It’s been 10 years since the Summerset Singers began entertaining themselves and a host of attentive listeners with remarkably diverse concerts featuring everything from show tunes to gospel hymns and Christmas carols. “Celebrating Down Memory Lane,” the Singers’ recent summer show, was enthusiastically received by large audiences at Summerset Vista’s activity center.

Highlighting many of the chorus’s favorite tunes from past years, the show was a hit with audiences – as well as chorus members. The two-hour program included 10 full chorus numbers, four ensemble pieces and five solos.

The talented singing group has grown from 12 members to a full chorus of 40 voices. Summerset III resident Doctor Leslie Harrold summed up attendee sentiments when he said, “Just when you think it couldn’t get any better, somehow every year it does.”

John Slatten, who sits on the El Campanil Theatre Board of Directors, thought the concert was “absolutely great!” He went on to say how impressed he is with the talent in Summerset and far East County as a whole.

Madeline Ongwarsky, Elizabeth Burger and Joyce Strand attended the show’s Sunday matinee and all agreed the concert was a wonderful afternoon of listening. They told the chorus to keep up the good work and looked forward to hearing it next year.

In a bittersweet moment, Singers Director Ken Young, a founding member of the group, bowed out of his leading role to pursue personal goals. He said he hopes to improve his musical skills, take some composition lessons and perhaps pen a cantata the Summerset Singers can perform. He vowed to remain in close touch with the chorus and its members.

Young turned chorus direction over to Assistant Director Ernie Macintyre. Ann DePlama will be second in command. Catherine Thompson and Louise Jensen will continue as the group’s talented accompanists. Macintyre has expressed his desire to see the chorus grow to 60 or more members and has already started assembling music for the holiday concert.

This year’s summer show was produced by Linda Stanley, who gave credit to the many chorus volunteers and their spouses who performed all the functions required for a successful three-performance show.

The Summerset Singers celebrated their 10th anniversary at an evening party in July at Nines restaurant.