Our History

Betty Zukov

Betty Zukov gave 25 years of inspiring musical leadership.

The Healdsburg Chorus grew out of the foundation that still supports it today: community members’ desire to come together and share the joy of singing.

In 1987, a few community members in Healdsburg, California met to discuss the dream of forming a group to share their love of singing.  With a modest gathering of twenty people, director Betty Zukov and pianist Susan Nelson stepped forward to lead the group, and the “Healdsburg Community Chorus” was born. The Chorus performed its first concert a year later to an enthusiastic community reception.

Since that first concert, the Chorus has grown to approximately sixty members, and has formally changed its name to “The Healdsburg Chorus.”  In May, 2013, the Chorus celebrated its 25th anniversary and honored retiring director Betty Zukov for her 25 years of inspiring musical leadership.

The Chorus was fortunate to attract long-time music educator and choral leader Jim Humphreys as its director beginning in the fall of 2013.  Jim’s love of music, his natural teaching ability, his energetic directing style and his great sense of humor kept the Chorus learning and growing during his tenure that ended in 2019. Susan Nelson also continued to accompany the Chorus and inspire us with her musical talent, dedication, and patience until she retired in 2019.

The 2022 Chorus with Director David Martin and Accompanist Stephen Riedel
The 2021 Healdsburg Chorus with Director David Martin and Accompanist Emma Webb
The 2015 Healdsburg Chorus with director Jim Humphreys and founding accompanist Susan Nelson
healdsburg chorus in 2013
The 2013 Healdsburg Chorus with founding director Betty Zukov and founding accompanist Susan Nelson