Quoddy Voices, a community chorus formed in 2014, will present a themed concert titled, “Night and Day,” on Friday, May 20 at 7 pm, and Sunday, May 22 at 3 pm, at the Eastport Arts Center. Under the direction of John Newell, the group will perform a diverse program which spans from the darkest hours of night (and of the soul) to the most buoyant, bright experiences of daylight.
Works include two selections by Antonin Dvorak from his choral suite “Songs of Nature,” which will be performed in translation from their original Czech; a charming aria by J. S. Bach and a poignant nighttime lament by J. Brahms will be performed in German. Twentieth century “night pieces” by Morton Lauridsen and John Rutter which range from spiritual assuredness to sonic despair will be followed by Newell’s own composition, “Wake Up Children.” One of the chorus’ favorite works is “Spring Light,” a setting of Emily Dickinson’s poem of the same name, by William Hawley, who will be attending the Sunday afternoon concert. Naturally the ensemble will perform Cole Porter’s “Night and Day,” as well as Broadway classics “I Got the Sun in the Morning” and “On a Clear Day.” A triumphant rendering of F. J. Haydn’s “The Heavens are Telling,” will feature a string ensemble consisting of Alice St. Clair, Anna Hepler, George McBride and Chuck Anthony.

Soloists featured in various works will be Manuela Brice, Allan Gore, Bill Johnson, Lauren Koss and Jenie Smith. Robb Cook is the group’s expert accompanist.

The program will also include an on-theme tune from the Breakwater Buoys, a barbershop group, and one from a newly formed ladies’ quartet. The two groups will collaborate on an a cappella arrangement of John David’s “You Are the New Day.” Participants include Allan Gore, Bill Johnson, Pam Koenig, Steve Koenig, Lauren Koss, Bill Mullins, Melissa Newcomb, Heron Weston and Lindy Weston.

Quoddy Voices is a constituent group of the Eastport Arts Center. Its dedicated members hail from all over our region: devoted commuters travel from as far as Cutler, Jonesport and Campobello each week to rehearse. Bass Bill Mullins quips that his 1,500-mile commute should afford him a special award. (Mullins lives in Nashville, TN during the winter, but practices his choral music from afar in order to join in with the group upon his April return to Eastport for the gentle weather).

Suggested donation for the concert is $10; students under the age of 18 will be admitted free. For more information about the concert or Quoddy Voices contact Newell at (207) 853-4010 or by email at jnewell384@gmail.com. Planning has begun for the Fall 2016 season, and new singers of all experience levels are welcome to join the group at our first rehearsal, Monday, September 19, at 7 pm.