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Events //
Mount Desert Summer Chorale
Maine is home to the Mount Desert Summer Chorale, held in Bar Harbor at the beginning of August each year. For over 41 years, Mount Desert Island has hosted tourists, instrumentalists and soloists in an extravagant series of concerts that are appreciated by people of all ages. For just a nominal fee, these performances are just a part of the musical events that Desert Island communities are famous for hosting.
Dates: August 07, 2010 - August 08, 2010 update info
Time: 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Event Cost: varies
Venue: St. Saviour's Episcopal Church - Bar Harbor, ME
Contact: Dave Ward
Email:
Website: mountdesertsummerchorale.orghome.html
Event Details:
Since 1968, summer visitors and the people of Mount Desert Island have joined with professional soloists and instrumentalists to present choral masterworks in annual concerts. Whether you're a singer, a listener, or a contributor, we welcome you. We rehe
Desert Island in Maine inspires visions of stunning landscapes, scenic bridges and villages and tranquil coastal waters. However, for many, Desert Island is also a haven for the arts, culture and history of the state and country. In fact, Bar Harbor hosts one such event that draws in a fair crowd each August for music and singing. The Mount Desert Summer Chorale is a musical event that should not be missed.
The Mount Desert Summer Chorale began its masterful concerts in 1968. It has been entertaining contributors, listeners and singers for generations, even with its rehearsals at Bar Harbor’s St. Saviour’s Episcopal Church in the town’s scenic and historic downtown core.
John Harms, a choir director and organist from Northeast Harbor brought together professionals for a singing weekend on the island. Since his first successful concert, the Mount Desert Summer Chorale has become a popular and endearing island tradition. However, the wonder of the concerts were expanded by George Emlen in 1982, who envisioned orchestral concerts that could be combined with the vocal talents. Since then, the concerts have also been hosted at St. Mary’s Church in Bar Harbor.
The Mount Desert Summer Chorale became a non-profit group in 1999. Classical works and groups expanded to include the Al and Eva Meyer Scholars, varied soloists, the faculty of Brass Week, the Bangor Symphony Orchestra and Eden’s Children’s Chorus. However, all the participating groups come together to rehearse as one group, practicing weekly. Many chorale participants are locals or summer visitors, some of whom are highly professional singers. This is combined with both amateur and professional musicians for a whirlwind of musical food for the soul.
Musicians participating at the Mount Desert Summer Chorale bring along a wealth of varied instruments. These include organs, pipes, brass, winds, pianos and drums. In fact, the possibilities are endless.
Concerts start with special talks about the instruments and classical music to be played, allowing visitors to learn more about the music that they will listen to. The concerts begin at 8pm sharp and only ticket holders can gain entry.
Tickets for the Mount Desert Summer Chorale are varied in types. Special donation contributors get special seating arrangements. However, tickets are best bought in advance to reserve seats and are very reasonably priced. Tickets can be purchased from the Southwest Harbor Public Library, the Northeast Harbor Public Library, the office of St. Saviour's Church (Bar Harbor) and Sherman's Book Store in Bar Harbor. Tickets are sold at the church entrance before the concerts, but are limited due to the Chorale’s popularity. Both churches are wheelchair accessible and special assistance can be provided for those with special needs.
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