Joe Giammarco and Claire Kelm - a Super Wedding

The majesty and grace of Stanford Memorial Church was the setting for the marriage of Super Joseph Giammarco and Chorister Claire Kelm on Saturday, January 28. Surrounded by family and friends, including their San Francisco Opera and Lamplighters colleagues. Joe and Claire exchanged their vows in a simple yet elegant ceremony.

The music for the ceremony was an inspiring mix of Gilbert & Sullivan, opera and early music with several conductors, including Maestra Sara Jobin. There were scores of singers from the Lamplighters and San Francisco Opera Chorus, including soloist Mary Finch, who sang "The Call," from Five Mystical Songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Opera Chorus members provided a rousing "Bridal Chorus" from Lohengrin. Perhaps the most inspiring was the final piece, Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45, by Johannes Brahms, sung by the entire congregation, bringing tears to the eyes of the bride and groom.

A reception followed at the Stanford Faculty Club. Among the Supers spotted in the crowd were Ron Mann, accompanied by partner, singer Melody Dalton; Kimberly Thompson, Keith Clausen, Steve Bauman with his wife, singer Delia Voitoff-Bauman; Charlie Lichtman; my partner Joe Nesci and myself. 
- Paul Szczesiul

The air was filled with the exalting voices of our fabulous Opera chorus and Lamplighters stars and all the love and joy of family and friends. The bride and groom made the entrance of their careers; it was the best production of 2006. The groom's mom, the Chorus women's circle, and the Fred and Ginger of the Super world (Joe Nesci and I) vied for twirling space on the dance floor. We have to do this more often!
- Kimberly Thompson

Feel free to send your good wishes and congratulations to Joe and Claire.

More photos