Sheepscot Valley Chorus

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.
2022-12-03 15:00, 2022-12-04 15:00 (America/New_York) | ME

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.
2023-04-29 15:00, 2023-04-30 15:00 | ME

Sheepscot Chorus to Sing Bach "Magnificat" in Boothbay Harbor on December 2 and 3
2023-12-02 15:00 - 16:30, 2023-12-03 15:00 - 16:30 | Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor, 125 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538, United States
Sheepscot Chorus invites you to “Bach and Christmas Pops!” on 3:00 PM on Sat., Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3, at the Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church. Professional soloists and a chamber orchestra will join the chorus for these popular holiday concerts. “We are pleased to perform such a masterpiece for the community,” says director Linda Blanchard about the “Magnificat.”

Holiday Pops favorites accompanied by a chamber orchestra will round out the second half of the program. A highlight will be two new arrangements by English composer Paul Ayres, “Santa Claus is comin’ to town,” and “Winter Wonderland.” “Santa Claus is comin'” features an astounding fugal treatment of the well-known tune. The fabulous soloists for the concerts include soprano Mary Sullivan, alto Joelle Morris, tenor David Myers-Wakeman, and bass Joshua Miller. 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/sheepscotchorus2023 to buy tickets now. Tickets are $15 (free for students) and are also available at Treats in Wiscasset and Sherman’s Book Store in Damariscotta and Boothbay Harbor. For more information, please email info@sheepscotvalleychorus.org, or visit facebook.com/sheepscotchorus and sheepscotvalleychorus.org.

Sheepscot Chorus Sings Mozart Requiem and Whitacre in Newcastle on April 27 and 28
2024-04-27 15:00 - 16:30, 2024-04-28 15:00 - 16:30 | Second Congregational Church of Newcastle UCC, 51 Main St., Newcastle, ME, 04553, United States
Sheepscot Chorus invites you to concerts featuring the beloved Mozart Requiem on Saturday, April 27 at 3:00 PM, and Sunday, April 28 at 3:00 PM at the Second Congregational Church in Newcastle. The Chorus will perform this ever-popular work under the direction of Linda Blanchard, and accompanied by organist Sean Fleming and a professional 24-piece orchestra. The concerts will feature the well-known soloists Mary Sullivan, soprano, Joëlle Morris, mezzo-soprano, David Myers-Wakeman, tenor, and John David Adams, bass.

One of the enduring masterpieces of classical literature, the Requiem was Mozart’s final and perhaps greatest work. Commissioned anonymously, the Requiem remained unfinished at the time of Mozart’s untimely death, adding an aura of mystery and intrigue to its composition. Yet, despite its incomplete state, the Requiem is a testament to Mozart’s genius, showcasing his unparalleled ability to blend rich harmonies with poignant melodies.

Shorter favorites will also be featured on the program, including two by Eric Whitacre; the humorous “Animal Crackers, Vol. 1,” and the stunning “The Seal Lullaby.” Performances by the Chorus’ 2024 student music award winners will also be featured. The concerts will close with the toe-tapping gospel-style number “Walk Him Up the Stairs” from the musical “Purlie.” For more information, visit facebook.com/sheepscotchorus and sheepscotvalleychorus.org, email info@sheepscotvalleychorus.org, or call 207-548-3632. Tickets are available at Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop in Damariscotta and Boothbay Harbor, Treats in Wiscasset, and online at sheepscotvalleychorus.org/tickets.

Sheepscot Chorus to Sing the Vaughan Williams "The First Nowell" and other holiday favorites in December 2024
2024-08-23 08:00 - 2024-09-24 21:00 | First Congregational Church, 28 High St, , ME, Wiscasset, ME, 04578, United States
Sheepscot Chorus invites you to join us as we begin rehearsals for our Sunday, December 1 Boothbay Harbor holiday concert, featuring Ralph Vaughan Williams’s “The First Nowell,” performed with professional soloists and chamber orchestra. “I look forward to perform this heartwarming holiday piece for the community. We’re excited to get started!” says director Linda Blanchard.

“The First Nowell” is a collection of carols written to accompany a nativity play, and in addition to the title carol it includes carols such as “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen,” “The Cherry Tree Carol,” ” The Sussex Carol,” and more. Vaughan Williams biographer Stephen Connock wrote about the appeal of the work: “Vaughan Williams’ Christmas music in its freshness and warmth speaks directly to the heart. It is music to be played and cherished on Christmas Eve, at home, near the fire, with children safe and all at heart’s-ease.”

Holiday pops favorites will round out the second half of the program. 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!

Rehearsals are high-energy and challenging. “We work hard,” says Blanchard, “but we keep the rehearsals upbeat and fun.” Chorus members range from newly-minted singers to seasoned performers. We provide practice materials to use at home, so singers can come to rehearsal feeling prepared and ready to go!

The Chorus rehearses on Tuesday nights, starting with our first rehearsal on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 7:00 PM, at the Congregational church in Wiscasset, next to the Wiscasset District Court. For more information, please send a message to info@sheepscotvalleychorus.org, leave a message at 207-315-9740, or visit facebook.com/sheepscotchorus and sheepscotvalleychorus.org.

