April 25, 2015 @ 7:30 pm The Sheepscot Chorus and St. Cecilia Chamber Choir join forces to present Felix Mendelssohn’s epic oratorio Elijah, on Saturday, April 25 at 7:30pm, and Sunday, April 26 at 3:00pm, at St. Patrick’s Church in Newcastle, Maine. Gathered under the baton of Artistic Director Linda Blanchard, the combined group will be accompanied by the a professional orchestra and four outstanding soloists for this magnificent work – composed in the spirit of Baroque greats Bach and Handel. Elijah is deemed by many, along with Handel’s Messiah, 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 all four 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. The oratorio premiered in 1846 in Birmingham, England, where it was an instant triumph, and conducted by Mendelssohn himself, who would pass away the following year at the young age of 38. The extraordinary work depicts the life of the Biblical prophet Elijah, whose spirit is tested by a plethora of natural disasters including floods, earthquakes and droughts. In addition to death, sacrifice, and questions of his own faith, the prophet is gently guided by the God of the Old Testament to ultimately regain prosperity for the citizens of Israel, find peace within himself, and, in a stunning finale, ascend to heaven by fiery chariot. The drama of these cataclysmic scenes, exemplary of the era’s romanticism, is perfectly conveyed by the magnificence and grandeur of the music. Mendelssohn’s composition is ripe with exquisite melodies, contemplative recitatives, and stirring choruses. Performing the title role is New York baritone Josh Miller, frequently lauded for his meticulous characterisation and rich, resonant voice. Appearing alongside Giles are three exceptional soloists: A frequent soloist with numerous ensembles in New England, the talented soprano Mary Sullivan, a longtime member of The Choral Art Society and the St. Mary Schola early music ensemble Andrea Graichen, the wonderful tenor David Myers, Jr., and the amazing boy soprano Benjamin Pugh. Don’t miss this exciting concert. Tickets will be available soon for this wonderful event.
April 26, 2015 @ 3:00 pm The Sheepscot Chorus and St. Cecilia Chamber Choir join forces to present Felix Mendelssohn’s epic oratorio Elijah, on Saturday, April 25 at 7:30pm, and Sunday, April 26 at 3:00pm, at St. Patrick’s Church in Newcastle, Maine. Gathered under the baton of Artistic Director Linda Blanchard, the combined group will be accompanied by the a professional orchestra and four outstanding soloists for this magnificent work – composed in the spirit of Baroque greats Bach and Handel. Elijah is deemed by many, along with Handel’s Messiah, 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 all four 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. The oratorio premiered in 1846 in Birmingham, England, where it was an instant triumph, and conducted by Mendelssohn himself, who would pass away the following year at the young age of 38. The extraordinary work depicts the life of the Biblical prophet Elijah, whose spirit is tested by a plethora of natural disasters including floods, earthquakes and droughts. In addition to death, sacrifice, and questions of his own faith, the prophet is gently guided by the God of the Old Testament to ultimately regain prosperity for the citizens of Israel, find peace within himself, and, in a stunning finale, ascend to heaven by fiery chariot. The drama of these cataclysmic scenes, exemplary of the era’s romanticism, is perfectly conveyed by the magnificence and grandeur of the music. Mendelssohn’s composition is ripe with exquisite melodies, contemplative recitatives, and stirring choruses. Performing the title role is New York baritone Josh Miller, frequently lauded for his meticulous characterisation and rich, resonant voice. Appearing alongside Giles are three exceptional soloists: A frequent soloist with numerous ensembles in New England, the talented soprano Mary Sullivan, a longtime member of The Choral Art Society and the St. Mary Schola early music ensemble Andrea Graichen, the wonderful tenor David Myers, Jr., and the amazing boy soprano Benjamin Pugh. Don’t miss this exciting concert. Tickets will be available soon for this wonderful event.
September 8, 2015 @ 7:00 pm - November 1, 2015 @ 12:00 am Sing Vivaldi’s Gloria with Sheepscot Chorus! Now is the perfect time to join Sheepscot Valley Chorus, as we continue our 35th Season celebration with Vivaldi’s joyful Gloria. A favorite of audiences and performers alike, this time-honored masterpiece will be performed with professional soloists and instrumentalists. Don’t miss this chance to be part of our special celebration! For more information, call Linda Blanchard at (207) 380-2768. For two centuries after Vivaldi’s death, the Gloria lay undiscovered until the late 1920s, when it was found buried among a pile of forgotten Vivaldi manuscripts. It was not performed until September 1939, and found instant popularity. Sheepscot Valley Chorus is led by Artistic Director Linda Blanchard and accompanist Sean Fleming, both of Damariscotta. Starting on September 8th, the Chorus rehearses every Tuesday night at 7:00-9:00, the Wiscasset Congregational Church. Recent concerts for the group include last season’s highly acclaimed performance of Mendelssohn’s Elijah, presented in collaboration with St. Cecilia Chamber Choir. For more information about the Sheepscot Chorus, please visit our website at sheepscotvalleychorus.org.
