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Elaine Wang Meyerhoffer is unique unto herself. Born to Chinese parents in Huntington, West Virginia, Elaine spent her childhood in Taipai, Taiwan, where she graduated from the Taipei American School, speaking fluent English and Mandarin languages, and functional Shanghainese, Cantonese, and Spanish.
Continuing her education back in the United States, Elaine first graduated from Stanford University with a BA in English/Political Science and an MA in Sociology; she then earned an MBA from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University, and, ultimately, a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from University of Redlands in California.
Following the death of her beloved husband, Allan Meyerhoffer, in 2007, Elaine became president of S.L. Griffiths, Inc., a commercial holdings company in Burlingame and San Carlos, Ca.
A lifelong musician, Elaine is a church soloist (alto section leader), national anthem singer, and memorial soloist, who has presented solo recitals in cities as diverse as Santa Fe, Shanghai, Milwaukee, Orlando, Lincoln Oregon, and Palm Springs. She was a featured singer at the 2018 Waring International Piano Competition Gala and is a longtime member of the Desert Carolers (seasonal quartet ensembles) in Palm Springs. Elaine describes herself as a “hobbyist classical singer.”
Elaine has extensive experience in business and non-profit board membership: Board President of the Desert Chapter of the ACLU, which primarily presented forums to the Coachella Valley community; Desert Winds Freedom Band Board; Co-Chair for the fundraiser for her church, Bloom in the Desert Ministries UCC; Board member of the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, for which this is her second year on the Commissioning Club.
Elaine was a volunteer “runner” for our Competitions, which meant that she helped contestants and their families move to and from the rehearsal rooms. “This was an understandably tense time for all of them; many of them were Asian/Chinese. I feel that having someone Chinese, who speaks Mandarin, was helpful in creating a calmer experience.”
When asked what unique characteristics and/or talents she would bring to PSIPC, Elaine explains: “Above all, what I would bring to the PSIPC is a deep love of classical music and respect for its excellence. I am a serious recreational singer who, in my early 50s, went back to school to gain a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance (Class of 2017). I wanted to understand theory, ear training, history and performance – for the education, and for the way that that education continues to inform how I understand and expand my passion.”
PSIPC is excited to welcome Elaine to the Board of Directors. Each director serves on at least one committee. Elaine will lend her expertise to the Development Committee. As PSIPC develops its “Talent of PSIPC” program for the 2023-24 Season, you will hear Elaine’s performance.