In Paul Salamunovich's 57 years as director of the St. Charles Borromeo Church choir, he has led the well-known ensemble in choral concerts all over the world --- including twice in Rome for Pope John Paul II --- but never in their own North Hollywood parish.

Until now.

On June 25, the legendary conductor will lead his 60-voice choir in a 2:30 p.m. concert inside the newly renovated St. Charles Social Center, with proceeds to benefit the parish's capital campaign. The program will include choral classics, spirituals, and sacred, folk and patriotic songs.

"As beautiful as our church is," says Salamunovich, "it is really difficult to do a concert in there. We can't do it from the front of the church because the risers for our choir won't fit, and you can't do a concert from a choir loft. So we are very happy to be able to perform 'at home.'"

A student, colleague and close associate of the late Roger Wagner, Salamunovich was an original member of the Los Angeles Master Chorale that Wagner launched, and in the 1990s directed the Chorale himself. He also has been a professor of music at Loyola Marymount University, a lecturer at conferences and academies worldwide, and conducted music for countless feature films, television shows and recording sessions.

He recalls with particular pride the St. Charles choir's performances for Pope John Paul II, including a private audience in 1985, a welcoming at St. Vibiana's Cathedral in 1987, and being the only U.S. choir invited to sing at St. Peter's Basilica for the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul in 1988.

With his resume filled with such accomplishments, the former Cardinal's Award recipient maintains not simply a connection but a working relationship with St. Charles Borromeo's choir, for which he took the reins from Wagner in 1949 and has remained ever since. He proudly points out that many of his volunteer choir members have been with him for 20, 30, 40 years or more, and drive twice weekly to North Hollywood from as far away as Huntington Beach, San Pedro and Ventura for evening rehearsals and Sunday liturgies.

"This is what keeps me grounded, working with this marvelous choir each week," he says. "And now we get to perform at our own, beautifully renovated facility."

St. Charles Borromeo Church is located at 10828 Moorpark St. (at Lankershim Boulevard), North Hollywood. Suggested donation for the June 25 concert is $15 general, $10 for seniors, followed by wine and cheese tasting. Information: (818) 766-3838.