Marlene Goldberg Schwartz: Mother’s suggestion sets stage for harmonious lifestyle

Marlene (née Goldberg) Schwartz credits her mother for calling attention to a newspaper notice in 1990 announcing auditions for The Lyric Theatre Singers, then a newly launched choral offshoot of The Lyric Theatre.

Initially, Schwartz, then 40, was reluctant but ultimately followed her mother’s initiative.  For the past 25 consecutive years, she has performed at holiday and annual concerts. Singers range in age from 18-plus and Schwartz say the annual influx of young talent raises the bar. Schwartz, was among 48 Lyric Theatre Singers, who performed in “Back to Broadway” in June.

Marlene Schwartz

“I have been hooked on Lyric since the first rehearsal,” she said, “and I had not been in a choir since grade school.” Nevertheless, Schwartz was familiar with the milieu.   

 “I’ve always loved music and I was already playing the piano at 5,” she recalls. “At 13, my friend and I learned to play the guitar, harmonize and perform.” 

 Marlene and her husband Ben Schwartz have been married for 42 years and moved to Chomedey in 1977. They are the proud parents of two sons, 40 and 38, a daughter, 34, and six grandchildren, ages 3-13.

When their daughter began nursery school, Marlene volunteered to serve as a music specialist but was informed the school had to abide by union hiring rules. “So, I said, ‘then go ahead and hire me,’ and that they did,” she relates, and after 31 years she’s still at it.

Schwartz  engages youngsters five mornings and two afternoons a week at Jewish community daycares in Snowdon, the West Island and the Centre Communautaire Juif. On Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, Schwartz heads over to CPE Ganeynou-Notre Jardin and CPE Sepharade.  She sings, plays a keyboard, and her budding musicians join in with their rhythm band.  

“The little ones are so advanced today,” she said, commenting on their grasp of concepts, lyrics and melodies. “I also focus on themes, such as seasons, that relate to the daycare program. I love to use puppets and storytelling props.”

Schwartz is convinced her continuous exposure to choral work through Lyric boosts her teaching. “I’ve learned so much from Bob Bachelor (founder of Lyric Theatre Singers). We retrieve the music from Dropbox to study at home. I also record all the rehearsals because we memorize the lyrics. Usually, the sopranos sing the melodies and the rest of us assume the harmony.” The singers belt out upbeat and romantic Broadway hits. “No matter how long we’ve been in the choir, we audition every year and that keeps us focused.”

Hubby Ben lends support as a photographer for the group. Marlene also serves as Section Head and Rehearsal Manager.  It’s a labor of love for president Louise Dorais and everyone connected with the organization. Although they have career and family commitments, they devote many hours to rehearsals. October marks the 50^th anniversary for the parent theatre company, which stages book musicals, and the 25th for the choral component. Theatre alumni and singers will celebrate the milestone on stage.

 Marlene Schwartz’s musical pursuits keep her focused.