The Bagaduce Chorale
Mary Cheyney Gould, Founder and Accompanist (Dec. 2007)
The Bagaduce Chorale is made up of 90-plus auditioned singers from the Blue Hill Peninsula, Deer Isle/Stonington, Ellsworth, Bar Harbor, Surry, Lamoine and Orland. The Bagaduce Chorale performs twice a year, in early December and in late April/early May, accompanied by piano, organ or a small instrumental ensemble.
Performances
Our 35th Anniversary Celebration
The 2009-2010 Concert Season was the 35th anniversary of the Bagaduce Chorale. We used the occasion to celebrate our founding director and current accompanist, Mary Cheyney Gould. The Bagaduce Chorale was born of Mary's inspiration and she served as its director and accompanist for the first 25 years. In the beginning, the Chorale was a small group of singers, gathered in Mary's home on the Bagaduce River, coming together for the simple joy of singing. From this simple gathering of friends Mary's vision and energy took the Bagaduce Chorale to a chorus of more than ninety voices, performing two concerts a year.
We began planning for this season two years ago when we commissioned two new choral works, one each for our two concert seasons. For our December concert we premiered “Earthly Light”, composed by Anna Dembska, a wonderful journey from the initial reactions within the sun to the rainbow of colors that light out world to the production of life from that light. “Earthly Light” is symbolic of Mary's bright idea breathing life into the Bagaduce Chorale. For our Spring concert, we premiered our second new work, “River” composed by the Grammy Awarding winning jazz pianist, Paul Sullivan. “River” is inspired, in part, by Mary's home on the Bagaduce River, from which the Chorale gets its name. It draws on the parallel flows of river and music, both bringing us joy and life.
Re-live the entire 35 year journey of the Chorale with through our 35th Anniversary Commemorative book. This book includes photos, stories, newspaper clippings and images of the entire series of concert posters. Click here to download and printout an order form. We know you will enjoy the memories of 35 years of the Chorale and its remarkable founder, Mary Cheyney Gould.
2010-2011 Season
The music Bronwyn has selected for our Fall concert on Friday, December 10, and Saturday, December 11, will bring back our memories of pieces we sang or we hummed under the Christmas tree. Songs like Now is the Caroling Season, White Christmas, March of the Kings and many more. In the Chorale's Newsletter Bronwyn is giving us some insight how she selected the music. Please find our Newsletter here and read more about the activities of our Chorale.
The Chorale not only 'sings for the joy of music', but is also involved in our community. The musical development of our area students is an important aspect of what we do. At a time when musical education in the public schools is being sacrificed because of budget custs, we offer an opportunity to students to sing with the Bagaduce Chorale. Their membership fees and other related expenses are being covered from our Scholarship Fund.
Please help us to continue this important work, to welcome students in our midst, become a Friend of the Bagaduce Chorale. We are truly grateful.
>>> We are always looking for new voices. Next Auditions for our Fall concert will be Monday, September 13, at 7PM. To request an audition, please call our Music Director Bronwyn Kortge at (207) 667-6084. <<<
Friends of the Bagaduce Chorale
The Bagaduce Chorale is extremely grateful to the many generous supporters who make it possible for us to spread the joy and inspiration of great music. The Chorale is committed to making its concerts as accessible to the public as possible. To that end, admission is by donation at the door only. The costs of these concerts greatly exceed the amount of money received through membership and ticket sales. If you have enjoyed our concerts in the past, and would like to make a further tax-deductible contribution to the Bagaduce Chorale, please write your check to the Bagaduce Chorale, and mail it to P.O. Box 247, Brooksville, ME 04617.
Thank you so much!
Advertising Opportunities
For each concert, the Chorale produces a program booklet. Local businesses have the opportunity to advertise. We will son post here the Advertising Contract for the Fall concert. If you wish to receive more detailed information, please do not hesitate to call 207-326-9365 or send an email.
We thank everyone for your strong and continued support. It is important to us, and we very much appreciate it!