Sheepscot Valley Chorus

Sheepscot Chorus invites you to a concert featuring "Requiem for the Living," on Saturday, April 29 at 3:00 PM, and Sunday, April 30 at 3:00 PM, at the Second Congregational Church, 51 Main St, Newcastle. A chorister said this when we last performed the "Requiem": "It was such an incredible joy to be a part of yesterday's extraordinary concert. My family members were stunned by the beauty of the "Requiem" which has left most of us profoundly moved." "Requiem for the Living" by Dan Forrest, composed in 2013, is scored for mixed choir and orchestra with solos for soprano and tenor. Combining both liturgical and non-liturgical texts, this powerful five-movement work projects a wide range of meaningful expression, from a biting essay on the vanity and pain of mankind to a plea for mercy, and finally a celebration of eternal light. The work has received more than a hundred performances world-wide within a year of its composition, including performances in Canada, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and multiple performances at Carnegie Hall. Pieces based on the beautiful poetry of the Song of Solomon, and Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In will round out the second half of the program. Tickets are $15 for adults and free for students, and may be purchased at Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop in Damariscotta, at the door, and at sheepscotvalleychorus.org. For more information, please visit facebook.com/sheepscotchorus, sheepscotvalleychorus.org, email info@sheepscotvalleychorus.org, or call 207-380-2768. Sheepscot Valley Chorus is also delighted to announce the winners of our 2023 Student Music Awards, given annually to one student from each of the three local high schools. The students are selected by their high school music teachers, chosen for their commitment to and leadership in music. Award winners receive a stipend from the chorus and perform at the spring concerts. The 2023 Student Music Award winners are Grace Campbell from Boothbay Region High School, Matthew Long from Lincoln Academy, and Elizabeth Chase from Wiscasset High School.
2023-04-30 15:00, 2023-04-29 15:00 (America/New_York) | ME

Sheepscot Chorus to Sing “Messiah” on December 3 and 4 ​Sheepscot Chorus invites you to join us "Handel and Christmas Pops!" concert on Saturday, December 3 at 3:00 PM, and Sunday, December 4, at 3:00 PM, at the Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church. Handel’s "Messiah" will be featured; performed with professional soloists and chamber orchestra. "'Messiah' is often enjoyed as a sing-along, but concert performances like this are harder to come by," says director Linda Blanchard. "There’s something special about being able to share such a towering masterwork with our community." "Messiah" will feature the vocal talents of soprano Jennifer Bates, alto Joëlle Morris, tenor Jesse Wakeman, and bass John David Adams. Holiday Pops favorites accompanied by a chamber orchestra will round out the second half of the program. A highlight will be one of Robert Shaw's arrangements of Christmas carols, "The Many Moods of Christmas, Suite IV." Co-director and accompanist Sean Fleming has a knack for bringing together top-notch musicians for our holiday pops orchestra, sure to set toes tapping! Go to www.purplepass.com/sheepscotchorusmessiah2022 to buy tickets now. Tickets are also available Sherman's in Boothbay Harbor and Damariscotta, and Treats in Wiscasset. For more information, please email info@sheepscotvalleychorus.org, or visit facebook.com/sheepscotchorus and sheepscotvalleychorus.org.
2022-12-04 15:00, 2022-12-03 15:00

Sheepscot Valley Chorus begins its 41st season with April 30 and May 1 performances of Paul Winter’s “Missa Gaia (Earth Mass): A Mass in Celebration of Mother Earth.” The Chorus’ performances of “Missa Gaia” celebrate the 52nd anniversary of Earth Day. Written by Paul Winter in 1981, the work was dedicated to St. Francis, the patron saint of ecology. In “Missa Gaia” Winter created a work both ecumenical and ecological, embracing all the voices of the Earth. The piece will feature African percussion, bass, cello, guitar, organ, piano, oboe, and soprano sax, along with animal calls. The concerts will be on Saturday, April 30 at 3:00 PM and Sunday, May 1 at 3:00 PM at the Second Congregational Church of Newcastle. Tickets are $15 for adults and free for students, and may be purchased at Sherman’s Bookstore in Damariscotta, Treats in Wiscasset, and at the door. All Chorus members are fully vaccinated for COVID-19, and will wear masks for the concerts. Award winners receive a stipend from the chorus and perform at the spring concerts. For more information, please visit facebook.com/sheepscotchorus and sheepscotvalleychorus.org. Sheepscot Valley Chorus is also delighted to announce the winners of our 2022 Student Music Awards, given annually to one student from each of the three local high schools. The students are selected by their high school music teachers, chosen for their commitment to and leadership in music. Award winners receive a stipend from the chorus. The 2022 Student Music Award winners are Evan Strong from Wiscasset High School, Emerson Harris from Boothbay Region High School, and Logan Heath from Lincoln Academy.
2022-05-01 15:00

