After a two-year hiatus from gathering ‘in person,’ Quoddy Voices members are proud and excited to present their Spring 2022 Concerts, ‘Coming Back’, on Friday, May 27 at 7 pm, and Sunday, May 29, at 3 pm, at Eastport Arts Center.
The chorus has maintained their community spirit and connectedness throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, with thanks to Director John Newell’s ‘can-do’ attitude and willingness to explore and offer alternate programs, such as extensive virtual chorus projects, Zoom rehearsals and vocal workshops, and the first half of the current session, which familiarized members with the current musical program through online sessions. The singers gathered for their first post-pandemic rehearsal with Newell and accompanist Jane Lanctot on April 25, wearing special singers’ masks and thrilled to raise their voices together. ‘In person’ rehearsals are going well, and Newell reports that the vocalists’ masks aren’t impeding their clear voices.
The program is diverse, with pieces as varied as pop hit “Shiny Happy People”, the spiritual “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning”, and “Lux Aeterna”, composed in 2020 by Newell in memory of Joyce Weber. In addition to the full chorus, the concert will feature soloist Manuela Brice, the trio Jenny and the Barbs, and a chamber ensemble under the direction of Bill Johnson.
Concert admission is $15; attendees 17 and under will be admitted free of charge. Tickets are available at the door, or via the concert event pages on this site.
Quoddy Voices is a constituent group of Eastport Arts Center, a handicapped-accessible venue at 36 Washington Street, Eastport and eastportartscenter.org. EAC abides by State of Maine CDC COVID guidelines. Additionally, at this time, patrons are required to wear masks when in the EAC building. 

TOGETHER AGAIN!—Quoddy Voices singers, accompanist Jane Lanctot and Director John Newell are shown at their May 2 rehearsal at EAC. After remaining active via various online means since spring 2020, the group was thrilled to resume ‘in person’ rehearsals on April 25, in preparation for concerts coming up May 27 and 29. Photos by Newell and Rosalie Woodward.