Performance: CMC Bernal Heights Neighborhood Choir

Listen to the choir, under the direction of Beth Wilmurt, perform the songs of San Francisco born Malvina Reynolds, a singer-songwriter devoted to environmental and human rights activism (1900-1978).

Reynolds’ songs address topics both serious and lighthearted with sturdy, unpretentious melodies. A friend and collaborator of Pete Seeger’s, she is best known for writing “Little Boxes”, which in 1963 became his only single to make the charts. Reynolds began her songwriting career later in life, and hit her stride well into her 60's; earlier she attended Cal for a BA, MA and Phd, and worked as a milliner, telephone operator, and social worker, living most of her life in Berkeley. This performance is part of a multi-year effort by Beth Wilmurt to bring the lyrics and music of Malvina Reynolds alive and to shine a light on a sadly underappreciated Bay Area hero.

The Choir is part of the Neighborhood Choir Program for Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities, a tuition free program of 15 choirs throughout San Francisco organized by CMC.

The Community Music Center is a non-profit institution making high-quality music accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, regardless of financial means. With a newly expanded campus in the Mission and also in the Richmond neighborhood of San Francisco, CMC students come from every neighborhood to learn and make beautiful music!