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’ 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]
Quoddy Voices to Be Featured in International Solstice Singathon
Quoddy Voices, who completed their first virtual season last month, will join seven London-based community choirs to celebrate Winter Solstice on Monday, December 21, as part of the Choirfest Singathon. The two-hour showcase begins at 1:30 pm EST; this Facebook Live event can be accessed at: https://www.facebook.com/events/575221130028419/. “Our contribution to this event … [Read More]
Quoddy Voices Present Season Finale: Beloved Mozart Motet
Quoddy Voices presents their final virtual choir project for the 2020 season this week: “Ave Verum Corpus”, a short motet by W. A. Mozart. “It is one of the all-time great short works for chorus and a favorite of choral singers everywhere,” says John Newell, the choir’s director, plus … [Read More]
Quoddy Voices’ New Release: “Turn! Turn! Turn!”
Quoddy Voices, who have been in ‘virtual’ session since September, release their second collaborative video this week. As with their previous release, the singers learned their parts with director John Newell via Zoom, then submitted recordings for his assembly and editing. Newell credits the choice of “Turn! Turn! Turn!” … [Read More]
Quoddy Voices Present First ‘Virtual’ Choral Work
Quoddy Voices, who resumed their work together in September for a ‘virtual’ season, present their first choral video this week. The community choir’s director, John Newell, guided the singers through each step of the new musical process, which centered around Monday evening rehearsals via Zoom. To aid singers in … [Read More]
Quoddy Voices to Resume for Fall Virtual Season
“Those who wish to sing, always find a song!” As in these words of the song recorded by Quoddy Voices’ Manuela Brice, Jenny Gillies, Barb Smith and John Newell as part of an international virtual choir project, Quoddy Voices has found their song for this fall. The community chorus … [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.