Roberta Humez, 2002 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient, dies

Choral Arts New England notes the passing of the distinguished choral director and music educator Roberta Berry Humez on October 2, 2022, just two months before her 100th birthday.  Ms. Humez was recognized at the 2002 Awards Ceremony as the ninth recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. The award cited her pioneering work in establishing and directing the children's chorus Youth pro Musica, as well as her many other contributions to choral music in New England.

As written in her obituary:

She recognized the presence of music in everyone, the potential of development, the contribution of the individual to an ensemble endeavor, the ensemble married to a composition, the composition prepared for presentation, the elevation of performance.  Her generous spirit, humor and informed leadership aligned with a native practicality and curiosity which left a unique imprint on a generation of singers and musicians.

A memorial celebration is planned for June 10, 2023, at her church, the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Newton.

Effective date: 
Tuesday, May 9, 2023