About the Glendale Sanctuary Choir
For nearly five decades, the Glendale Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra have stood as a beacon of inspiration and harmony in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona. Founded in 1975 by Rene and Giomar Marsollier, this all-volunteer choir has become an institution, known not only for its devotion to glorifying God but also for its commitment to the community. As we celebrate our 48th year of ministry, it's the perfect time to reflect on God’s blessings.
A History of Faith and Music
The Glendale Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra is the oldest and biggest Adventist church choir in the state of Arizona. Our origins begin at the Glendale Seventh-day Adventist Church, where our first notes of praise resonated through the pews in 1975. Rene and Giomar Marsollier immigrated from Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1975 leaving behind family and a professional choral touring group known as the Bach Choral Group. |
Glendale Sanctuary Choir (circa 1976)
|
With this experience and vision, they arrived in Phoenix, Arizona eager to serve God in choral ministry. Rene Marsollier, the choir's co-founder, was not only the architect of this vibrant ministry but also served as its organist, providing the musical foundation for their enduring success. Giomar Marsollier, the choir director, known for her signature reddish hair, inspired generations of choir members with her excellent conducting.
Throughout our history, the choir has had only three directors, each contributing to its growth and impact. Giomar Marsollier, co-founder and director, initially led the choir, setting the tone for its dedication to excellence. John Brown followed her, guiding the choir with a steady hand. After John Brown's 3-year tenure, Giomar Marsollier returned to direct the choir, rekindling her legacy and sharing her expertise. In 2005, she passed the baton to her son and daughter-in-law Dennis and Claudia Marsollier the current directors. Giomar Marsollier directed the choir on and off for 34 years. She held the title of choir director emeritus until her passing in April 2011. Rene Marsollier passed away in November 2022 after 47 years of service as an organist for the choir and the Glendale Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Open and Inviting
What makes this choir and orchestra truly special is their inviting spirit. Anyone from the community, regardless of their singing ability or religious affiliation, is welcomed with open arms. No auditions are required, only the willingness to learn and perform to the best of one's ability while praising God. While our regular Saturday morning worship service at 11:00 a.m. is a cornerstone of their ministry, the Glendale Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra reach far beyond the walls of their church. We prepare several concerts throughout the year, sharing their voices and talents with audiences near and far. Invitations to sing at other churches, events, and conventions have only amplified our reach.
Open and Inviting
What makes this choir and orchestra truly special is their inviting spirit. Anyone from the community, regardless of their singing ability or religious affiliation, is welcomed with open arms. No auditions are required, only the willingness to learn and perform to the best of one's ability while praising God. While our regular Saturday morning worship service at 11:00 a.m. is a cornerstone of their ministry, the Glendale Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra reach far beyond the walls of their church. We prepare several concerts throughout the year, sharing their voices and talents with audiences near and far. Invitations to sing at other churches, events, and conventions have only amplified our reach.
Community Service
The Glendale Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra isn't just about music. Our commitment to community service shines through deeds. One remarkable example is the Yarnell Food Project, where we mobilized our members and supporters to provide assistance to a community still recovering from the devastation of the Yarnell Hill Fire. Thousands of pounds of non-perishable food items and a significant donation were delivered, making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. |
Non-Perishable Food items drop-off
|
CD RECORDING COVER
|
Professional Recording
One achievement of the choir is the release of their professional CD recording, "Jesus is Coming." This cantata by John W. Peterson brings the joy and hope of the Second Coming of Christ to life through scripture-inspired lyrics set to glorious music. The choir's connection to this body of work is deep; they've sung it more often than any other music in their 48-year history. |
Collaborations with Notable Artists
The Glendale Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra have had the privilege of collaborating with remarkable artists. The late Walter Arties, a renowned Seventh-day Adventist singer, pastor, and founder of Breath of Life Television Ministries, shared his voice with the choir on our CD project as well as for the 40th-anniversary celebration of the choir. Larry Ford, grammy award-winning gospel and Christian music vocalist, joined us for a Christmas concert in 2017 which was very well received by the public. |
Walter Arties singing at Anniversary Concert 2016
|
Christmas Concert with Larry Ford
|
Music Broadcast Tradition
Since 2009, the Glendale Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra have had a wonderful tradition of recording their annual Christmas concerts, which are later broadcast on Good News TV station in Phoenix, Arizona (Channel 14.1). The choir sang for the annual conventions of ASI (Adventist-laymen’s Services & Industries) in 2009, 2011, and 2016. These events bring together around 6,000 people from all over the world and are broadcast on the 3ABN satellite broadcasting channel furthering the choir’s exposure to the world. 3ABN broadcasts all over the world through satellite, local channels, social media, and internet streaming. |
Nurturing Hope Through the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic, a challenge unforeseen, did not deter the Glendale Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra from its mission. In the spring of 2020, with the Easter concert postponed, we shifted to a small chorale group and embarked on a video project that included singers both local and distant. This innovative approach allowed them to continue sharing their music even during a time of isolation. Despite the hurdles, they persevered and resumed in-person choir practices and performances, abiding by strict safety protocols. The choir found solace in faith and music, and our commitment to ministry shone brightly during these trying times.
Moving Forward
As the Glendale Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra mark our 48th year of ministry, we desire to continue to serve as a source of hope, inspiration, and community support. Their music has touched the lives of many, and our dedication to sharing the love of God through song remains unshaken. The journey of this choir and orchestra is not just a testament to the power of music but also to the enduring impact a group of dedicated individuals can make when they harmonize their faith and service to the Lord. We thank God for His abundant blessings. Join us in celebrating the Glendale Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra as we look forward to the future, sharing the joy of music and the love of God with their community and the world.
The COVID-19 pandemic, a challenge unforeseen, did not deter the Glendale Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra from its mission. In the spring of 2020, with the Easter concert postponed, we shifted to a small chorale group and embarked on a video project that included singers both local and distant. This innovative approach allowed them to continue sharing their music even during a time of isolation. Despite the hurdles, they persevered and resumed in-person choir practices and performances, abiding by strict safety protocols. The choir found solace in faith and music, and our commitment to ministry shone brightly during these trying times.
Moving Forward
As the Glendale Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra mark our 48th year of ministry, we desire to continue to serve as a source of hope, inspiration, and community support. Their music has touched the lives of many, and our dedication to sharing the love of God through song remains unshaken. The journey of this choir and orchestra is not just a testament to the power of music but also to the enduring impact a group of dedicated individuals can make when they harmonize their faith and service to the Lord. We thank God for His abundant blessings. Join us in celebrating the Glendale Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra as we look forward to the future, sharing the joy of music and the love of God with their community and the world.