Sheepscot Valley Chorus begins its 41st season with April 30 and May 1 performances of Paul Winter’s “Missa Gaia (Earth Mass): A Mass in Celebration of Mother Earth.” The Chorus’ performances of “Missa Gaia” celebrate the 52nd anniversary of Earth Day. Written by Paul Winter in 1981, the work was dedicated to St. Francis, the patron saint of ecology. In “Missa Gaia” Winter created a work both ecumenical and ecological, embracing all the voices of the Earth. The piece will feature African percussion, bass, cello, guitar, organ, piano, oboe, and soprano sax, along with animal calls. The concerts will be on Saturday, April 30 at 3:00 PM and Sunday, May 1 at 3:00 PM at the Second Congregational Church of Newcastle. Tickets are $15 for adults and free for students, and may be purchased at Sherman’s Bookstore in Damariscotta, Treats in Wiscasset, and at the door. All Chorus members are fully vaccinated for COVID-19, and will wear masks for the concerts. Audience members are encouraged to wear masks. For more information, please visit facebook.com/sheepscotchorus and sheepscotvalleychorus.org. Sheepscot Valley Chorus is also delighted to announce the winners of our 2022 Student Music Awards, given annually to one student from each of the three local high schools. The students are selected by their high school music teachers, chosen for their commitment to and leadership in music. Award winners receive a stipend from the chorus and perform at the spring concerts. The 2022 Student Music Award winners are Evan Strong from Wiscasset High School, Emerson Harris from Boothbay Region High School, and Logan Heath from Lincoln Academy.
2022-04-30 15:00

Sheepscot Chorus begins rehearsals on Tuesday, February 1 at 7:00 PM, at the First Congregational Church in Wiscasset. Our featured work will be Paul Winter's "Missa Gaia," with other fun pieces on the program. We hope you’ll join us! Our performance of "Missa Gaia" celebrates the 52nd anniversary of Earth Day. Written by Paul Winter in 1981, the work was dedicated to St. Francis, the patron saint of ecology. In "Missa Gaia," Winter created a work both ecumenical and ecological, embracing all the voices of the Earth. The piece will feature a children's choir, African percussion, bass, cello, guitar, organ, piano, and soprano sax, along with animal calls. Sheepscot Chorus is directed by husband-and-wife team Linda Blanchard and Sean Fleming of Damariscotta. In order to keep everyone as safe as possible, singers must show proof that they are vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19 at the first rehearsal, and all must wear a N95, KN95, or KF94 mask while inside the church. Information about finding masks online can be found at sheepscotvalleychorus.org. A limited number of masks will be available at the first rehearsal, but please contact us to let us know you need one. For more information, please visit sheepscotvalleychorus.org and facebook.com/sheepscotchorus, email info@sheepscotvalleychorus.org, or call 207-380-2769. We look forward to seeing you, and please invite a friend or two!
2022-02-01 19:00

Sheepscot Valley Chorus celebrates its 41st season with a "Christmas Pops!" concert on Sunday, December 5, at 3:00 p.m., at the Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church. Led by artistic director Linda Blanchard and accompanist Sean Fleming, this ever-popular concert will feature the beautiful Saint-Saëns "Christmas Oratorio," and include other fun holiday pieces. French composer and organist Camille Saint-Saëns is well known for "The Carnival of the Animals," "Danse Macabre," and the opera, "Samson and Delilah." Saint-Saëns wrote the "Christmas Oratorio" at 23 years of age in 1858, completing it just ten days before its Christmas debut in Paris. The work’s intimate, lyrical setting of the Christmas story has made it a perennial audience favorite. The number of tickets available for this concert is very limited. Contact Sheepscot Chorus at https://www.facebook.com/sheepscotchorus to find out about any tickets available. For more information, please visit facebook.com/sheepscotchorus and sheepscotvalleychorus.org.
2021-12-05 15:00

