Under the Brilliant Baton of Dr. Charlene Archibeque
For many years the hills were alive with the sounds of music, mostly coming through Charlene’s Santorini Mediterranean-style villa’s windows in Los Altos Hills. But recently she moved with her baby grand to a beautiful condo in Menlo Park, with large panoramic windows as her piano playing continues to please her new neighbors. Although she does not hear their applause, she knows they love it as they tell her every time they meet her by the condo’s swimming pool. How could they not enjoy the sounds of Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, and Bach played by their neighbor, famous pianist Charlene Archibeque, while lounging in the comfort of their own home…lucky neighbors!
And so am I as I often hear the phone ringing with Charlene’s velvety voice asking me to come for dinner. “I just picked up a few fab salmon steaks and gorgeous asparagus at Draeger’s Market and would like your company to enjoy it with me.” Of course, I had to change out of my gray sweats into a presentable dress to match Charlene’s flowing silky outfits, as she is a well-known fashionista who never leaves her bedroom till she is coiffured, made-up, and wearing stunning jewelry collected while traveling around the globe. Soon, I am zooming in my red convertible BMW from Los Altos Hills to Menlo Park. I’ll do anything to join my friend with a bottle of my favorite Pierre Jouet Champagne and not let the perfectly prepared salmon steaks go to waste. Charlene puts my culinary talents to shame (Eat your heart out Martha Stewart and Snoop Dog Duo! Charlene does it better!)
Who is this amazing woman – Dr. Charlene Archibeque?
Considered one of the most influential American choral directors and teachers during the second half of the 20th century, Charlene Archibeque was the first woman to receive the Doctorate of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting. Dr. Archibeque prepared hundreds of young choral directors and mentored over 80 graduate students in choral conducting during her 35-year tenure at San Jose State University.
Dr. Fred Cohen, Director of SJSU School of Music and Music Director & Conductor of SJSU Symphony Orchestra said, “Dr. Charlene Archibeque’s 35-year tenure at San José State University was marked by her transformative leadership and unwavering dedication to choral excellence. Her innovative teaching methods and passion for music not only elevated the SJSU Choral Program to international acclaim but also inspired countless students and colleagues to pursue their own musical journeys with the same fervor and commitment. Her lasting legacy at SJSU ensures that SJSU remains a beacon of choral artistry and education.”
Photo by Lina Broydo
Both the SJSU Concert Choir and the world-renowned Choraliers performed for over twenty-five professional conferences including three National Conferences of the American Choral Directors Association. Sixteen international tours with the SJSU Choraliers and four national high school honor choir tours to Europe honed her conducting and performance skills. Charlene has conducted festival choirs, honor choirs, and All-State choirs in 45 states and six provinces of Canada.
“Dr. Charlene Archibeque is one of the best musicians, teachers, and conductors in the United States and has made a positive impact on the lives of thousands of people around the world,” glows Jeffrey Benson, Ph.D., Director of Choral Activities at San José State University. “Even more importantly, she’s a generous and loving friend to so many of us!”
Her service to the choral profession is legendary; she has served as Headliner for State, Divisional, and National ACDA, MENC, and BCMEA conventions; presented lectures, reading sessions, and clinics at festivals, colleges, and universities in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia.
“Dr. Charlene Archibeque has been the only conductor who succeeded in creating and conducting a professional, all-female choir of Aramaic speaking singers, known as the ‘Assyrian Women,” says Nora Lacey, Founder & Executive Director of the Assyrian Arts Institute. “Dr. Archibeque has been a strong leader, a true mentor, and a meticulous conductor. It will be very hard to reach the bar she has already set.”
Photo by Roshel Aghassi
Charlene has prepared and conducted over 160 major works and continues to guest conduct combined choral/orchestral concerts including two early music concerts and a centenary Benjamin Britten concert in St. Louis in the spring of 2013. Her biography appears in the book “Wisdom, Wit, and Will: Women Choral Conductors on Their Art.” Her DVD “How to Make a Good Choir Sound Great” is published by GIA and the early DVD “Daily Workout for a Beautiful Voice” is still available from Santa Barbara Music Publishers.
“Besides her contribution of a deep knowledge of all kinds of music, Charlene Archibeque supercharges the fundraising of the Beethoven Society as a board member with her connections to SF Bay area music lovers who also believe that great music deserves our support,” attests Will Meredith, Ph.D., corresponding board member of the American Beethoven Society.
“In the best sense of the phrase, she is a true force of nature whom we all love.”
Arts Patron Paula Blank agrees, stating, “Charlene’s talents are beyond comparison. We have the San Francisco Symphony to thank for our introduction. As a result we established a warm, wonderful and family-like friendship. I thought I knew about all the instruments that she played, but there was always a new one to add to the list. Drums? Really? She continuously shares her extensive knowledge of music…it can be compared to having a private tutor extraordinaire. Charlene is always unique and full of surprises and I am sure there are more in the offing…She is definitely one of a kind!”
Well, I hear my phone ringing… I bet it is Charlene inviting me for dinner! Hmm…I wonder what special food she bought this time? I hope it’s a steak as I have a fab bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in memory of the Paris Olympics!
No new dress for me this time, but I know Charlene will have one in fall colors…after all, she is a fashion trendsetter.
By Lina Broydo
