January 16, 2018 @ 7:00 pm 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.
December 3, 2017 @ 3:00 pm 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 information, please visit our website at sheepscotvalleychorus.org, or call Marjorie DiVece at 207-882-6338.
September 12, 2017 @ 6:30 pm 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!