December 6, 2015 @ 3:00 pm Sheepscot Valley Chorus celebrates its 35th season with their Christmas concert Sunday, December 6, 3:00 p.m., at Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church. Featured on the program is the Vivaldi Gloria, performed with a professional chamber orchestra and featuring soprano Nina Tilander, with soprano Linda Blomquist and alto Sarah Highland. Composed in 1715, the beautifully sunny character of Vivaldi’s Gloria, with its varied and exciting themes, has given the work timeless universal appeal. Yet the piece was undiscovered for two centuries after the composer’s death, until it was found among others of his manuscripts in the late 1920s, finally restored to its original version in 1957 when it received its first modern day performance and leapt to popularity with performers and audiences alike. Soloists and orchestra also will join the Chorus for the second half, which includes John Rutter’s lyrical What Sweeter Music, Herbert Howells’ A Spotless Rose, featuring baritone Jim Crowley, works by Keith Francis, and traditional carols such as Winter Wonderland and I’ll Be Home for Christmas. 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. Sheepscot Chorus will join with the Coastal Chorale and accompanist Richard Kinney to bring a second performance of this program (without orchestra) to New Harbor Methodist Church on Sunday, Dec. 13th, at 2:00 pm. This special performance commemorates the Coastal Chorale’s first concert thirty years ago, which also featured the Vivaldi Gloria under the baton of founding director Nat Weston, and is a gift to the community, with a free will offering.
December 13, 2015 @ 2:00 pm Sheepscot Valley Chorus celebrates its 35th season with their Christmas concert Sunday, Dec. 13th, at 2:00 pm., at New Harbor Methodist Church. Featured on the program is the Vivaldi Gloria, which will feature soprano Nina Tilander, with soprano Linda Blomquist and alto Sarah Highland. Composed in 1715, the beautifully sunny character of Vivaldi’s Gloria, with its varied and exciting themes, has given the work timeless universal appeal. Yet the piece was undiscovered for two centuries after the composer’s death, until it was found among others of his manuscripts in the late 1920s, finally restored to its original version in 1957 when it received its first modern day performance and leapt to popularity with performers and audiences alike. Soloists will also join the Chorus for the second half, which includes John Rutter’s lyrical What Sweeter Music, works by Keith Francis, Mary Did You Know with bass soloist Frank Orlando, and traditional carols such as Winter Wonderland and I’ll Be Home for Christmas. The second half of the concert will feature special guest, wunderkind accompanist Richard Kinney. This special performance commemorates the Coastal Chorale’s first concert thirty years ago, which also featured the Vivaldi Gloria under the baton of founding director Nat Weston, and is a gift to the community, with a free will offering. Sheepscot Chorus is lead by director Linda Blanchard and accompanist Sean Fleming, both of Damariscotta. For more information, please visit our website at sheepscotvalleychorus.org.
January 19, 2016 @ 7:00 pm - April 3, 2016 @ 12:00 am Sing With Sheepscot Chorus! Sheepscot Valley Chorus invites you to sing with us as we begin rehearsals for our spring semester on Tuesday, January 19, 7:00 pm at the First Congregational Church in Wiscasset. The Chorus will be preparing music of English composer Benjamin Britten, including his joyfully exuberant Te Deum in C and the beautiful and mystical “Rejoice in the Lamb,” which sets the poetry of Christopher Smart. We’ll also explore songs of the seaside and springtime. Come join in the fun, meet friends new and old, and help us make beautiful music! The performance will be on Sunday, April 10 at 3:00 pm. in Newcastle. Continuing our tradition of supporting local youth, the program also will highlight the talents of three high school students, recipients of the annual Sheepscot Valley Chorus Music Scholarships. Sheepscot Valley Chorus has been singing in Midcoast Maine for over 35 years, and is led by director Linda Blanchard and accompanist Sean Fleming, both of Damariscotta. Recent concerts include last season’s acclaimed performances of Mendelssohn’s Elijah and Vivaldi’s Gloria. For more information, please visit our website at www.sheepscotvalleychorus.org or call Linda Blanchard at 380-2768.
April 10, 2016 @ 3:00 pm 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.
September 13, 2016 @ 7:00 pm 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!
December 4, 2016 @ 3:00 pm 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.
January 17, 2017 @ 7:00 pm 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!