Brentwood, CA – The Brentwood Community Chorus invites audiences to experience the power of song at its Spring Concert, “The Music We Share,” on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Bristow Middle School. This season’s program brings together timeless choral works and contemporary gems, celebrating the profound ability of music to connect and uplift.
Under the direction of conductor Eli Souza and accompanist Jennifer Krey, the chorus will present a carefully curated selection of pieces by some of the world’s most revered choral composers. The program features the soaring harmonies of Johannes Brahms and Sergei Rachmaninoff, the lyrical beauty of Gerald Finzi, and the rhythmic energy of Sydney Guillaume. Audiences will also be treated to works by contemporary choral innovators such as Elaine Hagenberg, Michael Eddleman, and Jake Runestad, whose compositions bring a fresh and expressive voice to the world of choral music.
“This concert is a true celebration of choral artistry, bringing together music from across the globe—spanning different time periods, languages, and traditions—all united by the shared emotions that make music so powerful,” says Eli Souza, conductor of the Brentwood Community Chorus. “Our dedicated singers have poured their hearts into this program, and we are excited to share it with our friends and neighbors. The Brentwood Community Chorus reflects the diversity and spirit of our community, with members of all ages and backgrounds. We hope this concert not only uplifts our audience but also inspires others to join us in the joy of making music together.”
Event Details
- When: Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Where: Bristow Middle School Theater, 855 Minnesota Ave, Brentwood, CA 94513
- Tickets: Advanced Admission: $20 General/$10 Student | Door: $25 General/$15 Student | 12 and Under Free | Tickets available at bit.ly/bccspring25
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of harmony and heart as we celebrate The Music We Share!
For more information, visit brentwoodcommunitychorus.com
About The Brentwood Community Chorus
Eli Souza, Conductor
Eli Souza joins The Brentwood Community Chorus in his first season as director. He is a teacher at Freedom High School where he has served as Choral Director since 2001. The choirs there are highly sought after to sing at various community events and perform public outreach for the school and district.
At Freedom, Mr. Souza composes and arranges pieces for the choirs, and serves as the chair of The Visual and Performing Arts Department, Vocal Director of the school’s musical productions, Performing Arts Theater Coordinator, and as an Induction Mentor to new teachers. He designed and implemented the school’s piano lab and curriculum and has also been named Teacher of the Year. He is proud to say that many of his students have gone on to successful careers as musicians and teachers themselves. Mr. Souza received his bachelor’s degree in music education from The University of the Pacific and his master’s degree in vocal performance from The University of Arizona.
As a singer, Mr. Souza has performed such roles as Don Ottavio in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Paco in De Falla’s La Vida Breve, Marco in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Gondoliers, Robert in Hindemith’s Hin und Züruck, Mr. Erlenson in Sondheim’s A Little Night Music, and Satyavan in Holst’s Savitri. He has also been a soloist in Mozart’s Requiem, Schubert’s Mass in G, Bach’s Cantatas BWV 29 and 147, and the California premiere of Gareth Valentine’s Requiem. He has performed with Dave Brubeck and Bobby McFerrin.
Jennifer Krey, Accompanist
Jennifer Krey has been immersed in music education for 24 years. She is currently one of the band directors at Liberty High School in Brentwood, where she teaches Jazz Band, Advanced Percussion, Ukulele, and assists with the Marching Band. A graduate of California State University, Hayward (Class of 2000), she has previously taught band and choir at Pittsburg High School in Pittsburg, and Excelsior Middle School in Byron, inspiring students through her passion for music.
In addition to her teaching, Ms. Krey is an accomplished collaborative pianist and music director. She works with many musical theater companies and school theater programs, accompanies choirs and soloists for CMEA festivals and concerts, and has contributed as assistant director and pianist for the Brentwood Community Chorus since 2011. She was also the pianist for the choirs at Freedom High School for 12 years, working alongside the Brentwood Community Chorus’ current director, Eli Souza. She cherishes her role in the vibrant Brentwood arts community and the connections she has built over the years.
When she’s not making music, Ms. Krey enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, RVing, and riding dirt bikes and quads with her husband and two sons. She also volunteers with her church, working with Young Women aged 11–18. In her free time, she loves watching her sons’ choir and theater performances and relaxing with a good movie.
Brentwood Community Chorus
The Brentwood Community Chorus was founded in 2010 by Susan Stuart, whose vision of creating a space for music and community continues to guide its mission today. The chorus is a diverse and vibrant group of singers ranging in age from 16 to over 80, with members from all walks of life and varied levels of musical experience.
The chorus recently welcomed its newly appointed Director Eli Souza, who brings fresh energy and vision to the ensemble, and Jennifer Krey, a long-time and cherished piano accompanist who has supported the group with her exceptional talent and dedication.
Committed to enriching the Brentwood area and surrounding communities, the chorus is a non-auditioned group open to anyone who enjoys the art of choral music and performance. Musical experience is not required, as the chorus focuses on fostering a welcoming environment where all can come together to learn, grow, and share the joy of music.
With a repertoire spanning genres and styles, the Brentwood Community Chorus is proud to offer performances that inspire and connect audiences while celebrating the power of collective song.
For more upcoming events around Contra Costa County, visit our events calendar
