Press Release:
The Maine Music Society
Feb. 19 2023
Connie Hitchcock, Marketing co-chair
Remembrance & Hope Concert Dedicated to Victims of COVID-19
The Maine Music Society Chorale will present Remembrance and Hope at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, and at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 12, at the Riverfront-Franco Center in Lewiston.
This concert, dedicated to the memory of the victims of COVID-19,
will feature two major works accompanied by a chamber ensemble. In the first half, the Chorale will perform one of the most beloved choral works of the 19th Century, Requiem by Gabriel Fauré. This seven-movement setting of the traditional Latin text will be performed in remembrance of the victims of Covid-19.
The second half will feature the Sunrise Mass by Norwegian composer, Ola Gjeilo. This stunningly beautiful four-movement work will be performed in celebration of recovery and hope for the days ahead.
The Maine Music Society Chorale, under the direction of their new Artistic Director, Richard Nickerson, has been rehearsing for weeks and is ready to make this an incredibly moving performance that will be remembered for years to come!
Masks are optional.
Tickets are available online at www.mainemusicsociety.org or by calling our business office at 207-333-3386.
MMS encourages you to purchase your tickets ahead of time.
The Maine Music Society thanks our season sponsors Hardy, Wolf & Downing and the Ladd Foundation, the Event Sponsor Platz Associates, and the Event Co-Sponsors Androscoggin Bank and Paris Farmers Union for making this concert possible.
The Maine Music Society Chorale is an auditioned, mixed-voice community chorus based in Lewiston-Auburn. Led by Maine Music Society Artistic Director Dr. Richard Nickerson, the 70-plus voice chorale has distinguished itself with an ever-evolving level of excellence and professionalism. Founded as the Androscoggin Chorale in 1973, the group’s diverse repertoire reflects its desire to advance the cultural heritage of Central Maine, to explore a broad range of musical genres — contemporary, musical theatre, classical, opera, oratorio — and to provide its members with opportunities to experience their love of singing.
Press Release:
The Maine Music Society
Nov. 13, 2022
Connie Hitchcock, Marketing co-chair
More than 60 singers to present Holiday joy!
The Maine Music Society Chorale, directed by Dr. Richard Nickerson and accompanied by pianist Bridget Convey and a brass quintet, will present its holiday concert, A Season of Celebration, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 10, and at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 11, at the Franco Center in Lewiston.
In his second season as Artistic Director, Dr. Richard Nickerson will usher in the holiday season with this family friendly concert celebrating time-held traditions and creating new ones. This program will include many familiar works and feature Daniel Pinkham’s ebullient Sinfonia Sacra (Christmas Cantata) accompanied by brass. The concert will also see the return of the annual audience favorite sing-along, so come join us as we feed our souls and lighten our hearts with joyous music.
This concert promises to bring out the memories, spirit, celebration, and magic of the holiday season. The 62 volunteer singers from within and around the LA community have been enthusiastically rehearsing for weeks and are ready to make this a performance to remember!
Masks are optional.
The Maine Music Society thanks our season sponsors Hardy, Wolf & Downing and the Ladd Foundation, the Event Sponsor Sun Journal, and the Event Co-Sponsors Rowe Auburn and Liberty Mutual for making this concert possible.
Press Release:
The Maine Music Society
Oct 10, 2022
Connie Hitchcock, Marketing co-chair
Battle of the Blends Returns for its XXVII Season!
After a two-year absence, the Maine Music Society is happy to announce that it will once again host this ever-popular a cappella experience on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at 7:30 pm at the Franco Center, 46 Cedar Street, Lewiston.
With MMS’s own Artistic Director, Dr. Richard Nickerson, as emcee, this always sold-out event will feature six spectacular groups raising their voices in exuberant renditions of jazz, barbershop, rock’n’roll, spiritual and Renaissance vocal music. The six groups featured are Northern Pitch, Fermata NoWhere, The Afternotes, The Crosstones, the Nor’Easters, and the Maine Music Society Chamber Singers.
