Tom Redler has always loved music, singing in choirs throughout junior high school and high school and even in a Barbershop quartet at college. But he had no idea, back in 1984, when a friend invited him to hear her sing in a chorus performing at the Verdi Ristorante di Musica in Santa Monica, that the visit would spark his most passionate musical passion yet – for opera.
“I was captivated by the Chorus’ charming program,†recalls Redler a Brentwood resident who, until his retirement, maintained a dental practice in Santa Monica.
“Anne Marie is incomparable!†states Redler. “Not only is she an amazing teacher but a wonderfully warm and caring person who literally makes us look forward to attending every rehearsal and performance.â€
Until just last December, Redler’s commitment to the Verdi Chorus led him to serve as President of the Board of Directors…for 17 years.
“Tom’s wit and charm have added a great deal to his amazing leadership over his 17 year reign as President,†says current Board President Thelma Sherman. “He will be a hard act to follow.†

Over its 27 year history, more than 60 top opera professional singers have performed with the Verdi Chorus, including soprano Shana Blake Hill; mezzo sopranos Cynthia Jansen and Suzanna Guzmán; tenors Daniel Montenegro, Roberto Gomez, Gregorio Gonzalez and Robert MacNeil; baritone Nmon Ford; and bass-baritones Dean Elzinga and Cedric Berry.
Redler will spearhead the maintenance and growth of the “La Forza del Destino Fund.†As will be announced at the Spring Concert, “Women of Passion,†presented in his honor, the Redler family – which includes not only Redler but his sister, aunt and cousins – will match funds raised, dollar for dollar, up to $5000.
“We call the fund after a Verdi opera, the Force of Destiny, because its purpose is to help the Verdi Chorus reach its ‘destiny’,†Sherman explains. “It will fund special projects that enable the Chorus to take those extra steps necessary to reach even higher levels of excellence and professionalism.â€
Performances of “Women of Passion,†honoring Tom Redler, will take place Saturday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 1, at 4 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Santa Monica. Ticket prices are as follows: $40 reserved; $30 general admission; $25 seniors: $10 students.
To order tickets for “WOMEN OF PASSION†or for more information about the Verdi Chorus and the “La Forza del Destino fund†, call 800.838.3006 or visit www.verdichorus.org.
The First United Methodist Church is located at 1008 11th Street in Santa Monica, CA; 90403.
