History & Past Concerts
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The Lapeer County Concert Choir has been performing since 1968. It is known for its performances of large sacred works such as Bach's "Magnificat", Handel's "Messiah", Rutter's "Requiem", and Mozart's "Regina Coeli". The Choir has been invited to perform three times in the Flint Festival of Choirs hosted by the Carolyn Mawby Chorale. As the choir moves toward its 60th year, the goal remains to promote the advancement of choral music, and reveal the healing power of voices united in song. If you wish to join us, we rehearse on Monday nights in Lapeer. |
1968
The Lapeer County Concert Choir began as the Imlay City Community Choir when several church choirs, supported by local pastors, joined together to form a community chorus. They invited Jerry Pakkala, a recent graduate of Oakland University and the newly hired Imlay City High School choir director, to serve as the founding conductor. The choir's first performance featured a program of Christmas anthems.
1974
The choir expanded its performance schedule by adding an annual spring concert, establishing the tradition of presenting both Christmas and spring performances each season.
1986
By the mid-1980s, the choir had grown beyond its Imlay City roots, drawing singers from throughout a four-county region. As its reputation expanded, performances increasingly featured major works of the classical choral repertoire accompanied by chamber orchestras and instrumental ensembles. During this period, the choir presented such notable works as Magnificat by J.S. Bach, Gloria and Requiem by John Rutter, Messiah by George Frideric Handel, Christmas Oratorio by Camille Saint-Saëns, The Peaceable Kingdom by Randall Thompson, Gloria by Antonio Caldara, and Regina Coeli by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
1992
Jerry Pakkala earned his Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting. During this period he also performed with the Rackham Symphony Choir on European tours through Austria, Hungary, Poland, and Czechoslovakia, and directed the Four County Foundation's Messiah Oratorio Chorus.
1993
Following the spring performance of Rutter's Gloria, Jerry Pakkala stepped away from the choir to pursue other professional opportunities. Later that year, John Ayers became the choir's new conductor, bringing many years of experience as Minister of Music and Education at Warren Woods Baptist Church.
1996
John Ayers concluded his tenure following the spring performance of Randall Thompson's Testament of Freedom.
That fall, Jerry Pakkala returned as conductor and led the choir in a performance of Rutter's Magnificat.
1997
To better reflect its growing membership and mission, the choir officially changed its name from the Imlay City Community Choir to the Lapeer County Concert Choir.
2000
Louis Canter became the choir's conductor. Holding a Master's Degree in Organ Performance and Church Music from Wayne State University, he brought extensive experience directing classical choral music. His first season featured Saint-Saëns' Christmas Oratorio.
2001
Under Louis Canter's direction, the choir premiered his original composition, Christmas Gloria, a challenging work completed even as rehearsals were underway.
2002
The choir celebrated its 35th season with a performance of Handel's Messiah and a membership approaching sixty singers.
2003
The season featured Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms, performed in Hebrew, alongside Antonio Vivaldi's Gloria.
2004
Louis Canter concluded his service after directing Duruflé's Requiem.
Later that year, Dr. David Pickett became conductor and led performances of Parts II and III of Handel's Messiah.
2006
Dr. David Pickett accepted a teaching position in Texas and concluded his tenure with the choir.
That fall, Jennifer Davis became the choir's new conductor.
2010–2011
Jerry Pakkala returned once again as conductor, leading several memorable performances, including a concert featuring music from Wicked.
2012
Garth Starr became conductor. During his tenure, the choir was invited to perform with the Flint Festival of Choirs in 2013, 2015, and 2016.
2016
Garth Starr concluded his service following the spring concert, With a Song in My Heart.
Later that year, Dr. Edward Howell became the choir's conductor, beginning a new chapter in the organization's history.
2017
The choir celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a special Christmas concert directed by Dr. Edward Howell. Founding director Jerry Pakkala returned to share memories and conduct the traditional Hallelujah Chorus.
2024
Jennifer Orkisz, former Director of Choirs for Davison Community Schools, became conductor for the Christmas season, leading her first performance A Wreath of Carols.
2025
Responding to growing audience support throughout the county, the choir expanded its regular concert season by adding a third public performance. Later that year, Jennifer Orkisz accepted the position as choir director at the University of Olivet, bringing her time as the choir's director to a close while beginning a new chapter in her professional career.
2026
Heather Hundt became the choir's Music Director. During her first season, the choir partnered with the Lapeer High School Choir Department to present Many Voices, One Song, a concert celebrating collaboration between community and student musicians.
Today
More than five decades after its founding, the Lapeer County Concert Choir continues its mission of enriching the cultural life of Lapeer County through high-quality choral music. Under the direction of Heather Hundt, the choir presents seasonal concerts, collaborates with area schools and musicians, and welcomes singers from across the region who share a love of music.
Lapeer County Concert Choir is dedicated to providing quality vocal music concerts for the Lapeer County and surrounding areas. We perform concerts in December and also in May each year. If you would like information about future concerts, please add your name to our email list on the bottom of the main page.