John Ehrlich is set to conduct his final performance as the music director of the Spectrum Singers on May 18, at the First Church Congregational in Cambridge. Ehrlich, who began his tenure with the 40-member, all-volunteer chorus in December 1980, will mark nearly 44 years with the ensemble. His final concert will feature pieces by Arnold Schoenberg, Charles Ives, and Ralph Vaughan Williams, which are among his favorite compositions.
Ehrlich's journey in music began in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, where he was exposed to classical music by his parents. Initially planning a career in medicine, he shifted towards music while attending Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, after a recommendation from an academic advisor. He later took courses at the Hartt School of Music and moved to Cambridge, where he eventually took on a conductor role with what would become the Spectrum Singers.
As for the reason behind his retirement, Ehrlich expressed a desire to inject new energy into the chorus, ensuring it remains vibrant and relevant. The process to find his successor involves three finalists, each of whom will conduct a concert next season before one is chosen as the new music director.
Ehrlich, who has a passion for travel, looks forward to visiting Iceland to witness an upcoming eclipse.