Collaborative Accompanist, Mentor & Friend

The North Florida Women’s Chorale remembers with love and gratitude Kathleen “Kathy” Vande Berg, our collaborative accompanist since 2016 and a treasured member of our Chorale family.

Kathy was far more than an accompanist. She was a gifted musician, mentor, colleague, and dear friend. She listened to and supported our singers, gently corrected us when needed, and always knew how to make the music better. She cared deeply about rhythm, pitch, style, and interpretation—but most importantly, she wanted the music to have joy.

Kathy’s influence reached throughout the St. Augustine musical community. She served as an educator, organist, choir director, conductor, and collaborative pianist, sharing her talents with St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church, the St. Augustine Chamber Singers, St. Augustine Community Chorus, Flagler Singers, Romanza Festivale of the Arts, and many others. Her service to the arts was recognized with the ROWITA Award and by the Minorcan Easter Society.

For NFWC, Kathy brought extraordinary musicianship along with grace, wit, laughter, and friendship. She prepared us for performances and travels, kept us on our toes, and made us better musicians.

Kathy was part of our sound, our story, and our family. Her music will continue to echo in the singers she encouraged, the musicians she inspired, and the many people who loved her.

We will miss you, Kathy, and we will carry your music with us.