t is such a joy to begin the next 20 years with the Maine Music Society and the Androscoggin Chorale. After celebrating our 20th anniversary, the Maine Music Society is growing almost by leaps and bounds. The Chorale is stronger than ever, with more than 80 singers, who come from far and near: Bethel, Waterville, China, Harpswell, Brunswick, South Portland, Sebago, Lovell – as well as Lewiston-Auburn. This dedicated group of singers gathers each week to pursue the music they love. This season they’ll perform for you in concerts ranging from A Heritage Christmas in December to our spring concert, which focuses on popular music of all kinds. It is this love of singing which the members share with each other.

Our Season begins in November with the spectacular voices of five a cappella groups: Mainely Harmony, Renaissance Voices, the Mount Blue Singers, Take Note and Talk to the Hand. Each group will bring their special focus of music to the concert. In December, the Chorale will be joined by the Lewiston High School Chamber Choir, under the direction of Darren Avery, where each choir will perform familiar and new carols of the season and the choirs will combine to conclude the concert with a performance of the stunning Hodie! by Z. Randall Stroope. In April, the Androscoggin Chorale will be joined by the Maine Music Society Chamber Orchestra to perform most of Messiah by George Frederic Handel. It has been several years since the Chorale has performed this magnicent work. We will perform everyone’s favorites from Messiah and we will include many of my favorites from Parts II and III. And to finish the season, the Chorale will celebrate spring with a concert of music based on our love of gardens. Music of all kinds will help showcase the season in song, from classics like Now is the Month of Maying by Thomas Morley to Make our Garden Grow from Candide by Leonard Bernstein. You won’t want to miss a single note.

Come continue the celebration with us.