Chorale Bel Canto was founded in 1982 by a group of Whittier College Choir Alumni who wished to continue singing after graduating. Director of Choral Activities Stephen Gothold, himself an alumnus, organized the recruiting efforts and the Chorale made its debut performance on Saturday, December 4, 1982 at the Whittier Presbyterian Church - a complete performance of Handel's Messiah.Since then, the Chorale has sung over one hundred concert programs in the Southern California area. The Chorale performed in Japan in 1994 and at the Hollywood Bowl in 1995 as it joined together with 1,000 singers from America and Japan to sing Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. In 2001, members of the Chorale -- along with Whittier College students, alumni, and members of the Imperial Valley Choral Society -- toured Eastern Europe and performed selections of American hymns, spirituals, and sacred songs.The Chorale welcomes new singers throughout the year, interested singers should contact Dr. Gothold via the website links. All singers are volunteers, and come from all walks of life. Chorale Bel Canto is a not-for-profit educational organization, chartered by the Internal Revenue Service. It is supported by the Los Angeles County Arts Council, private Foundations, and individual donors. The Chorale is affiliated with Chorus America.