Sheepscot Chorus sings "The First Nowell" by Vaughan Williams and other holiday favorites on December 1
2024-12-01 15:00 - 16:30 | Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor, 125 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538, United States
Sheepscot Chorus invites you to their annual holiday concert on Sunday, Dec. 1, at 3:00 PM at the Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church. Professional tenor soloist David Myers-Wakeman and a chamber orchestra will join the chorus for this popular event. “We are pleased to perform this heartwarming concert for the community,” says director Linda Blanchard.

“The First Nowell” is a collection of carols written to accompany a nativity play, and in addition to the title carol it includes carols such as “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen,” “The Cherry Tree Carol,” ” The Sussex Carol,” and more. Vaughan Williams biographer Stephen Connock wrote about the appeal of the work: “Vaughan Williams’ Christmas music in its freshness and warmth speaks directly to the heart. It is music to be played and cherished on Christmas Eve, at home, near the fire, with children safe and all at heart’s-ease.”

A Holst choral fantasy on carols and other holiday pops favorites will round out the second half of the program. 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 https://sheepscotvalleychorus.org/tickets to buy tickets. Tickets are $20 (free for children and students) and are also available at Treats in Wiscasset and Sherman’s Book Store in Damariscotta and Boothbay Harbor. For more information, please email info@sheepscotvalleychorus.org, or visit facebook.com/sheepscotchorus and sheepscotvalleychorus.org.

Sheepscot Chorus sings Chilcott's "A Little Jazz Mass" and Folk Songs Through the Ages on April 12 and 13 in Damariscotta
2025-04-12 15:00 - 16:30, 2025-04-13 15:00 - 16:30 | Damariscotta Baptist Church, 4 Bristol Rd, Damariscotta, ME, 04543, United States
Sheepscot Chorus invites you to their annual spring concert on April 12 and 13. On the program will be Bob Chilcott’s “A Little Jazz Mass,” and Folk Songs Through the Ages: folk songs from the 1200s to the present. Professional tenor soloist David Myers-Wakeman and a jazz combo will join the chorus for this popular event. “We are pleased to perform this exciting concert for the community,” says director Linda Blanchard. As a special treat, the winners of this year’s Sheepscot Chorus Student Music Award will perform.

“A Little Jazz Mass” is an innovative choral work that blends traditional liturgical text with the rhythmic and harmonic flavors of jazz. It is one of Chilcott’s most celebrated and popular choral works, and has received many performances across the world, including at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London.

Sheepscot Valley Chorus is delighted to announce the winners of our 2025 Student Music Awards, given annually to one student from each of 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. This year’s Student Music Award winners are Hannah Hills from Boothbay Region High School, Jayden Brown from Lincoln Academy, and Olivia Whittaker from Wiscasset Middle High School.

Folk Songs Through the Ages will include one song for each century, from the 13th century’s “Sumer is icumen in,” through the 17th century’s “Barbara Allen,” to the popular hit “Wellerman.” “The Agincourt Carol,” “Who’s the Fool Now,” and more will be included.

David Myers-Wakeman is always a must-hear, and he won’t disappoint this time, with solo renditions of “Shenandoah” and “Cry Me A River.”

Go to sheepscotvalleychorus.org/tickets to buy tickets. Tickets are $20 (free for children and students) and are also available at Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shops in Damariscotta and Boothbay Harbor. For more information, please email info@sheepscotvalleychorus.org, or visit facebook.com/sheepscotchorus and sheepscotvalleychorus.org.

Sheepscot Chorus sings the Britten "A Ceremony of Carols" and other holiday favorites on Dec. 7 in Boothbay Harbor
2025-12-07 15:00 - 16:30 | Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor, 125 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538, United States
Sheepscot Chorus invites you to their annual holiday concert on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 3:00 PM at the Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church. This concert features Benjamin Britten’s magical “A Ceremony of Carols,” performed with harpist Melody Lindsay, and conducted by artistic director Linda Blanchard. Tenor soloist David Myers-Wakeman and soprano soloists Jennifer Felkay and Marybeth McCaffrey will be featured.

“A Ceremony of Carols” was based upon poems found in the book “The English Galaxy of Shorter Poems.” Britten discovered this book during a stopover in Halifax, Nova Scotia, while on a wartime voyage back to England from the United States in 1942. Drawn primarily from medieval and Renaissance verses, these texts inspired Britten to compose this beloved work. Sheepscot Chorus will present the SATB version of the piece, which was approved by the composer.

Holiday pops favorites will round out the second half of the program. 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!

Tickets are $20 (free for children and students) and are available at sheepscotvalleychorus.org, in Boothbay Harbor at Sherman’s Books and Stationary, and in Damariscotta Sherman’s Bookshop & Café. For more information, please email info@sheepscotvalleychorus.org, or visit facebook.com/sheepscotchorus and sheepscotvalleychorus.org.