Sheepscot Chorus Presents Paul Winter's "Missa Gaia" Sheepscot Valley Chorus begins its 41st season with April 24 and 25 performances of Paul Winter’s “Missa Gaia (Earth Mass): A Mass in Celebration of Mother Earth.” The Chorus' performances of “Missa Gaia” celebrate the 51st anniversary of Earth Day. Written by Paul Winter in 1981, the work was dedicated to St. Francis, the patron saint of ecology. In “Missa Gaia” Winter created a work both ecumenical and ecological, embracing all the voices of the Earth. The piece will feature a children's choir, African percussion, bass, cello, guitar, organ, piano, and soprano sax, along with animal calls. The concerts will be on Saturday, April 24 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, April 25 at 3:00 PM at the Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor. Tickets are $15 for adults and free for students, and may be purchased in April at Sherman's Bookstore in Boothbay Harbor and Damariscotta, Treats in Wiscasset, and at the door. For more information, please visit facebook.com/sheepscotchorus and sheepscotvalleychorus.org.
2021-04-25 15:00, 2021-04-24 19:30

The Sheepscot Valley Chorus begins their 40th season with April 18 and 19 performances of Paul Winter’s “Missa Gaia (Earth Mass): A Mass in Celebration of Mother Earth.” The Chorus' performances of “Missa Gaia” celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Written by Paul Winter in 1981, the work was dedicated to St. Francis, the patron saint of ecology. In “Missa Gaia” Winter created a work both ecumenical and ecological, embracing all the voices of the Earth. The piece will feature a children's choir, African percussion, bass, cello, guitar, organ, piano, and soprano sax, along with animal calls. The concerts will be on Saturday, April 18 at 3:00 PM and Sunday, April 19 at 3:00 PM at the Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor. The Chorus is directed by Linda Blanchard and accompanied by Sean Fleming. Tickets are $15 for adults and free for students, and may be purchased in April at Sherman's Bookstore in Boothbay Harbor and Damariscotta, Treats in Wiscasset, and at the door. For more information, please visit facebook.com/sheepscotchorus and sheepscotvalleychorus.org.
2020-04-19 15:00, 2020-04-18 15:00

The Sheepscot Valley Chorus is beginning preparation for an April performance of Paul Winter’s “Missa Gaia (Earth Mass): A Mass in Celebration of Mother Earth.” All are welcome to join us for our first rehearsal, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 7:00 p.m., Congregational Church, Wiscasset. We’re a friendly group, working to perfect our craft as we enjoy the company of our fellow singers. Come join us! Our performance of “Missa Gaia” celebrates the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Written by Paul Winter in 1981, the work was dedicated to St. Francis, the patron saint of ecology. In “Missa Gaia” Winter created a work both ecumenical and ecological, embracing all the voices of the Earth. The piece will feature a children's choir, African percussion, bass, cello, guitar, organ, piano, and soprano sax, along with animal calls. Members of the Chorus welcome and encourage new singers to join us. Those wishing to participate may call director Linda Blanchard at 207-380-2768, or simply come to the first rehearsal.
2020-01-14 19:00

