A perfect match for Sandy chorus

The last several years have seen chorus masters come and go at the Orchestra and Chorus of Sandy City. But with Pamela Dale, OCSC music director Joel Rosenberg feels the ensemble has found a perfect match.

Rosenberg said Dale has had a tremendous impact on the singers since joining the organization last fall. "She has done a wonderful job with the chorus. We're very happy with her."

Dale brings years of experience to the Sandy-based group. A Utah native, she sang in several local choirs before moving to California. "I was involved with many choral groups and fell in love with choral works," she said.

While in Utah, she was a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for two years under Jerold Ottley. She also sang for a number of years in the Oratorio Society of Utah and Pro Musica under John Neilson. "I adored John Neilson," she said. "We performed a lot of Bach and Mozart with him. We also did a lot lof other things, too."

However, as much as Dale has been involved with choral music, opera is what has occupied her for most of her professional career. A coloratura soprano, she sang several roles with Utah Opera during founder Glade Peterson's tenure. "I sang leading roles such as Norina in 'Don Pasquale' and Zerlina in 'Don Giovanni,' " she said.

Most of her professional life, though, has been spent as a chorister with the San Francisco Opera. "I had all kinds of experiences with San Francisco," she said.

As a member of the opera chorus there, Dale's contract precluded her from doing anything else. "It was great being on the stage with celebrated divas, but I missed singing choral works."

After two decades with the San Francisco Opera, Dale was ready for a change. When the chorus master position with the Chorus of Sandy City became vacant last year, she saw her chance to return to Salt Lake City and immerse herself in the music she truly loved.

"My decision to leave San Francisco was based on accepting this position."

Being in charge of a chorus is something that Dale has wanted to do for a long time. "I've always wanted to lead a chorus, and this lets me fulfill a dream."

That Rosenberg is the Sandy orchestra's music director also influenced her decision to return to her home state. "Joel is a great conductor, and he should be noted as such," she said. "He strives for excellence and perfection."

The two have known each other for years, and both have a common past with Utah Opera.