The Spokane Symphony Chorale

The Spokane Symphony Chorale was established in 1955 as a volunteer organization and, since 1978, has been an official entity of the Spokane Symphony. As part of the Spokane Symphony, we have performed a wide range of musical works, such as Dvorak's Te Deum, Verdi's Requiem, Handel's Messiah, Britten's War Requiem, Mendelssohn's Lobgesang, Beethoven's Missa Solemnis, Mozart's C Minor Mass, the Damnation of Faust by Berlioz, and numerous operas such as Verdi's Rigoletto.

Led by Director Dr. Lori Wiest since 1998, the Chorale enjoys a dedicated volunteer base of more than 80 singers from the Spokane area; including many who commute from Coeur d'Alene, Davenport, Sandpoint, and Pullman to participate in the over 100 hours of volunteer rehearsal and performance time required for each concert season. The professions of these volunteers are varied; music educators, church choir directors, opera and theater performers, doctors, nurses, realtors, salesmen, homemakers, and many others who come together to share a love of singing.

Why do we sing?

It is productive to think of choral singing as a team sport. We do it for our pleasure and for that of our audiences, but we go for the winning edge, to be part of something bigger than we can be on our own as individuals. Fortunately when we “win” everyone else does, too! But as in team sports chorale singing requires focus, rigor, commitment to the rest of the team, and enough respect for the effort to give our very best, and to participate responsibly as a member fully aware that upon one's own contribution the success of everyone else's also depends.

The broad appeal of choral singing is based in the unsurpassed opportunity it gives each singer to participate in an activity that involves them artistically, builds community, enhances their skills, and results in a product of great beauty. In working toward a beautiful choral sound, people contribute to an artistic product greater than themselves and forge friendships that change the course of their lives. The synergy of this musical mission infuses choral organizations and their singers with energy and purpose that result in extraordinary contributions to their communities - through stellar performances and recordings of great works, the creation of new repertoire, innovative educational programs, and cooperative partnerships with other community organizations.

Singing gives access to self, voice to the spirit, and unity in the community. The Spokane Symphony Chorale gives each member access to the benefits of singing. On the forefront of choral music in Pacific Northwest , the Spokane Symphony Chorale represents the best in choral music performance, serves as a proactive resource for choral music education, advocates for the choral arts, and is a catalyst for encouraging all citizens to bring song into their lives.

Ultimately, what the Spokane Symphony Chorale is about is the spirit of the music and the people, and the power of the human voice to excite, entertain, and express the range of human experience. Most of us have always wanted to sing, always wanted our children to sing, and always suspected that singing is an integral part of being human. Through singing, we hope to provide our audiences with musical experiences that will touch the spirit and provide joy.

Here are some key reasons to enjoy membership in the Spokane Symphony Chorale our members have given: "Artistically uplifting and inspiring experience"..."High quality ensemble"..."Performances are a great and special pleasure"..."Such emphasis on intonation, blend, feeling the music is a unique experience"..."Singing is an intimate means of expression"..."Ienjoy the quality the director expects from us"..."It's a precious privilege"..."An enormously valuable experience"..."Great educational experience musically"..."This choir seemed to be beyond reach but I am so glad I auditioned"..."We enjoy quality of the music, and doing works we would not otherwise get to sing"..."Its a chance to sing some of the most sublime and significant music ever written"..."This is ivery mportant for balancing my daily life"..."Can't do without the chorale".

Each year there are opportunities to consider joining with the Chorale and becoming a part of this great ensemble. For information, please call the Chorale secretary.

For information about Chorale membership, please call:
Harold Young, 509.465-9323.