LACC’s Young Men’s Ensemble (Photo – Jamie Pham)
The Los Angeles Children’s Chorus (LACC) hosted a memorable evening at Zipper Hall in downtown Los Angeles on March 29, 2025, for its annual benefit concert, Every Child Sings.
By News Desk
Bursting with joy and camaraderie, the event raised an impressive $150,000 to support LACC’s educational programs and scholarship fund, all while honoring the Young Men’s Ensemble (YME), an innovative choir that helps boys with changing voices continue their musical journey.
The nearly 200 children from four of LACC’s choirs filled the hall with rousing performances, earning thunderous applause from an enthusiastic audience. YME, founded 15 years ago, was the evening’s focal point, showcasing its remarkable contributions to choral music. Dr. Steven Kronauer, YME’s founding conductor, led the group in a powerful mix of O Sole Mio/Feniculì Feniculà, Shenandoah, and The Impossible Dream. The choir also delivered moving renditions of One from A Chorus Line, and The Impossible Dream from Man of La Mancha.
Other LACC choirs added to the evening’s magic. The mixed-voices Chorale presented Fauré’s Cantique de Jean Racine, while the Chamber Singers, conducted by Artistic Director Fernando Malvar-Ruiz, performed Kodály’s Mountain Nights. The finale was a poignant moment, as all four ensembles joined together to perform Abbie Betinis’ Love Is Love Is Love Is Love, inviting the audience to participate in a heartwarming celebration of unity.
The evening’s auction, which was a key component of the event, was introduced by Daniel Arias, a Warren High School senior and LACC scholarship recipient. Arias, who has sung with YME for five years and the Chorale for three, shared an emotional story about the life-changing impact of LACC on his musical journey.
LACC’s Executive Director, Susan Miller Kotses, and Artistic Director, Fernando Malvar-Ruiz, also spoke passionately about the importance of YME. “[YME] provides a vital opportunity for boys to nurture their vocal talent and pursue choral studies at LACC, which is considered one of the nation’s finest institutions for young singers.” said Kotses. Malvar-Ruiz added, “There are enormous benefits to singing in a choir that can have a profound impact on a child’s life.”
Guests were treated to a dessert reception at the Colburn School campus following the concert. Those at the $500 sponsor level enjoyed an intimate pre-concert dinner at Vespaio, a downtown Los Angeles restaurant.
Founded 15 years ago, YME continues to provide young men with a unique opportunity to sing through the vocal transition, studying a wide variety of choral repertoire and developing healthy vocal habits. The group was born from the vision of former Executive Director Rachel Fine and Artistic Director Emerita Anne Tomlinson, who recognized the need for such a program.
The success of Every Child Sings was due in large part to the efforts of a dedicated committee, led by Tanvir Gopal and including Elizabeth Besch, Aimee Cunningham, Steve Deschenes, Patrick Garcia, Jena Liddy, Jessica McGlothlin, Meghan Umber, and Elizabeth Voxman.
The Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, widely regarded as one of the world’s premier youth choirs, is renowned for its commitment to fostering musical excellence. With a diverse group of over 500 children from more than 40 Southern California communities, LACC offers life-changing opportunities for young singers, with more than 30% of its members receiving scholarships.
LACC Artistic Director Fernando Malvar-Ruiz conducts the combined Concert Choir, Young Men’s Ensemble, Chorale, and Chamber singers along with the audience in the finale, Abbie Betinis’ Love Is Love Is Love Is Love, a moving four-part round (Photo – Jamie Pham)
The silent auction at Los Angeles Children’s Chorus Benefit Concert, “Every Child Sings,” gets off to a rousing start (Photo – Jamie Pham)
Steven Kronauer, LACC’s Young Men’s Ensemble Director, and Susan Miller Kostes, LACC Executive Director (Photo – Jamie Pham)
Dr. Steven Kronauer conducts LACC’s Young Men’s Ensemble Director (Photo – Jamie Pham)
For information about LACC, visit lachildrenschorus.org or call (626) 793-4231 x 118.
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