Sisters Chorale seeks singers for spring session

The Sisters Chorale, a local community performing choir, began its new season of rehearsals leading up to their annual spring concerts, scheduled for May 13-14.

The singers recently returned from a break after performing Christmas concerts before record crowds at Sisters Community Church.

More than 600 Sisters area residents attended the two concerts, with over 400 of those attending on Sunday afternoon. As reflected by the rapidly growing attendance figures, the twice-yearly Sisters concerts are becoming increasingly popular, as word gets out of this unique opportunity for music appreciation.

Led by Director Irene Liden, the choir is welcoming any new members who are ready to burst into song, and she hopes to encourage reluctant would-be singers to show up and give it a try.

"No auditions are required," Liden said, "and the chorale is open to singers of all ages."

Last term's choir consisted of a total of 58 singers, but only 17 were men. Tenors and basses are always in demand, so Liden is particularly hopeful that some new male singers will choose to sing with the chorale this session, but she emphasized that all singers are welcome.

Nearly half of the selections for the current term will be on a patriotic theme, and the other half will feature gospel and musical theater. One unique feature of this term's concerts will be some gender-specific performances, with the women singing a Broadway medley and a selection from Phantom of the Opera, while the men will sing "Shenandoah."

As a special treat, the World War I poem "In Flanders Fields" will be set to music in a unique arrangement by Sisters' own Lola Knox.

Rehearsals for the Sisters Chorale's new session are held Monday evenings from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 386 N. Fir St. New singers are invited to just show up or contact Irene Liden, 541-549-1037 or [email protected]