Sheepscot Valley Chorus celebrates its 39th season with a "Christmas Pops!" concert on Sunday, December 8, at 3:00 p.m., at the Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church. Led by artistic director Linda Blanchard and accompanist Sean Fleming, the concert will feature Felix Mendelssohn's brilliant Magnificat setting, the Magnificat in D. The concert will also include several jazzy arrangements of hit tunes such as "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas," "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)," "I'll Be Home for Christmas," and more! The vocal talents of soprano Mary Sullivan, alto Jazmin DeRice, tenors Jesse Wakeman and David Myers, Jr., and bass John David Adams will be featured in solos, duets, and trios, and a jazz combo will accompany the chorus on several numbers. Written in 1822 when Mendelssohn was only 13, the Magnificat in D is in seven sections, with solo movements interspersed with ones for full chorus. The musicologist and critic Hans Keller used to say that Mendelssohn was even more phenomenal as a boy prodigy than Mozart, writing more impressive masterpieces while still in his teens. In 1822 Mendelssohn was set by his teacher Karl Zelter to write pieces in the style of compositional masters such as Bach, Mozart, and Haydn, and so the Magnificat is similar to Bach's compositional style. The Bach influence is quite apparent in the exultant opening, in which orchestral passages are alternated with choral passages. For the last movement, an exciting Haydn-like fugue ends the piece on a triumphant note. The fabulous soprano Mary Sullivan will headline the second half of the concert. Sullivan will lend her inimitable talents to such pieces as "Gesù bambino," "Maria Wiegenlied," and the Roland Carter's gospel hit "Mary Had a Baby." The finale of the concert will be "Jingle Bells" as sung by Michael Bublé and The Puppini Sisters, accompanied by a combo including Marcus Hutchins, winds, Asher Barreras, bass, and Doug Kennedy, drums. In the spirit of Christmas giving, Sheepscot Chorus asks concert attendees to bring a canned or boxed food item and/or a monetary donation for the Boothbay Region Food Pantry. Tickets are $15 for adults and free for students, and may be purchased at Sherman's Bookstore in Boothbay Harbor and Damariscotta, Treats in Wiscasset, and at the door. For more information, please visit facebook.com/sheepscotchorus and sheepscotvalleychorus.org.
2019-12-08 15:00

Sheepscot Valley Chorus celebrates its 38th season with a "Dvořák and Jazz" concert on Saturday, April 27, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 28, at 3:00 at Second Congregational Church in Newcastle. The featured work for the concert is Antonín Dvořák exquisite Mass in D Major, Op. 86. Led by artistic director Linda Blanchard and accompanist Sean Fleming, the concert will also feature several jazzy arrangements of hit tunes such as Cole Porter songs ("In The Still of the Night" and "Night and Day"), big-band-era favorites such as "Pennsylvania 6-5000," "Moonlight Serenade," "Stompin' at the Savoy," "One O'Clock Jump," "Star Dust," "Chattanooga Choo Choo," a jaunty arrangement of "Bill Bailey, Won't You Please Come Home?" and more! Dvořák wrote his Mass in D in 1886 for his friend Josef Hlavka, later the founder and first president of the Czech Academy of Sciences. In that year Hlavka had a new chapel built at his summer residence, a castle in Luzany in Western Bohemia. When the chapel was to be consecrated the following year, he asked his friend Dvorak to write a new mass for the occasion. Dvořák's mass was first performed for the consecration of that chapel. The first public performance of the mass was held at the Municipal Theatre in Plzen on 15 April 1888. The mass soon became extremely popular in England. A reviewer in the Musical Opinion of 1 December 1894 wrote this about Dvořák's Mass in D: “Numbered among the important musical productions of the past month is Antonin Dvorak’s Communion Service in D (Op. 86), a work of remarkable power and effect and fully worthy of the great reputation of its composer. All now are ready to lend a hearing ear to whatever the Bohemian master may have to say; and, although conscious that the reader will have formed an unusually high opinion of the service, I cannot refrain from saying that we have here a setting of the Credo that is calculated to create a deep and lasting impression. This is truly a magnificent piece of music, such as can only be written at rare intervals even by a Dvorak.” As a special treat, the three high-school-student winners of the Sheepscot Chorus 2014 Student Music Awards will also be featured in solo performances at the concert. Tickets are $15 for adults and free for students, and may be purchased at Sherman's Bookstore of Boothbay Harbor and Damariscotta, Treats in Wiscasset, and at the door. For more information, please visit our website at sheepscotvalleychorus.org.
2019-04-28 15:00, 2019-04-27 19:30

Sheepscot Chorus rehearsals have resumed on Tuesday nights 7:00-9:00 PM at the First Congregational Church in Wiscasset. We're working on Dvořák's Mass in D Major, Op. 86, Cole Porter songs ("In The Still of the Night" and "Night and Day"), big-band-era favorites such as "Star Dust," "Chattanooga Choo Choo," and "Time After Time," and a nice arrangement of "Bill Bailey, Won't You Please Come Home?" We're accepting new or returning singers in all voice parts. Come sing!
2019-01-29 19:00

