It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Hoyt Stookey, BCI’s founder and visionary. John’s love of the choral tradition and repertoire and his joy in building a community of singers guided Berkshire Choral since its first days. By creating an opportunity for the committed amateur to learn and sing under the batons of the world’s finest choral conductors, more than 9,000 singers have enjoyed elevated musical experiences thanks to John’s vision. His business acumen and attention to detail ensured good governance and a financial backbone that holds the organization in a solid footing, even through the current pandemic.

Frank Nemhauser, BCI’s Music Director, provided the following reflection:

When I think of John Stookey, several words come immediately to mind. Innovator, Visionary, Creator.  But it was his support and kindness that really stick with me. And his wisdom. Think for just a minute about some special moments you’ve had at BCI and say, “Thank you, John.”  Without his ideas, his love, and his support, with help from Mary Smith and Charlie Walker, where would we be?  John was so supportive of so many arts groups and other non-profits. Always thinking, planning, creating, encouraging. Can you imagine what he’s now engineering in Heaven.

Everyone at BCI sends our love and condolences to the Stookey family. We welcome your remembrances and tributes, which can be emailed to shager@berkshirechoral.org. We will share a compendium of them with the family.

To honor John’s memory, we are announcing The John Hoyt Stookey Artistic Legacy Fund. Gifts will support Berkshire Choral International’s artistic mission by underwriting collaborations and concerts with the world’s leading choral conductors. Funds will also be used to support innovative special projects and events of significant artistic merit. We are committed to furthering John’s vision to serve the next generation of choral singers.