Deborah McManus

In 2005, I met Elizabeth Nunez and knew instantly that she would guarantee the success of a long-held dream of mine – the founding of a women’s choir.  The SoHarmoniums officially began in 2006 and within a few years had grown so we could actually have enough singers to present music in four part harmony! This was a milestone for us. Then a very few more years brought us almost up to the size we are today.  Throughout we have enjoyed  a diverse and sophisticated repertoire at, among other venues,  Carnegie Hall, Merkin, Alice Tully, Symphony Space and  in various NYC parks celebrating happy city moments.  In addition to being the Founder, I’m currently Board Chair and a proud Alto 2.

Moving  to NYC in 1967 from Evanston, Illinois, I worked at Time Magazine's Nation Section during the fascinating and ultimately thrilling Watergate years, then went back to university for a second time to become an architect, receiving my state license in 1983, practicing until 2004 when I retired..  In 1999, three of us founded WellMet Philanthropy, a women’s giving circle which, partnering with the New York Community Trust, has given out close to  $4 million dollars in grants to new and emerging NYC 501(c)(3) organizations. I also serve as the President of our family foundation and am  currently on the Boards of YPC and the SoHarmoniums.

On a personal note, my husband Jason  and I have three children, Alan, Sophie and Mage all nearby and happily pursuing their own special paths.  I play classical piano, study tap dancing, read and cook (ergo I’m often on mini-diets) and love to travel.  My next big trip will be to Australia and New Zealand where I'll be meeting up with the Young People’s Chorus in Auckland when they compete in the World Choir games.