Since she was a young girl, music has always been a major part of Jodi Tassos’ life, and at the age of 80, her love of the arts only continues to grow.

For the past 14 years, she’s nurtured the musical education of those 55 and older as director of the Young at Heart Chorale, a community outreach project of the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park, Florida. It’s a non-auditioned group that attracts both people with decades of musical experience like Tassos and those who can’t read a note of music.

“Our goal is to share music with each other and then share it with the community,” Tassos says. “Anybody who is in the arts knows that creating the art is only part of the experience. The most important part is connecting with people.”

The group performs regularly at the VA Hospital, nursing and retirement homes and at high-profile community events. Tassos also sings in the Bach Festival Choir, as well as the choir at her church.

“There is absolutely no age limit on creativity. In fact, I think it’s something you should do all your life!” she says.

Come along as the Young at Heart Chorale performs a patriotic themed set for a very special audience — some of our nation’s veterans currently residing at the Orlando VA Hospital, and see how both the performers and the audience leave the event feeling inspired, engaged and full of joy.

Growing Bolder is proud to honor the passion and commitment of people like Jodi Tassos. In fact, she was one of our featured 8 Artists Over 80 in a recent issue of Growing Bolder Magazine. Click here to learn more about her fascinating musical theatre background, including starring alongside the legendary Angela Lansbury on Broadway.

We also presented Jodi with the Creative Engagement Award at the 2017 Growing Bolder Awards. Click here to watch her acceptance speech.