Northern Pitch is a five-voice group of lifelong musicians based in Portland. Their music is eclectic, including pop favorites, Pentatonix covers, blues and jazz. Always a local favorite, Fermata NoWhere is an auditioned group of Edward Little High School students in grades 9 – 12 under the direction of Sarah Brooks. The Afternotes, a women’s multi-generation group of UNH alumni from coastal New Hampshire and Southern Maine, enjoy performing a variety of genres including songs by Fleetwood Mac. Celebrating 56 years of being a Harmony Chapter in the Bath/Brunswick area, the Nor’Easters Barbershop Chorus will provide a change of pace with tunes like “King of the Road” and “When I’m 64”.
Founded in 1996, The Crosstones, Bates College’s long-standing co-ed a cappella group is known for its down-to-earth nature, humor and energy. They perform songs from all genres ranging from Motown to pop rock.
The Maine Music Society Chamber Singers, a division of the MMS Chorale, has performed at various public events and as part of several local concert series. The repertoire includes early motets, folk songs, modern art and pop songs. You definitely want to come to hear their unique rendition of the “William Tell Overture”!
What a line-up! Make plans to attend this enthusiastic roof-raising celebration of music and purchase your tickets early. You don’t want to miss this incredible concert.
Tickets are available now and reserved seating is back this year. This concert is a major fundraiser for MMS so your support is greatly appreciated!
Visit www.mainemusicsociety.org or call our business office at 207-333-3386.
The Maine Music Society thanks our Season Sponsors Hardy, Wolf & Downing and the Ladd Foundation, the Event Sponsor Maple Way Dental Care and Co-Sponsors Cornerstone Wealth Planning and Schooner Estates for making this concert possible.
Press Release:
The Maine Music Society
Sept 13, 2022
Connie Hitchcock, Marketing co-chair
The Maine Music Society is pleased to announce its 2022-2023
The Maine Music Society is pleased to announce its 2022-2023 season entitled, A Journey of Remembrance and Hope. Dr. Richard Nickerson will lead the chorale in his second season as Artistic Director as they perform three concerts at the Franco Center in Lewiston as well as host the popular Battle of the Blends which kicks off the season on Saturday, November 5 at 7:30 pm. After a two-year absence MMS will once again host this popular a cappella experience which will showcase Northern Pitch to the barbershop renditions of the Nor’easters, from the Crosstones (Bates College) and Fermata NoWhere (Edward Little High School) to our own Maine Music Society Chamber Singers.
On Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, December 11, 2022 at 3:00 pm, the MMS Chorale will usher in the holiday season with A Season of Celebration, a family friendly concert that celebrates both time-held traditions as well as new musical experiences for our audiences. This program will feature Daniel Pinkham’s Sinfonia Sacra (Christmas Cantata) accompanied by brass. The concert will also see the return of the annual sing-a-long and other holiday favorites.
The March concert, Remembrance and Hope, will feature two major works accompanied by chamber orchestra. First on the program is one of the most beloved choral works of the 19th century, Requiem by Gabriel Fauré. This performance will be dedicated to the memory of the victims of Covid-19. The chorale will also perform the Sunrise Mass of Norwegian composer, Ola Gjeilo. Performances are on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, March 12, 2023 at 3:00 pm.
The final concert of the season will be Broadway Meets Hollywood with performances on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 7:30 pm and Sunday afternoon, May 14, 2023 at 3:00 pm. This concert will include decades of musical theater favorites that have found their way to the silver screen.
MMS thanks our Season Sponsors Hardy, Wolf & Downing and The Ladd Foundation; Event Sponsors Maple Way Dental Care, Platz Associates, Norway Savings Bank, and Sun Journal; Event Co-Sponsors Androscoggin Bank, Andrucki & King, Austin Associates, Cornerstone Wealth Planning, Liberty Mutual, Paris Farmers Union, Rowe Auburn, and Schooner Estates; Ticket Sponsor Central Distributors; Youth Ticket Sponsor Mechanics Savings Bank/Community Bank; and Website Sponsor Deb Rankin.
Tickets to all concerts can be purchased online at www.mainemusicsociety.org or by calling SmART Management [ticket agent] at 207-333-3386. New season subscriptions go on sale September 16 and tickets to individual performances start September 26.