Sheepscot Valley Chorus celebrates its 38th season with a "Christmas Pops!" concert on Sunday, December 2, at 3:00 p.m., at Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church. The featured work for the concert is Hubert Parry's great Magnificat setting, the Magnificat in F. Led by artistic director Linda Blanchard and accompanist Sean Fleming, the concert will also feature several jazzy arrangements of hit tunes such as "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm," "Sleigh Ride," "Little Jack Frost Get Lost," "Here Comes Santa Claus," and more! The vocal talents of soprano Danielle Vayenas and bass Nick Azzaretti will be featured in solos and duets, along with multi-instrumentalist Marcus Hutchins. Written in 1897 and dedicated to Queen Victoria on her Diamond Jubilee, Parry's Magnificat in F is in five sections with an emphasis on counterpoint, as well as other Baroque devices, and takes its cue from J.S. Bach's Magnificat (BWV 243). This is quite apparent in the exultant opening, while the third part, "Et misericordia," is a choral meditation with a moving obbligato, and one of Parry's loveliest moments. The finale ends with an exciting fugue. Some familiar and not-so-familiar arrangements of Christmas songs will be sung, including a jazz-choir style version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," the Vince Guaraldi favorite "Christmas Time Is Here," and a fun women-only arrangement of "Here Comes Santa Claus" based on the popular Glee version. In the spirit of Christmas giving Sheepscot Chorus asks concert attendees to bring a canned or boxed food item for the Boothbay Region Food Pantry and/or a monetary donation to either the food pantry, the Community Energy Fund of Lincoln Country, or the Twin Villages Food Bank Farm. Tickets are $15 for adults and free for students, and may be purchased at Sherman's Bookstore of Boothbay Harbor and Damariscotta, Treats in Wiscasset, and at the door. For more information, please visit our website at sheepscotvalleychorus.org.
2018-12-02 15:00

Sheepscot Valley Chorus Welcomes New Singers The Sheepscot Valley Chorus begins their 38th season with a potluck supper at 6:00 PM with a rehearsal at 7:00 PM, on Tuesday, September 11 at the Wiscasset Congregational Church on Route 1. With a long history of community music making, members of the Chorus welcome and encourage new singers to join us. Singers wishing to participate may call director Linda Blanchard at 207-380-2768, or simply come to the first rehearsal. The major work for Sheepscot Chorus this fall will be Hubert Parry's stirring and intricate "Magnificat in F" for mixed voices and soprano soloist. Dedicated to Queen Victoria on her Diamond Jubilee, the Magnificat is in five sections with an emphasis on counterpoint, as well as other Baroque devices, and takes its cue from Bach's own Magnificat (BWV 243). This is quite apparent in the exultant opening, while the third part, "Et misericordia," is a choral meditation with a moving violin obbligato, and one of Parry's loveliest moments. The finale ends with an exciting fugue and cyclic reminder of the work's opening measures. The December concert will also feature a mixture of classical works and lighter holiday fare, including the Leroy Anderson Christmas carol extravaganza "A Christmas Festival" which was played for many years by Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops. Sheepscot Valley Chorus is directed by Linda Blanchard and accompanied by Sean Fleming, both of Damariscotta. The Chorus will perform their concert Sunday, December 2 at 3:00 p.m. at the Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor.
2018-09-11 18:00

On May 5 at 4:00 PM and May 6 at 4:00 PM, Sheepscot Valley Chorus and St. Cecilia Chamber Choir will present Handel's brilliant choral work "Israel in Egypt" at the Second Congregational Church in Newcastle, Maine. One of the world's favorite choral treasures, "Israel in Egypt" showcases Handel’s genius for storytelling and drama. The powerful chorus-laden oratorio vividly portrays the biblical stories in the Books of Exodus and Psalms, from the plagues of flies, frogs and hailstones, to Moses’ parting of the Red Sea. Gathered under the baton of Artistic Director Linda Blanchard, the large combined group will be accompanied by a twenty-five piece professional orchestra and five outstanding soloists for this magnificent work - second only in popularity to Handel's "Messiah." "Israel in Egypt" is deemed by many to be one of the most spectacular large-scale choral works ever composed. It demands technical brilliance in every aspect: from the precision required of the soloists in several arias, to the magnitude of skill and cooperation from the orchestra, as well as the volume of voices to bring the choruses to full and powerful fruition. "Israel in Egypt" was originally performed in 1739, and at first failed to garner an enthusiastic response. It was not until the 19th century, when choral societies and amateur music festivals began to flourish in England, that "Israel in Egypt" attained the level of popularity it has today. Performing will be the extraordinary soloists Mary Sullivan, soprano, Joëlle Morris, mezzo-soprano, Timothy Neill Johnson, tenor, and basses Josh Miller and Dominique Rosoff, who will perform the bass duet "The Lord Is A Man Of War." Don’t miss these exciting concerts. Buy your tickets now easily at ceciliachoir.org/tickets, and soon at Sherman's Maine Coast Book Shop in Damariscotta and Boothbay Harbor, and Treats in Wiscasset. For more information, please visit ceciliachoir.org, sheepscotvalleychorus.org, or call Del Merritt at 781-436-0335.
2018-05-06 16:00, 2018-05-05 16:00

