Quoddy Voices
Photo by Robin Farrin of Coastal Maine Photography
Music Director
Photo by Robin Farrin of Coastal Maine Photography
John Newell, our founding director, was born in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is a graduate of Duke University and earned his M.F.A. from California Institute of the Arts. John completed his formal musical training at the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he studied with Morton Feldman. While in Buffalo he held the first Edgard Varese Fellowship in composition, earning his Ph.D. in 1979. John has broad experience as a choral conductor in leading school and community groups. He has composed a wide variety of works for chorus, chamber ensembles and orchestra; and has received commissions from a number of professional and amateur organizations. Also an accomplished pianist, John has performed throughout the Northeast as soloist and chamber musician. He teaches privately and is on the faculty of SummerKeys, an adult music program in Lubec.
Accompanist
Our wonderful accompanist is Jane Lanctot, a resident of Lubec. She has a varied musical performance background, including studying and teaching classical Cambodian music all over the United States. She was the executive producer for two CDs of Cambodian music, one of which won the Best World Music CD of 2003. In the past few years she has focused on modern piano. She holds degrees in electrical engineering and mathematics, and is currently working on the design and testing of implantable medical devices.
Concert Programs
Click here to view our offerings on past programs.
Quoddy Voices’ Return Concerts a Triumph
Quoddy Voices singers returned this spring to the EAC stage, after beginning their season via Zoom sessions, as had been their mode since spring 2020. The choir’s ‘Coming Back’ concerts, held May 27 and 29, were a delight for audience members, with many musical flavors and moods in a … [Read More]
Timely Themes, Musical ‘in Memoriam’ Grace Choral Group’s Return Program
Quoddy Voices will 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. “I might describe the themes of the program as ‘joy, hope, peace… and going forward together,’” noted Director John Newell, who … [Read More]
Quoddy Voices Spring Concerts Planned for May 27 and 29
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 … [Read More]
New EAC Podcast Spotlights Quoddy Voices, Listen Now!
This month’s episode of Moose Island Mischief, the Eastport Arts Center podcast, features EAC constituent group Quoddy Voices. Host Mark Macey interviews the choir’s leader, John Newell, as well as long-time choir member, Jennifer Gilles. Listeners will also be treated to a selection of the choir’s recordings, and the … [Read More]
Quoddy Voices to Resume
Quoddy Voices, the community chorus of Eastport Arts Center, has announced a new virtual season, beginning at 7 pm on Monday, February 21. The group will begin with weekly Zoom meetings for learning and practice, and all are welcome. “We will explore some of the group’s favorite choral pieces, … [Read More]
Quoddy Voices’ Latest—’Sing Gently’—Illustrated by EAC Video
The finale project of Quoddy Voices Spring 2021 Virtual Choir season is here—”Sing Gently.” Recorded by Quoddy Voices members participating from their homes in the Zoom-based season and edited together by director John Newell, the choir’s rendition of Eric Whitacre’s song has been illustrated by EAC Video’s Lauren Koss, … [Read More]
Chorus Made Virtual Strides, Looks Forward to ‘In Person’ Fall
Quoddy Voices Director John Newell reports that the group had a productive spring virtual season, in which they continued to build on what was learned the previous fall. A highlight all for all was guest artist, Mary Sullivan, a singer and voice teacher, who led the choir’s online rehearsals … [Read More]
Quoddy Voices’ Latest: ‘Rushing River’ Released for May Day!
With many voices raised—via digital means—in a rousing Spring-coming chorus, Quoddy Voices’ latest, director John Newell’s composition “Rushing River,” has been released for all to enjoy. Newell, who is leading the chorus in their second virtual session, was inspired by the Dennys River near his home. “It’s different every … [Read More]
Quoddy Voices Director Chats with EAC Video About Virtual Choir Project
EAC Video was happy to catch up with Quoddy Voices’ director, John Newell, in a discussion about the hows and whys of virtual choirs, and the particulars of his own work with the community chorus, both during the initial virtual season last fall, and as planned for the upcoming … [Read More]
Quoddy Voices Announce Plans for Spring Season
Quoddy Voices community chorus begins its Spring virtual season on Monday, March 8, with weekly get togethers and rehearsals via the Zoom platform. Special guest instructor for several sessions will be soprano Mary Sullivan, who will work with the group on vocal care and technique. Ms. Sullivan has appeared as a … [Read More]
The work of Eastport Arts Center is funded in part by a grant from the Maine Arts Commission, an independent state agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.