Press Release:
The Maine Music Society
July 20, 2022
Connie Hitchcock, Marketing co-chair
For immediate release
Maine Music Society elects 2022-2024 Officers
The Maine Music Society is pleased to welcome Randi Cornelio and Linda Nickerson to its Board of Directors. Each brings a unique knowledge and diverse experiences to help the Board meet its goals.
Lewiston – The Maine Music Society Board of Directors is pleased to announce its new officers who will lead the non-profit organization through its 32nd and 33rd seasons. Re-elected for another 2-year term at its June meeting were Chair Richard O’Brien, Treasurer Gil LaPointe and Secretary Susan Trask. Board member Sheryl Whitmore was elected Vice Chair, replacing retiring David Blocher.
Chair Richard O’Brien is a local attorney, who has practiced with the firm of Linnell, Choate & Webber for the past 40 years. Over the years, Rick has served in various capacities for a number of municipal and non-governmental organizations. He joined the MMS Board in 2017. Artistically, Rick has been singing in the tenor section of the MMS Chorale for the past seven years as well as in the Society’s Chamber Singers. He also sings in his church choir, has been a member of the cast for the fall musical with The Theater at Monmouth for many years, and is a devoted bluegrass mandolinist.
Rick has lived for many years in Winthrop with his wife Ellen, with whom he celebrates 45 years of marriage this summer. His children are grown, and have careers that vary from woodworking craftsman, to attorney, to craft brewer.
Vice Chair Sheryl Whitmore is a retired librarian who served as the library director for Lisbon for seven years and as reference librarian for the Lewiston Public Library for twelve years. She has also worked as a substitute teacher, a manufacturing assistant at Thos Moser, and is a former organist/choir director for the Minot Methodist Church.
Currently she is an active member of both the MMS chorale and the MMS Chamber Singers, an Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice volunteer visitor and hospice choir member, and belongs to the Women Giving Back organization.
Her hobbies include singing, creating beautiful art quilts, kayaking, hiking, biking, and reading.
Now residing in Auburn, Sheryl was born in Blue Hill and has been a Mainer all her life. She and her husband, Jonathan, have two sons and five grandchildren.
Treasurer Gilbert J. LaPointe is a native of Lewiston, graduating from St. Dominic High School in 1968. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts/Lowell in 1972 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force in June 1972 where his specialty was Communications and Computer Systems. He has both an MS in Systems Management and an MBA from the Air Force Institute of Technology. Shortly after his retirement as Lieutenant Colonel in January 1995, Gil converted a life-long woodworking hobby into a woodworking business from 1996 – 2002. He has also been active in the community, serving as Chairman of the Basilica Restoration Committee from 2002-2007 and as business manager for the various Catholic churches in Lewiston, retiring from that in 2014. Having attended MMS concerts since his Air Force retirement, Gil did not hesitate to accept the invitation to join the MMS Board in 2015 and has been its treasurer since 2016. He lives with his wife Connie in Auburn.
Secretary Susan Trask has been singing alto with the Maine Music Society Chorale since its inception. She is also a member of the Chamber Singers and is President of the Chorale. In addition, she is noted for writing the music notes that are shared with audiences as part of our spring pop concerts.
Susan lives in Auburn with her husband Woody who also sings with the Chorale. She is retired from a career as a teacher and literary coach in the Auburn schools. In her retirement, she volunteered with Androscoggin Home Health Care and Hospice, serving in patient support in homes and at Hospice House. She co-founded and directed Androscoggin Harmony, the hospice choir, from which she recently retired.
When she is not involved with her various singing activities, she loves sewing, reading, word puzzles, sailing and kayaking.
The Maine Music Society [MMS] is a music-performing non-profit located in central Maine organized to support the artistic and educational activities of the auditioned, volunteer singers of the MMS Chorale and the MMS Chamber Singers. MMS offers quality performances to the public through excellent imaginative programming under the directorship of Dr. Richard Nickerson.
For more information please visit www.mainemusicsociety.org, call 207-333-3386 or like us on Facebook.
Press Release:
The Maine Music Society
July 20, 2022
Connie Hitchcock, Marketing co-chair
For immediate release
David Blocher Honored by MMS for 16 years of Service
The Maine Music Society is pleased to welcome Randi Cornelio and Linda Nickerson to its Board of Directors. Each brings a unique knowledge and diverse experiences to help the Board meet its goals.
