Conejo Valley Choral Society (Choir & Orchestra)

Founded: Thousand Oaks, California, California, USA

The Conejo Valley Choral Society (CVCS) was founded by Conor Whalen in June 2022. It is a community choir of singers from all backgrounds who perform choral masterworks. Their mission is to promote and develop choral music locally. The value integrity, diversity, creativity, and collegiality to foster personal fulfillment in rehearsal and performance.

CVCS are more than a choir. They are family, friends, and neighbors united by a shared passion for music. Together, the bring choral masterworks to life, enriching the cultural fabric of the Conejo Valley and connecting with their community.​

Their vision is triving strive to develop an engaging environment where individuals of all backgrounds feel free to express themselves through the art of singing. In May 2026, CBCS appointed Dr. Franco Basili as its new Music and Artistic Director, for 2026-2027 Season

Members of CVCS Choir (2024-2026):

Sopranos

Altos

Tenors

Basses

Kiersten Allison
Dani’Elle Anthony
Heidi Cissell
Graciela Garibaldi
Barbara Gregg
Stacy Harris
Patricia Lathrop-McPherson
Mary Lee
Kathie Leggett
Jennifer Li
Jennifer Lobenhofer
Michelle Pina
Marlys Pulos
Jessie Ragsdale
Susan Wilber
Michelle Zdybowicz

Kaitlyn Collier
Mary Lou Collier
Marianne Droney
Simona Fagarasanu
Kaitlyn Foy
Elizabeth Friedrich
Veronica Johnson
Grace Kiang
Nancy La Sota
April Leggett
Isabelle Leon
Regan Livingstone
Denise Lopez
Diane Lord
Jody Lyle
Susan Marsella
Mary McBride Fortner
Aurora Mordey
Kim Noller
Margot Parker
Sheila Rumenapp
Barbara Schwartz
Tomiko Taylor

Paul Dufresne
Robin Gregg
Paul Gulsrud
James Kirkland
Michael Murray
Gregory Ogden
Ralph Santitoro
Timothy Wagenknecht

Ronald Borgwardt
Michael Breitner
Kevin Droney
Douglas Dutton
Nick Esser
Joey Li
Bruce Markovich
Floyd Martin
David Reeves
Don Rommereim
John Sargent
James Stemen
Jim Taylor
Timothy Waters
James Wilber
Kenneth Woerman

Members of CVCS Orchestra:

Violin 1: Cari Celaya, concert-master
Violin 2: Jennifer Diermendjian
Viola: Weronica Miller
Cello: Whitney Raleigh
Double-bass: John Hester
Flute: Dylan Gruber
Oboe: Fred Beerstein
Clarinet: Karen Gatchel
Bassoon: Nick Akdag
Organ: Kevin Stoller
Piano: Helen Farson

Sources:
Conejo Valley Choral Society Website & Facebook page
Bits & pieces from other sources
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (June 2026)

Conor Whalen: Short Biography | Ensembles: Conejo Valley Choral Society
Bach Discography: Recordings of Vocal Works

Links to other Sites

Conejo Valley Choral Society (Official Website)
Conejo Valley Choral Society on Facebook