The only thing as sweet as the...

The only thing as sweet as the sound of the Los Cancioneros Master Chorale tonight will be the dessert served by the group after its 7 p.m. performance at the Hermosa Beach Civic Theater.

The Los Cancioneros Master Chorale opens its 43rd season with a concert titled “Come Celebrate,” featuring “songs celebrating freedom and songs of the land.”

The music spans two centuries, from Henry Purcell’s 17th-Century “Come Ye Sons of Art” to Neil Diamond’s “America.”

The concert also features the continuation of the chorale’s “just desserts” tradition.

The chorale began in 1948 as a group of neighbors in Torrance who enjoyed singing together, said Judy Cook, the chorale’s publicity chairwoman. During the early years, members prepared dinner for their small audiences, but as their fans increased, dinner was too much to handle.

“So now it’s just desserts,” Cook said.

Los Cancioneros, or the singers of song, is a 50-voice chorale of men and women from around the South Bay. “We have ministers, doctors, truck drivers, housewives and young students,” said Meg Larson, a member since 1961.

Two of the newer members, Marshall and Margie Jones, met in the chorale almost two years ago. They were married in March, a “not uncommon” occurrence among members, Marshall Jones said. His brother and sister have also been in the group, and his father has been a member for more than 15 years.

Marshall Jones, a teacher and football coach at Gardena High School, said: “Sometimes I come right off the practice field and into practice. Singing is a good release. It helps get my mind off football.”

The chorale is a nonprofit organization supported by membership dues, ticket sales, fund-raising projects and donations.

Joanna Nachef begins her first season as chorale director tonight. Lisa Edwards returns as piano accompanist.

Pianist Ayuko Sawada and vocalist Noelle Brooks, winners of the Los Cancioneros 1991 scholarship competition, will also be featured on the program.

Tickets for the concert are $5 and $7 at the theater, located at 710 Pier Ave., at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach. Call 318-3452 for information.