At their June 21st meeting, the Maine Music Society Board of Directors presented outgoing Board Member and past Chair David Blocher with a Certificate of Appreciation and personal gift for his distinctive contributions to the organization from 2006 to 2022.
He served as Vice President from 2008 to 2009 and as President from 2009 to 2014. He set up and managed social media accounts, acted as a liaison to Arts and Culture LA, and worked diligently on the Marketing and Fundraising committees. He has been a committed financial supporter and has researched creative ways to grow the endowment. He has enthusiastically and eloquently communicated and supported the activities and importance of the Maine Music Society at Chamber of Commerce events and to the general public throughout his tenure as both a singer and a board member.
David Blocher is a baritone who has been singing with the Maine Music Society Chorale for the past thirty years.
David is retired from careers in software development and information technology management. He lives in Brunswick with his wife, artist Helen Warren. David’s hobbies include opera, wildlife and figuring out how things work. He is a volunteer at Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice where he sings in the Androscoggin Harmony hospice choir and visits hospice patients in their homes.
The Maine Music Society [MMS] is a music-performing non-profit located in central Maine organized to support the artistic and educational activities of the auditioned, volunteer singers of the MMS Chorale and the MMS Chamber Singers. MMS offers quality performances to the public through excellent imaginative programming under the directorship of Dr. Richard Nickerson.
For more information please visit www.mainemusicsociety.org, call 207-333-3386 or like us on Facebook.
Press Release:
The Maine Music Society
March 3, 2022
Contacts: Randi Cornelio, Board Member, randic78@gmail.com ,Linda Nickerson, Board Member, lindanickerson22@gmail.com
For immediate release
Cornelio and Nickerson Join Maine Music Society Board
The Maine Music Society is pleased to welcome Randi Cornelio and Linda Nickerson to its Board of Directors. Each brings a unique knowledge and diverse experiences to help the Board meet its goals.
Randi Cornelio is a corporate accountant with Continuum Health Services following her employment in computer operations at C.H. Bass & Co. Her extensive volunteer history includes serving meals to children at Lewiston’s Root Cellar, mission trips to Nigeria, Romania and Ecuador all to interact with and to help provide facilities for orphaned girls and street children. She was also a Board member for The Foundation of Hope & Grace that was started to help vulnerable children and whose mission evolved to focus on child human trafficking victims both here and abroad. She is the current treasurer of Christian Community Church of Turner and works with Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child.
Her background in all matters financial and in technical and creative computer programs makes her a valuable asset to Maine Music Society’s all-volunteer Board. Randi commented that she wants “to help raise awareness of MMS’ existence and wants others to know that music is still alive in our community whether they are looking for something to participate in or come listen to.” Randi resides in Turner.
Linda Nickerson is a senior administrative/executive assistant at Unum and previously worked for many years at Nalco Water an Ecolab Company as business support manager and district and regional administrative sales support. She is a graduate of the University of Maine with a degree in education.
Linda was a long-time member of the North Windham Union Church, UCC where she served on many boards and committees that included the Music with a Mission concert series. She was publicity manager and webmaster for both the concert series and the church for several years and enjoyed her work as chair of Christian Education, teaching Sunday School and leading junior and senior high youth groups.
She was a member of the church’s senior choir and sang for eight years in the Portland Symphony’s Magic of Christmas Chorus serving for her last two years as section leader. Her love of music combined with the professional and personal skills honed through many years of church and community volunteerism will assist in meeting the goals and mission for MMS. She looks forward to being involved in the board’s marketing committee to enhance and highlight MMS’s presence in the greater Lewiston-Auburn community. Linda states, “I want to share my skills to help keep MMS thriving and growing and to provide choral music opportunities to people of all ages who have a love of music.” Linda and her husband Rick reside in Windham.
The Maine Music Society is a nonprofit music-performing organization that serves the communities of Central Maine through imaginative and artistically excellent public performances. It supports the MMS Chorale, the MMS Chamber Singers and the MMS Orchestra. For more information and tickets to performances, visit Maine Music Society
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