Upcoming Concert Opportunities

The chorus has had many inquiries the past few years about why we haven't sung a classical piece in a while. Let me tell you, I love classical music. I love the challenge, and I love how it can take you to another world. Our biggest obstacle has been the competition for musicians.

In response to that issue, I have resurrected the old February timing of the Festival of the North. That way we will not be in direct competition with the traditional December/April timing of all the other musical performance groups. This will help alleviate competition for singers and orchestra members which is crucial.

With optimism, I went searching for something compelling for the choir to sing and found a great piece, appropriately about the sea. When I queried Jeff Karlson, Director of the Ketchikan Chamber Orchestra, he loved it too, but then added the sobering caveat that seating the necessary amount of strings to balance the horns would be nearly impossible, and the search continued.

Hours and hours of Googling and YouTubing finally came up with a jewel. I was so excited to find this compelling Magnificat by Kim André Arneson (previously unknown to me), which numerous videos proved could be performed with a small chamber orchestra.

My excitement grew when Katie Saunders said she loved it too. Katie lives down south but is the niece of one of our long-time singers. She is now looking forward to singing this "beautiful" piece and experiencing Ketchikan in the winter.

I had the opportunity to sing a couple opera duets with Katie when she visited several years ago, and it was wonderful. Having Katie return to Ketchikan and sing the challenging solos in this piece is a dream come true, and I know she will perform it masterfully.

I am optimistic that this musical opportunity will draw an exceptional group of singers and instrumentalists to the project. Ketchikan is an amazing little artistic haven, and I am excited to bring this piece to life, knowing it grows on fertile ground.

🎶 Lallette Kistler, Director