On May 5 and 6, Sheepscot Valley Chorus and St. Cecilia Chamber Choir will present Handel’s "Israel in Egypt" with a professional orchestra. One of the world’s favorite choral treasures, "Israel in Egypt" showcases Handel’s genius for storytelling and drama. The powerful, chorus-laden oratorio vividly portrays the biblical stories in the Books of Exodus and Psalms, from the plagues of flies, frogs and hailstones, to Moses’ parting of the Red Sea. Sheepscot Chorus will begin rehearsing this thrilling musical work on Tuesday, January 16 at 7:00pm at the First Congregational Church Wiscasset UCC, 28 High Street in Wiscasset, Maine. All are encouraged to attend this first rehearsal and to sing sections of "Israel in Egypt," under the inspired leadership of artistic director Linda Blanchard and accompanist Sean Fleming. Delicious snacks will be provided. Since 1980 Sheepscot Valley Chorus has been a thriving non-auditioned community chorus which presents varied programs of classical and popular music. Every few years the Chorus joins with the auditioned St. Cecilia Chamber Choir to present large choral works. These works have recently included Brahms’ "German Requiem" and Mendelssohn’s "Elijah." For more information, please visit sheepscotvalleychorus.org or call Linda Blanchard at 207-380-2768.
2018-01-16 19:00

Rutter Gloria and Brass Ensemble Highlight Sheepscot ​Dec. 3 ​Christmas Concert Sheepscot Valley Chorus will perform their Christmas concert Sunday, December 3, 2017 at 3:00 PM, at Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church. Featured on this ever-popular program will be the beautiful and stirring ​"​Gloria​"​ of John Rutter, perfomed with a professional brass ensemble, organ, and percussion. Also featured on the concert will be ​"​Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence​"​ by Gustav Holst, ​"​Hodie Christus Natus Est​"​ for chorus and brass by Renaissance composer Giovanni Gabrieli, and ​"​The Many Moods of Christmas Suite Four​"​ by choral music legend Robert Shaw and arranger extraordinaire Robert Russell Bennett. John Rutter noted Francis Poulenc, Igor Stravinsky and William Walton as influences for his ​"Gloria​"​​​ setting. Rutter also noted the influence of Gregorian chant throughout the work. A reviewer noted as Rutter's hallmarks: "an unfailing knack to get to the root of the text, exquisitely balanced vocal writing, melting harmonies, intensely sweet turns of phrase, short ecstatic climaxes, but also a willingness to be astringent, and rhythmically powerful." Another reviewer attributed the lasting success of Rutter's music to the fact that he "writes music that people want to perform and to hear", and that it is interesting and challenging for performers. The combination of brass and percussion coupled with pipe organ is one not to be missed. Christmas favorites such as ​"​Sleigh Ride​"​ will also be sung. Sheepscot Chorus is lead by director Linda Blanchard and accompanist Sean Fleming, both of Damariscotta. Advance tickets may be purchased at Maine Coast Book Shop, Sherman’s Books, and Treats. Tickets are $15 at the door, and free to students. For more info​​rmation, please visit our website at sheepscotvalleychorus.org, or call Marjorie DiVece at 207-882-6338.
2017-12-03 15:00

