About us

San Benito Oriana Chorale was founded by local musician Jeanna Balda, a Scottish lady who dedicated her life to music and is fondly remembered as the Cantor at the Mission Church in San Juan Bautista. She wanted to develop a community choir in this county like the ones she remembered from her childhood in Scotland. She began her project by enlisting the assistance of her friend Nettie Fields, a Hollister resident and graduate of the Julliard School of Music. It was the enthusiasm and musical knowledge of these two women that brought our choir into being. Jeanna named the choir Oriana after Queen Elizabeth I, who was a great patroness of the arts.

 This 40+ member choir has been fortunate to have many talented directors, each one contributing unique expertise to the development of Oriana.   

 We believe that the vibrancy and excitement of quality live performances nourishes the creative spirit of singer and listener alike.  Oriana Chorale has always been an active participant in community events, including Relay for Life, the Hospice Foundation Tree of Life Celebration, Downtown Lights On Parade, Community Christmas Concert, and the Jovenes de Antano Christmas party.

We owe a great measure of our continued success to the generosity and support of area merchants, the San Benito Arts Council, The Community Foundation for San Benito County, individual donors, and our faithful audience members who encourage Oriana to stretch and grow and take on new challenges.