Pacific Chorale Artistic Director Robert Istad appoints Jessica Dalley to the Rita Major Memorial Chair.

“Jessica is a wonderful volunteer soprano whose warmth, kindness, and joyful spirit make her a cherished member of the soprano section,” said Robert Istad. “She truly embodies the grace and generosity that defined Rita Major’s beautiful legacy.”

Rita Major Memorial Chair

At the time of her passing in 2017, soprano Rita Major was the last founding member of Pacific Chorale still active in the ensemble. She had sung every full choir concert with the Chorale since our inception in 1968, and joined us on every tour. Rita was also our first full-time paid administrator from 1978 to 1988, and was subsequently employed by the Philharmonic Society of Orange County as their director of education, bringing music into the lives of hundreds of thousands of young people. In honor of her extraordinary legacy of service and artistry, Pacific Chorale designated the Rita Major Memorial Chair in her memory for a volunteer member of the soprano section.