Joyce Herrema Memorial Fund

Arcadia Chorale announces establishment of the

Joyce Herrema Memorial Fund

to sponsor a 2025 performance of Bach’s B minor Mass

Arcadia Chorale welcomed our Founding Director & Director Emeritus, Robert Dale Herrema, back to Pennsylvania during our 2023 Christmas concert weekend. Bob established the Robert Dale Chorale in 1978 and led the ensemble until his retirement in 2004. The Chorale has thrived for over four decades, built on the solid foundation that began with Bob’s dedication, talent and vision. Because of his leadership and artistry, the group quickly became a fixture in the NEPA classical music community; now, as Arcadia Chorale, we continue the tradition of bringing choral music performances of the highest caliber to our region. We were thrilled to have Bob visit with us and hear the group in person last December! 

Since his retirement, Bob has remained a supporter of the Chorale and has maintained ties with several of the group’s original members. On his recent visit, he pledged a major gift in honor of his beloved late wife, Joyce Herrema. Joyce sang with the ensemble in our soprano section and was a dear friend to many of us. Members of the NEPA music community will remember Joyce for her beautiful, warm spirit as she showed her love of life through her work, spirituality, play, family – and music-making! Her passing in 2009 was a loss for the entire community, but for her loving family most of all.

Help us bring the B minor Mass to Scranton in March 2025

At his request, Bob’s gift has been largely designated to help sponsor the Chorale’s performance of the B minor Mass during our 2024–2025 concert season. As an ensemble, we’re excited to bring this major work back to the area; as friends of the Herremas, we are honored to do so in Joyce’s memory, with many thanks to Bob for providing this major support.

While Bob’s generosity puts this performance within our reach financially, expenses still remain; a work of this size is a considerable commitment for the ensemble. Unfortunately, as a non-profit arts organization, we’ve felt the recent squeeze of reduced grant awards and personal donations.

If you are able, please consider donating to the Joyce Herrema Memorial Fund to make Bob’s wish a reality.

No contribution is too small, and all donors to this Fund, regardless of gift, will be listed as supporters of this special performance. To donate, please click the button below. As always, we appreciate your ongoing support of the Chorale and look forward to planning next season with great anticipation!