Sheepscot Valley Chorus Welcomes New Singers The Sheepscot Valley Chorus begins their 37th season with a potluck supper at 7:00 PM with a rehearsal following, on Tuesday, September 12 at the Wiscasset Congregational Church on Route 1. With a long history of community music making, the Chorus welcomes and encourages new singers to join us. Singers wishing to participate may call director Linda Blanchard at 207-380-2768, or simply come to the first rehearsal, voice at the ready. The major work this fall John Rutter's stirring “Gloria” for mixed voices with brass, percussion and organ. John Rutter was born in England in 1945. He studied at Cambridge, and in 1981 he established the Cambridge Singers. In 1974, Rutter visited the United States at the invitation of choral musician Melvin “Mel” Olson and conducted the premiere of his cantata “Gloria” in Omaha, NB. The second half of the concert will have a mixture of classical works and lighter holiday fare, including traditional carols sung by the chorus and audience accompanied by brass and organ. Sheepscot Valley Chorus is directed by Linda Blanchard and accompanied by Sean Fleming, both of Damariscotta. The Chorus will perform their concert Sunday, December 3 at 3:00 p.m. in at the Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor. Please join us!
2017-09-12 18:30

Sheepscot Valley Chorus Performs the Forrest Requiem for the Living and Ellington favorites The Sheepscot Valley Chorus will perform Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living and Ellingtonia, a medley of songs by “Duke” Ellington, on April 29 at 4:00 and April 30 at 4:00, at the Second Congregational Church in Newcastle. Requiem for the Living by Dan Forrest, composed in 2013, is scored for mixed choir and orchestra with solos for boy soprano and tenor. Combining both liturgical and non-liturgical texts, this powerful five-movement work projects a wide range of meaningful expression, from a biting essay on the vanity and pain of mankind to a plea for mercy, and finally a celebration of eternal light. The work has received more than a hundred performances world-wide within a year of its composition, including performances in Canada, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and multiple performances at Carnegie Hall. Ellingtonia features many “Duke” Ellington favorites, including: Azure Caravan Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me Don’t Get Around Much Anymore I Got It Bad And That Ain’t Good I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart I’m Beginning to See the Light I’m Just A Lucky So And So In A Sentimental Mood It Don’t Mean a Thing (If it ain’t got That Swing) Love You Madly Mood Indigo Satin Doll Solitude Sophisticated Lady Prelude To A Kiss Take The ‘A’ Train Last fall the SVC collaborated with the beloved Coastal Chorale, which had formally ended its over twenty-year run. The SVC gained former Coastal Chorale singers and expanded its audience to include Chorale fans from the Pemaquid Peninsula.
2017-04-30 16:00, 2017-04-29 16:00

Sheepscot Valley Chorus Invites New Members for its Spring Season to sing the Forrest "Requiem for the Living" and Ellington favorites The Sheepscot Valley Chorus is heading into its spring season with its first rehearsal slated for Tuesday, January 17 at 7:00 PM, and new members are most welcome to join. The chorus has been singing for thirty-six years and is directed by Linda Blanchard, with accompanist Sean Fleming. The fall season will lead up to a concert in the spring that will feature Dan Forrest's "Requiem for the Living," and "Ellingtonia," a medley of songs by "Duke" Ellington. The "Requiem for the Living" by Dan Forrest, composed in 2013, is scored for mixed choir and orchestra with solos for boy soprano and tenor. Combining both liturgical and non-liturgical texts, this powerful five-movement work projects a wide range of meaningful expression, from a biting essay on the vanity and pain of mankind to a plea for mercy, and finally a celebration of eternal light. The work has received more than a hundred performances world-wide within a year of its composition, including performances in Canada, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and multiple performances at Carnegie Hall. "Ellingtonia" features many "Duke" Ellington favorites, including: Azure Caravan Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me Don't Get Around Much Anymore I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart I'm Beginning to See the Light I'm Just A Lucky So And So In A Sentimental Mood It Don't Mean a Thing (If it ain't got That Swing) Love You Madly Mood Indigo Satin Doll Solitude Sophisticated Lady Prelude To A Kiss Take The 'A' Train New singers are welcomed in without audition. While it is helpful to have some basic ability to read music, there are practice CD's made available to help members to learn their parts. Every rehearsal has some laughter and camaraderie, even - or especially - during the final weeks preparing for concert. Last fall the SVC collaborated with the beloved Coastal Chorale, which had formally ended its over twenty-year run. The SVC gained former Coastal Chorale singers and expanded its audience to include Chorale fans from the Pemaquid Peninsula. The Sheepscot Valley Chorus rehearses Tuesday nights at 7:00 PM in the fellowship hall of the First Congregational Church in Wiscasset. Come sing!
2017-01-17 19:00

