LOS ANGELES — Founded in 1983, the Verdi Chorus started as a semi-professional group performing in an Italian restaurant. It is now based in Santa Monica’s First Presbyterian Church with more than 60 members.

Conductor and artistic director Anne Marie Ketchum has been with the chorus since its formation in 1983.

The ensemble presents four concerts each year, drawing from a repertoire of more than 300 choruses from more than 80 classic operas.