Friends and Family Remember Daniel Chaney

The pews of Glendale City Church were packed on the afternoon of Saturday May 6 by friends, family, and colleagues honoring the memory of Daniel Chaney, who had passed away from a long battle with cancer on April 6. His lyrical tenor, effortless musicianship and blithe spirit are sorely missed by his peers and musical directors alike.

Daniel was born the son of a pastor in Malta, Montana, and later moved to Colorado before settling into the Los Angeles professional music scene. He was very active for over a quarter of a century, and was a member of both the LA Opera Chorus and the LA Master Choral for more than a decade each. He was also a regular chorister and soloist at the St. George Episcopal parish of La Cañada. He worked with LA Philharmonic violinist Vijay Gupta to create the “Street Symphony” project in which professionals volunteer time to bring music to prisons and homeless shelters.

Daniel’s passion and boundless energy were his most iconic traits. In speaking to the audience about Daniel’s time with the LA Master Chorale, Artistic Director Grant Gershon recalled a note that he had written down after Daniel’s first audition: “Wow! I definitely want him in the chorale … and maybe he should switch to decaf.”

Many others recounted stories of the warmth of Daniel’s strong hugs. An enormous wreath of sunflowers at the front of the church symbolized Daniel’s perpetual exuberance, and guests were given packets of sunflower seeds to take home and plant in his memory.

The service combined stories and memories of Daniel with performances by piano, violin, cello, solo trio, and a female cantorial soloist. The church choir performed “In Paradisum” from Faure’s Requiem with organ accompaniment. Then a massive choir of Daniel’s peers gathered at the front of the sanctuary to perform a rousing rendition of “Hold On” by Jester Hairston. Daniel’s brother responded with a spontaneous outburst of joy, and the audience erupted in applause. The service continued with a video slideshow of Daniel’s life and memories. Musicians stood to form a ring around the interior of the church and sang two numbers to conclude the service.

Submitted by Brad CHAPMAN