Judge Robert Lawther
View Image Gallery

In 1968, Robert Lawther was serving as Mayor of Lakewood and singing tenor in the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus. Frustrated by the lengthy commute required to sing on the East Side, Lawther became determined to form a chorus of equal quality and professionalism closer to home. Undaunted by the challenge of starting from scratch, Lawther put his famous “if you build it, they will come” attitude into full swing. He selected twelve of Lakewood’s most talented church soloists and called a meeting to pitch his idea. Several months and much hard work later, the 82 voice West Shore Chorale made its debut at Lakewood Civic Auditorium, under the direction of B. Neil Davis.This year, thanks to Lawther’s original vision and tenacity, the Chorale celebrates 40 years of making music on the West Side.

On May 17, the West Shore Chorale will formally honor Judge Lawther at its 40th Anniversary Ruby Celebration Benefit at Mr. Winton’s Den, 12700 Lake Avenue, from 6 until 8:30 p.m. Conductor, John Drotleff, says the group is thrilled to acknowledge the contributions of its prominent founder. “Robert Lawther has been a public servant all his life and starting the West Shore Chorale has been one of his greatest gifts to the community,” says Drotleff. “Thanks to Judge Lawther’s willingness to turn an idea into concrete action, this organization has thrived for 40 years, given hundreds of concerts, and brought joy to thousands of West Siders.”

Back when it all started, Lawther says his goal was to create a chorus with the ability to perform challenging classical repertoire. “I wanted the Chorale to tackle material too difficult for most church or community choruses to master,” says Lawther. “I thought that West Siders deserved to hear the finest music by the finest musicians.” To that end, Lawther approached B. Neil Davis to serve as the Chorale’s first conductor. As Musical Director at Lakewood High School, Davis had already led two of his choirs to number one slots at state competitions. “I had no doubt that Neil was the man for the job,” says Lawther. “We invited him to lunch and told him to start auditioning singers.”

Peggy Walk remembers seeing the local paper notice announcing auditions for the West Side’s new chorus. A singer at Lakewood’s Trinity Lutheran Church since she was 11 years old, Walk knew she had to be part of the experience. “I remember shaking so much through that audition that it was a miracle I could sing,” says Walk. And the competition was substantial. The open auditions drew over 150 hopefuls. “I heard some wonderful voices during those first auditions,” says B. Neil Davis. “It was difficult to narrow them down.” In the end, however, Davis chose 82 of the area’s best singers- including Walk.

Lawther says that the group got off to a rocky start with their debut concert, but gradually made adjustments in program selections and enjoyed tremendous community support. As the concerts continued, audiences grew larger. B. Neil Davis became President of the Ohio Music Education Association and Bill Appling took his place as conductor. The Cleveland Press dubbed Lawther “Lakewood’s Musical Mayor,” while the group performed throughout Cleveland to positive reviews and enthusiastic crowds.

Chorale Conductor since 1984, John Drotleff, believes that today the group remains true to Lawther’s vision. “We’ve created a niche with choral works that are too small for the Cleveland Orchestra and too difficult for most local choruses,” says Drotleff. The Chorale’s 40th Anniversary Spring Concert on May 4, will feature Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 2, Lobgesang, with full orchestra and the Hiram College Choir. “The Lobgesang probably hasn’t been heard in this area for at least 25 years,” says Drotleff. “It’s a gorgeous piece celebrating the 400th Anniversary of the printing press. We think it’s right in line with what Judge Lawther envisioned the Chorale performing.”

Over the years, the Chorale has also reached out to the community by collaborating with the Canton Symphony, the Cleveland Women’s Orchestra, Avon Lake High School, Avon Lake Learwood Middle School, the Beck Center Children’s Choirs, the Lakewood High School Symphonic Mixed Choir, and many others. The group’s impressive resume includes performances in England with John Rutter, and concerts for the Ohio Choral Director’s Association, and the Ohio Music Education Association.

Reflecting on their history together, Chorale members recognize that Judge Lawther ‘s idea gave rise to much more than a superb West Side chorus. Since its inception, the Chorale has been an anchor in the lives of both the singers and audience members. Original members Peggy Walk and Thomas Glynn still sing with the Chorale today and serve on its board of trustees. A member since 1970, Diane DeFrasia says the Chorale has played an integral role in her life. “I’ve loved music since I was a little girl,” says DeFrasia. “This group has given me a way to express it and something to be proud of. I can go into a rehearsal feeling terrible and by the end, I’m a new person.”

Although Lawther eventually left the group, he remains a loyal patron and a fixture at concerts. He went on to serve 31 years on the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court bench, spearhead the expansion of Lakewood Hospital, initiate the renovations of Winterhurst Ice Rink, and take the lead in revitalizing Lakewood neighborhoods. “There are so many beneficiaries of Judge Lawther’s accomplishments in this community,” says Benefit Committee Co-Chair, Colleen Kane. “The members of the Chorale are grateful to be among them.”

The West Shore Chorale’s 40th Anniversary Ruby Celebration Benefit honoring Lawther is open to the public. Friends and associates of Judge Lawther are encouraged to attend. Tickets are $75 and include heavy hors d’oeuvres, a carving station, wine, beer, soft drinks, and entertainment by Lakewood High School Men’s Quarter, Vive L’Four. For reservations or more information, call 216-228-3747. For concert information and tickets, call 216-221-1639 or visit www.westshorechorale.org.