Bel Canto Chorale

Bel Canto Chorale began as The Burlington Choir, directed by Rev. Donald Bogaards in 1966. In 1968, the chorale was reorganized and renamed the Bel Canto Chorale under the direction of Phyllis McAdams. McAdams held the baton for 15 years.  The Chorale put on a number of ambitious performances, including classical and contemporary music, operettas, and more.

Roger Hatteberg assumed the director's role upon McAdams's retirement in 1983.  In 1988, the chorale introduced the annual Festival of Lessons and Carols during the season of Advent.  The Shoquoquon Children's Choir, under the direction of Roger and Deborah Hatteberg, and the Southeast Iowa Brass Quintet joined with Bel Canto Chorale in instituting this popular annual tradition.

After working tirelessly to uphold and improve upon the quality of the Chorale, Hatteberg retired at the completion of the 2009-2010 season.  During that 27-year period, there was only one season that required a substitute director, and it was filled by Dr. Timothy Ahern.  Following Hatteberg's retirement, Dane Barner served as director for the 2010-2011 season.  Dr. Timothy Ahern returned as director starting with the Fall 2011 season.  The Fall of 2017 introduced our newest director, Jacob Yochum.

Two members of the chorale require special mention: soprano Gloria DeVilbiss and tenor Terry Strother. Both of these outstanding singers participated from the chorale's inaugural performance in 1969 through spring 2010, both in solo and ensemble.