Circle Singers Member Profile

Circle Singers presents its Member Profile. Here periodically we will present some inside "scoop" on the life and times of one of our members. We hope to accomplish two things: First, to give a more human picture of the chorus by showing some of the neat people who participate; Second, to improve personal awareness within the group since we come from such disparate areas of greater Cincinnati.

Link to Previous MoM Link to Next Member Profile

Renate Neeman


Renate Neeman, Soprano
September, 2018

If you happen to attend a Circle Singer Concert, you may not see Renate. She is a very talented soprano who is usually singing in the front row. But, as the shortest Circle Singer, she is sometimes hidden by taller associates. When you do see her, she is typically smiling and her eyes gleaming with the simple joy of singing. And…Renate Neeman is not only the shortest Circle Singer, at 92, she is also the oldest. For Renate however, age is just a number as she remains very active, spunky, adventurous and with an obvious great enthusiasm for life.

In 1926 Renate was born in Hildersheim, Germany. In 1938, 12 year old Renate and her family immigrated to the Netherlands. Germany occupied the Netherlands in1940 and Renate and her family went into hiding from 1943 until the end of the war in Europe in 1945. In 1946, the family came to the United States and settled in New York City. Over the next few years, Renate achieved her degree in Occupational Therapy, and then went on to obtain a Master’s in Education and a Doctorate in psychology. She was an occupational therapist for more than 45 years. During that period, she also taught at NY University at Buffalo and wrote numerous papers and articles relating to occupational therapy.

In 1960 Renate wed Moshe Neeman. They were married for 49 years. Together, they bore 4 children and now, Renate has 7 grandchildren.

Renate has always enjoyed singing. At a very early age, Renate sang and harmonized with her older sister. She also recalled, as a youngster, singing with her piano teacher (after her piano lessons). The teacher also taught her how to sing parts from “Humperdink’s” Hansel and Grete opera. And then, she took young Renate to an actual performance of the opera. She sang in elementary, High School, college, and Synagogue choirs. Additionally, she was a member of the Buffalo NY Philharmonic Choir.

The next time you attend a Circle Singer Concert, be sure to provide a “tip of the hat” to the bright eyed and smiling,“shortest” and “oldest” Circle Singer choir member. Renate has recently noted: “I intend to keep on singing with the Circle Singers for as long as my voice continues to work”

Sing on Renate, Sing on….

For Membership and Performance Information call
(513) 677-2037 or (513) 519-1838
or e-mail us.