About Seaglass Chorale

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Founded in 1993 by Artistic Director Jean Strazdes, Seaglass Chorale is a non-auditioned adult choral group of 50-60 voices. Over the years, it has become a prominent voice in the community. The chorale represents approximately 20 southern Maine communities and regularly performs in venues across the region, including Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Wells, Sanford, Saco, and more.

Internationally acclaimed, Seaglass Chorale has traveled to Europe several times, performing in Ireland, Rome, Venice, Innsbruck, and Budapest. In September 2004, choristers proudly led the musical prelude at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC.

 

The chorale has also produced two CDs: Voices (2002) and Many Voices in Spirit (2003).

Seaglass Chorale's concert repertoire includes demanding works such as:

• Ola Gjeilo's Sunrise Mass

• Beethoven's Missa Solemnis

• Poulenc's Gloria

• Bernstein's Chichester Psalms

• Vivaldi's Gloria and Magnificat

• Haydn's Lord Nelson Mass

• Orff's Carmina Burana

• Pinkham's Christmas Cantata

• Mozart's Requiem and Coronation Mass

• Rutter's Gloria

• Bach's Magnificat

• Charpentier's Messe de Minuit

• Brahms' Requiem

 

The Requiem was performed in English locally, and in German, it was sung collaboratively with the Paul Madore Choir and the North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra at Salem State College in Massachusetts.

What makes Seaglass Chorale unique is not only the quality of its performances but also its deep connection to the community through benefit concerts. These have supported organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, St. Thomas School in Sanford, the Sanford/Springvale Food Pantry, York County Shelters, the Historical Society of Wells & Ogunquit, Noble High School, the Child Abuse Prevention Council, and many others.

 

The chorale is frequently called upon to celebrate a wide variety of community events, including the Nasson College Community Center dedication, Franciscan Monastery Anniversary, Laudholm Farms Building Inaugural, Holy Family Church (Sanford) Jubilee, and the Sanford Mainers baseball team playoffs.

 

In short, Seaglass Chorale stands out as a regional group that integrates deeply into the community, offering diverse performances and engaging with audiences through both music and service.