Coastal Voices offer concert choices
Coastal Voices, the community choir of the Central Oregon Coast, will conclude its current season of music with a series of concerts titled “Spring Homage.”
Kicking off at the Newport Performing Arts Center this Saturday, May 4, the concerts will continue on Sunday, May 5, at the Yachats Community Presbyterian Church; Saturday, May 11, at the Chapel By The Sea in Lincoln City; and Sunday, May 12, at the Lincoln City Cultural Center.
The concert series marks 25 years of performances by the 50-member choir, formerly known as the Central Coast Chorale.
Artistic Director Rhodd Caldwell has chosen favorite pieces from the large library of choral music amassed by Dr. Mary Lee Scoville during her tenure as director of Central Coast Chorale from 1998 to 2020.
“Mary Lee Scoville laid the foundation upon which we are building [Coastal Voices] into a sustainable and inclusive organization that celebrates, promotes and develops the choral arts,” Caldwell said.
The concert program glorifies many aspects of spring. Part 1: Sacred Treasures, includes an American spiritual and a Swahili version of the Lord’s Prayer, along with other liturgical works. In Part 2: Natural Wonders, the choir will perform a varied mix of secular music, such as “Turn the World Around” by Harry Belafonte and “Skyfall” by Adele. SoundWaves, the small ensemble drawn from the choir, will perform three pieces, including “Let the River Run” by Carly Simon.
“We want our listeners to celebrate with us the hope and renewal of another spring season,” Caldwell said.
Continuing the tradition begun at their first post-pandemic concert in July 2022, Caldwell and the choir will lead the audience in a short sing-along following the intermission.
“I want to make Lincoln County the county that sings,” Caldwell said.
Baskets filled with items related to specific selections on the program will be raffled off during the event.
The Saturday concert at the Newport Performing Arts Center will include a brief ceremony honoring Dr. Scoville for her great contributions to the musical arts on the Central Oregon Coast. As a choir director, community college teacher, private music instructor and church organist, Scoville has brought music into the lives of countless coastal residents of all ages.
All concerts begin at 4 pm. Tickets are $25 for the performance at the Newport Performing Arts Center and $20 for all other concerts. Kids aged 17 and younger get in free.
For more information and tickets, go to coastal-voices.org or call 541-283-6295.