Sheepscot Valley Chorus celebrates its 36th season with their Christmas concert Sunday, December 4th, at 3:00 p.m., at Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church. Featured on the program is the Respighi's "Laud to the Nativity," accompanied by Sean Fleming on organ, and featuring soprano Mary Sullivan, mezzo-soprano Jazmin DeRice, and tenor Timothy Neill Johnson. In 1930, Ottorino Respighi composed "Lauda per la Natività del Signore", the only sacred choral piece among his works. In this song of praise to the miracle of Christmas majestic sounding choral passages alternate with the soloistic roles of Maria, the Angel and the shepherd, accompanied by the sound of pastoral instruments. The music is varied, containing stylistic elements ranging from the late romantic to neo-baroque, as well as echoes of Gregorian chant. The second half of the concert will feature one of Bruckner's beautiful Ave Maria settings, two carols by Sir Arthur Sullivan of Gilbert and Sullivan fame, an arrangement of the traditional French carol "Quittez, Pasteurs" by John Rutter, and other Christmas hits. Sheepscot Chorus is lead by director Linda Blanchard and accompanist Sean Fleming, both of Damariscotta. Tickets may be purchased at Maine Coast Book Shop, Sherman’s Books, Treats, and at the door. Tickets are $15 for adults and free to students. For more information, please visit our website at sheepscotvalleychorus.org.
2016-12-04 15:00

Sheepscot Valley Chorus Invites New Members The Sheepscot Valley Chorus is heading into its fall season, and new members are most welcome to join. The chorus has been singing for thirty-five years and is directed by Linda Blanchard, with accompanist Sean Fleming. The fall season will lead up to a concert in mid-December; with a spring season and a new concert line-up to follow, starting in January. New singers are welcomed in without audition. While it is helpful to have some basic ability to read music, there are practice CD's made available to help members to learn their parts. Every rehearsal has some laughter and camaraderie, even - or especially - during the final weeks preparing for concert. The featured work this season will be Ottorino Respighi's "Laud to the Nativity", composed in 1930. Listeners who are familiar only with Respighi's most famous orchestral pieces are in for a treat of a different kind. Lightly orchestrated, and featuring several solo voices in addition to the chorus, this work echoes with musical styles of centuries earlier to create lyrical and lovely music. Last fall the SVC collaborated with the beloved Coastal Chorale, which had formally ended its over twenty-year run. The SVC gained former Coastal Chorale singers and expanded its audience to include Chorale fans from the Pemaquid Peninsula. The Sheepscot Valley Chorus rehearses every Tuesday night at 7:00 PM in the fellowship hall of the First Congregational Church in Wiscasset. Come sing!
2016-09-13 19:00

Sheepscot Valley Chorus celebrates 35 years of fine choral music this season with their spring concert on Sunday, April 10th, 3:00 p.m. at Second Congregational Church in Newcastle. The concert includes works by British composers Benjamin Britten, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Gilbert and Sullivan, with performances by tenor David Myers, Jr. and our Sheepscot Chorus Student Music Award winners. Britten’s “Rejoice in the Lamb” features soprano Addison Vermilion, our Student Music Award winner from Lincoln Academy, alto chorister Sarah Highland, tenor David Myers, Jr., and bass chorister James Crowley as soloists. The work movingly sets the poetry of eighteenth century poet Christopher Smart, whose outspoken views saw him wrongly imprisoned in a mental asylum, where he wrote “Jubilate Agno”. Addison Vermilion also serves as soprano soloist for Britten’s “Te Deum in C,” a setting of the early Christian hymn of praise that has inspired composers for centuries. Vaughan Williams’ jubilant “O Clap Your Hands,” draws its text from Psalm 47 and includes a rousing timpani part played by Student Award Winner Samuel Smith of Wiscasset Middle High School. Our three Student Music Award Winners will be highlighted in the second half of the program as they present solo works. The concert moves to a lighthearted note with music of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “HMS Pinafore,” including solo work by tenor David Myers, Jr., baritone Richard Francis, Student Award Winner soprano Annielyn MacKusick of Boothbay Region High School, and student percussionist Samuel Smith. Founded in 1980, the Sheepscot Valley Chorus is directed by conductor Linda Blanchard and accompanied by Sean Fleming, both of Damariscotta. Tickets are $15 for adults and free to students, and are available at the door.
2016-04-10 15:00
