Founder of Oakland choir still singing 70 years later

By Annalee Allen

The City and Port of Oakland Chorus was founded in 1940 by a
city employee, Elsie Giani, who served as the group’s chairwoman
until her retirement in 1983. Giani, at nearly 97 years of age,
still enthusiastically supports the choir, even performing a solo
at a recent concert.

Giani and the 26-member chorus, including musical director
Jacqueline Hairston and accompanist Mary Watkins, were honored Dec.
7 with an Oakland City Council Resolution.

The group performed in the Council Chambers, and later held its
traditional concerts at other city facilities.

Chorus members — who either work or have worked for the city or
the port — have been holding rehearsals at the Lake Merritt Garden
Center since early October, preparing for this year’s holiday
season, according to current manager Debbie Comeaux. History files
for the group reveal that for more than seven decades, the chorus
has given concerts not only every holiday season, but has also
performed at employee recognition ceremonies, Lake Merritt caroling
boat rides and the city’s Sesquicentennial Anniversary
Celebration.

Ann Olson is the conservator and trustee for Elsie Giani and her
sister, Albina, 95, and she provided some background about the
sisters.