The Oratorio Chorale announces new season

Performances begin Nov. 22 with Mozart's “Requiem”
Thu, 10/23/2014 - 11:00am

The music of the Oratorio Chorale’s 2014-2015 season is a blend of traditional and contemporary, with beloved compositions by Mozart and Bach, a celebration of the winter holidays, a recital of German songs and finishing the year with a “Bang,” all under the baton of Emily Isaacson, music director.

On the weekend of Nov. 22 and 23, several musical groups will bring Mozart's “Requiem” to Studzinski Recital Hall at Bowdoin College for three exciting performances. The Oratorio Chorale will be joined by the Bowdoin Chorus, Mozart Mentors Orchestra, members of the Midcoast Symphony Orchestra, and soloists from the Grammy award-winning ensemble “Roomful of Teeth.”

Tickets for the Mozart concerts are free of charge, and must be obtained in advance. Tickets are available at the Bowdoin College Smith Union Information Desk. Call Carrie Strasburger at 207-577-3931 or send an email to tickets@oratoriochorale.org.

“Sing We Noel” will initiate a new tradition for the Oratorio Chorale. This holiday concert debuts on Saturday, Dec. 20, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Brunswick. Seasonal music for “Sing We Noel” will be accompanied by organist John Corrie and a brass quintet, with a cocoa-and-cookies reception to follow. Families with children of all ages are welcome.

The Chorale will also host a “Recital of German Lieder” by artist-in-residence Mary Sullivan, with Chorale accompanist Derek Herzer at the piano. The recital will take place Saturday, Jan. 17 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Brunswick. Featured selections will include music by Schumann, Brahms and Richard Strauss.

On Sunday, March 1, the Chorale celebrates Johann Sebastian Bach’s 330th birthday with “‘Magnificat’: The Best of Bach,” including the “Magnificat,” the choral motet “Lobet den Herrn,” the “Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F Major,” and others.

The Maine Chamber Ensemble will accompany the Chorale and soloists from Boston’s Handel and Haydn Society. Bach’s celebration will be staged on Saturday, Feb. 28, at St. Luke’s Cathedral, Portland and Sunday, March 1, at St. John’s Church, Brunswick.

The season will finish with “Bang! Music for Choir and Percussion,” a blending of drums and voice through works by Dominick Argento, Peter Klatzow, Timothy Takach, and other contemporary composers. Percussionists Nate Tucker and Jonathan Hess will accompany the Chorale and also perform solo works for percussion. Performances are on Friday, June 5, at Woodfords Congregational Church, Portland, and Saturday, June 6, at the Unitarian Universalist Church, Brunswick.

Visit http://oratoriochorale.org for information on tickets and more.