Sheepscot Chorus sings Bernstein’s “Chichester Psalms” on April 11 and 12 in Damariscotta

Sheepscot Chorus invites you to their annual spring concert, “Many Voices, One Dream,” on April 11 and 12, both at 3:00 PM at Damariscotta Baptist Church. On the program will be Leonard Bernstein’s “Chichester Psalms,” as well as other works by American composers representing varied cultures and backgrounds.

“Choral music reminds us that many distinct voices can harmonize, creating a shared vision,” says director Linda Blanchard. “As we celebrate our nation’s 250th year, this program is an invitation to find the common chords that bind us and to sing for the world we hope to build together.” Ten-year-old soloist Mae McDermott, harpist Melody Lindsay, percussionist Quinn Gormley, and organist Sean Fleming will join the chorus for this exciting event. As a special treat, the winners of this year’s Sheepscot Chorus Student Music Awards will perform, including Rose Campbell from Boothbay Region High School.

In early December 1963, Leonard Bernstein received a letter from the Dean of the Cathedral of Chichester in England, requesting a piece for the Cathedral’s 1965 music festival. The Dean wrote, “Many of us would be very delighted if there was a hint of “West Side Story” about the music.” Bernstein composed his “Chichester Psalms” in Hebrew, selecting psalms expressing a plea for peace. Written for chorus and treble soloist, the work uses music that was written for the prologue of “West Side Story” but was dropped early on. Critic Howard Klein wrote that “Chichester Psalms” was “at once a lovely, enchanting work and a noisy, exciting one.”

The “Many Voices, One Dream” event will include a stirring arrangement of “America the Beautiful,” “Wanting Memories” by long-time Sweet Honey in the Rock member Ysaye Barnwell, and an arrangement of the Georgia Sea Islands spiritual “Yonder Come Day.” The program closes with a rousing arrangement of the multiple award-winning song by Carly Simon “Let the River Run,” a joyful clarion call for hope and transformation.

Go to https://sheepscotvalleychorus.org/tickets to buy tickets. Tickets are $20 (free for children and students) and are also available at Sherman’s Book Store in Damariscotta and at the door. For more information, please email document.getElementById(“eeb-5300-181307”).innerHTML = eval(decodeURIComponent(“%27%69%6e%66%6f%40%73%68%65%65%70%73%63%6f%74%76%61%6c%6c%65%79%63%68%6f%72%75%73%2e%6f%72%67%27”))*protected email*, or visit facebook.com/sheepscotchorus and sheepscotvalleychorus.org.