Deborah Berman Appointed Ex. Dir. of LA Children's Chorus

Deborah Berman, a highly regarded veteran arts administrator with extensive experience on both coasts, has been appointed Executive Director of Los AngeLes Children's Chorus (LACC) following a nationwide search, it was announced by LACC Board Chair David Scheidemantle. Ms. Berman has been serving as Interim Executive Director since December 1, 2010, and assumes her new post effective immediately.

"We are fortunate that our search process led us to someone of Debby's caliber and that, during her short time as Interim Executive Director, she quickly developed a passion for the mission of our organization and inspired the confidence of staff and board alike," says Mr. Scheidemantle, who chaired LACC's Search Committee. "Her vision, experience, leadership skills, and impeccable musical credentials will be invaluable in guiding LACC's continued growth."

"I look forward to working closely with Debby, especially at this critical time in LACC's evolution," states LACC Artistic Director Anne Tomlinson, who notes the chorus is currently celebrating its 25th Anniversary. "Her commitment to music education for young people and vast experience shaping the organizational infrastructure to deliver it at the highest level will be tremendous assets to LACC."

"Los AngeLes Children's Chorus is an extraordinary organization with a long-established reputation for the highest level of artistry and music training that is not only well deserved but astonishing, considering that LACC has just reached its 25th-year landmark," Ms. Berman adds. "I am delighted to assume the administrative leadership role and to be part of the creative and forward-thinking team guiding the choir into its second quarter century."

Ms. Berman has years of experience leading arts educational institutions, most recently as the first Dean and Chief Academic Officer of The Colburn School. She has been credited with guiding the School's artistic and structural development during her years there, as well as playing a major role in building the program and faculty of the then new college level Conservatory of Music. Before then, she served as Dean of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music; Dean of the Levine School of Music in Washington, D.C.; Dean of the Center for Creative Studies - Institute of Music and Dance in Detroit, Michigan; and Interim Executive Director of The Crowden School and Music Center in Berkeley. As a pianist and chamber musician she has performed both nationally and internationally. She has also served on the faculties of Humboldt State University, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Levine School of Music, Center for Creative Studies, and University of Michigan at Interlochen. A passionate advocate for the arts and arts education, she was a founding board member of the San Francisco International Music Festival and has made numerous appearances on radio and television both as a speaker and performer.

Los AngeLes Children's Chorus - described by the media as "astonishingly polished," "hauntingly beautiful," and "one heck of a talented group of kids" - is widely regarded as one of the world's foremost children's choirs. Founded in 1986 and currently led by Artistic Director Anne Tomlinson, LACC performs with such leading organizations as LA Opera, LA Phil, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, LA Master Chorale, LACO, Pasadena Symphony and POPs and Calder Quartet. The chorus' roster includes more than 350 children aged 6-18 from 60 communities across Los Angeles in six choirs and "First Experiences in Singing" classes for young singers. LACC has toured North and South America, China and Europe, and produced the world-premiere of Keepers of the Night, an opera by Peter Ash and Donald Sturrock. The chorus appeared on LA Master Chorale's recently released Decca recording "A Good Understanding," and Plácido Domingo's Deutsche Grammophon recording "Amore Infinito" ("Infinite Love"). The subject of a trilogy of documentaries by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Freida Lee Mock, LACC is featured in the Academy Award-nominated Sing!, about a year in the life of the choir; Sing Opera!, documenting the production of "Keepers of the Night"; and Sing China!, chronicling its groundbreaking tour to China just prior to the Beijing Olympics. LACC has performed with John Mayer on NBC's "The Tonight Show," and was featured on Public Radio International's nationally syndicated show "From the Top," among other credits. For more information on the choir, please visit www.lachildrenschorus.org.