BC History Highlight: The 1965 Bakersfield College Choir

(1965 Raconteur )

In 1965, the Bakersfield College Choir made history. Under the direction of Joseph Huszti, the choir traveled across Europe on a 45-day tour that included performances in nine countries. Their journey reached its peak in Llangollen, Wales, where they completed in the international Musical Eisteddfod and became the first American choir to win the Mixed Choir Competition.  Along the way, the choir had unforgettable experiences, including a private performance for Pope Paul VI and, later, a special invitation to sing for President Lydon B. Johnson in the White House Rose Garden. This reunion brings choir members back together to celebrate their achievements, share memories, and reflect on the legacy of their historic journey. As you go down this page you will see the highlights to their story and the lasting impact the 1965 Bakersfield College Choir had on our campus and the community.

(1965 Raconteur )

Spring 2015

Here is an article written by the Bakersfield College Choir Director himself, Joseph Huszti:

The 1965 Bakersfield College Choir was afforded a private audience with His Eminence, Pope Paul VI at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy. The family of choir member Cathy Clark made these arrangements before the choir left for Europe. At some point, Cathy was given the choice of receiving a private audience herself, or having the entire choir sing. She chose for the choir to sing. In addition, a supporter had given me $1000 to use if there were any emergency situations involved.
The choir had left on their 45-day European Tour on June 22, 1965. By the time we reached Rome, we had been on the road for over a month. As their conductor, I was instructed to report to the American College of Cardinals in Rome to receive instructions for the audience with the Pope on July 28th.

Once in Rome, I kept the appointment, but was told that there was “no need for instructions” because the choir would be seated in a large assembly room with eight thousand others. And further more, it was most unlikely we would be singing, as no American choir had sung for a papal audience since 1953. And most certainly, I would not be meeting Pope Paul. Yet, because we were receiving contradictory information from home, we decided to dress in formal concert uniform, just in case.

Meanwhile, our coach was out of commission and being repaired. Therefore, most of the emergency $1000 was needed to hire some very rough buses for the trip to Castel Gandolfo.

The next morning we traveled up into the mountains in searing  hot, humid weather. During the drive, I was again concerned for the lack of background preparation. Where were we to stand or sit? Who would give us instructions how to proceed? What would be the decorum for “the audience?” Who was “in charge?”

The choir was ushered into the large, rectangular assembly hall by the Swiss Guard and shown to our assigned area at the back wall of the auditorium. After a short time, an official had the choir follow him to the front of the assembly hall. Dignitaries already occupied these prime seats. They were told to leave and the choir was instructed to sit in the very front! While we were sorting this out, a great roar and shouting and clapping occurred as Pope Paul entered from the back of the hall seated upon a chair carried by aides in cranberry brocade uniforms. The shouts of “papa” and “viva il papa” rang out. Clapping. Stomping. Shouting. The roar of the crowd was almost deafening. Hundreds were straining to touch the Pope. Needless to say, this emotional scene surprised me, and I am sure our students were shocked as well. But the greatest “shock” was yet to come!

After an address and blessings delivered in several languages (French, Italian, German, Spanish and English) by His Eminence, the choir was asked to sing. We performed “O Magnum Mysterium” by Tomás Luis de Victoria.

Following the selection, I was escorted up to His Eminence as he stepped down from his position on the platform. A red pillow was placed on my foot as the Pope extended his ring-hand. Of course, I shook his proffered hand, unaware protocol dictated that I kneel on the pillow and kiss his ring. The papal staff must have been chagrined, but the Pope did not indicate any surprise or rebuke.

Pope Paul extended his personal thanks to me with kind, gentle words in perfect English. I am certain I said “thank you” and a few words. I was presented with an Ecumenical Medal in a red leather box. I do not remember his exact words, but I do remember the sensation of calmness, spirituality and strength of the man. I returned to the choir in a state of awe. The choir was asked to perform several selections during the Pope’s private audience with several other guests. I observed that each person kneeled on the red pillow and kissed the ring. To this present day, I hope I did not embarrass our nation or school!

Following the ceremony, I was asked what the Pope said to me, but I could not remember! I do know that fifty years later it remains one of the highlights of my entire career. I am indebted to Jim Clark’s family, who arranged for the audience, to each member of this extraordinary group of singers and to Bakersfield College and to the parents who made this remarkable event possible.