at Studio Theatre and the USDAN Center for the Performing Arts. He is a member of the local rock band Rock Island Sound.
Robert Price
Pianist
A native of Long Island, Robert Price began studying music early. He started the piano at age four, the flute at age seven, and the bassoon when fifteen. He got his B.M. from the Manhattan School of Music and his M.M. from the Mannes College of Music, both in performance on the bassoon. He has also earned colleague certification from the American Guild of Organists. He has toured South America with the New York Kammermusiker, a double reed ensemble, and accompanied the Long Island Symphonic Choral Association on their tour of Italy.
Lately, much of Rob’s time is spent with choral music, both singing and accompanying. As well as being involved with The Silver Chords, he is singing with the North Shore Chamber Choir and LISCA. He is a founding member of the Symmetry Woodwind Quintet and has been playing contrabassoon with the South Shore Symphony.
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