Profile: Bill Zurkey, Cleveland Pops Chorus

By Ron Vidika

 

NORTH RIDGEVILLE, OH — Avon Lake High School’s longtime director of choral activities, Bill Zurkey, now has another musical cap to add to his impressive collection: director of the Cleveland Pops Chorus, a partner to the Cleveland Pops Orchestra.

Zurkey, who has directed the high school’s choral activities for 25 years, will lead the newly-formed chorus starting in the fall. The idea for the chorus developed out of a continuing friendship Zurkey has with Carl Topilow, director of the Cleveland Pops Orchestra. For many winter holidays, Topilow’s orchestra has performed with Zurkey’s high school chorale.