Albert Rees Davis
The Albert Rees Davis Memorial Fund ​was originally established in the mid 1920’s and formally incorporated on September 26, 1960. The Albert Rees Davis Endowment Fund, Inc., has provided continuous, major financial operating support to The Singers’ Club over seven decades. Joining The Singers’ Club in 1894, Albert Rees Davis was a long-time member of the Club, its president in the years 1904 – 1906, and its third conductor from 1906 to 1919. As a tribute to him after his death on June 14, 1919, a Memorial Fund was established to obtain a permanent home for The Singers’ Club.
Over these sixty-plus years the Albert Rees Davis Memorial Fund and The Albert Rees Davis Endowment Fund, Inc., have contributed more than $450,000 (with more than $68,000 of that total being contributed in the last seven fiscal years) to The Singers’ Club for ordinary operating expenses and extraordinary capital needs, for special needs such as the 75th and 100th Anniversary celebrations, and for approximately 100 scholarship students. This significant, continuous support provided by the two Funds has made up many annual operating deficits of The Singers’ Club, thereby ensuring the continuation and financial health of the Club for more than 130 years.
ARDEF History
“A Legacy of Song”
The Singers' Club of Cleveland
“Brothers in Song”
Established in 1891, The Singers’ Club of Cleveland has a rich and continuous history of presenting the finest music for men’s voices, dynamic young soloists and internationally known guest artists.
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Through a scholarship program, local voice students receive stipends to continue their music education. The Club commissions and performs music for the enjoyment of its audiences and as a lasting contribution to the musical literature.
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Organized at the request of the Cleveland YMCA in November 1891, The Singers’ Club presented its first concert on May 19, 1892 at Association Hall; the event was artistically and financially successful. From the beginning, membership reflected a cross section of the greater Cleveland area, with men of varied backgrounds, professions and avocations sharing a love for fine choral music.
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As the Club expanded in size, so did its repertoire. Membership auditions and dues were instituted, and the awarding of scholarships for music students was established. On several occasions, The Singers’ Club appeared with The Cleveland Orchestra in Severance Hall.
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Former conductors have included Melvin P Unger, Albert Rees Davis, Beryl Rubinstein, Boris Goldovsky, George F. Strickling, Robert M. Stofer, Frank Hruby and Thomas Shellhammer.
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Notable guest artists have included Tito Schipa, Nelson Eddy, Fred Waring, Eunice Podis, Sherrill Milnes and Mark Doss.