Choral Arts Ensemble of Portland
Encyclopedia
The 40-voice Choral Arts Ensemble of Portland is a volunteer choir founded in 1969 in Portland
, Oregon
. The choir is a registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization and a performing arts ensemble that performs both sacred and secular music.
, as their director. That fall, the Choraliers performed a Bach
cantata with full orchestral accompaniment.
Farrold Stephens took over as the Choraliers’ director in the fall of 1973. He continued to present the great works of classical music as well as lighter fare. Much of the programming was relatively adventurous for a newer ensemble, including twentieth-century works by Kodaly, Hindemith, Pinkham, Poulenc, and a tribute to Benjamin Britten
shortly after the composer’s death.
Current Music Director and Conductor Roger O. Doyle became the Choraliers’ conductor and musical director in 1978. The following year, at Doyle’s suggestion, the group changed its name to the Choral Arts Ensemble of Portland in an effort to emphasize the group's exploration of “the choral arts.”
The CAE presents three to five concert programs each season, and is recognized in Portland for Doyle's varied and thematic repertoire selections. Additionally, the group has presented choral masterworks of Brahms, Handel, Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, and others.
, also a member of the ensemble.
In November 2005, the CAE performed by invitation at the gala opening of the Lewis and Clark National Bicentennial Exhibition
Singers, Pioneer Brass, and musicians such as Richard Zeller and Thomas M. Lauderdale
of the Portland band Pink Martini
. In April, 2008 the CAE presented Beethoven's Missa Solemnis
and Choral Fantasia, featuring Lauderdale as the piano soloist.
Portland, Oregon
Portland is a city located in the Pacific Northwest, near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2010 Census, it had a population of 583,776, making it the 29th most populous city in the United States...
, Oregon
Oregon
Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is located on the Pacific coast, with Washington to the north, California to the south, Nevada on the southeast and Idaho to the east. The Columbia and Snake rivers delineate much of Oregon's northern and eastern...
. The choir is a registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization and a performing arts ensemble that performs both sacred and secular music.
History
The Choral Arts Ensemble of Portland was founded in 1969 in Portland Oregon, and was originally named the Civic Choraliers. The group hired Donald M. Tucker, a student in conducting from Portland State UniversityPortland State University
Portland State University is a public state urban university located in downtown Portland, Oregon, United States. Founded in 1946, it has the largest overall enrollment of any university in the state of Oregon, including undergraduate and graduate students. It is also the only public university in...
, as their director. That fall, the Choraliers performed a Bach
Bạch
Bạch is a Vietnamese surname. The name is transliterated as Bai in Chinese and Baek, in Korean.Bach is the anglicized variation of the surname Bạch.-Notable people with the surname Bạch:* Bạch Liêu...
cantata with full orchestral accompaniment.
Farrold Stephens took over as the Choraliers’ director in the fall of 1973. He continued to present the great works of classical music as well as lighter fare. Much of the programming was relatively adventurous for a newer ensemble, including twentieth-century works by Kodaly, Hindemith, Pinkham, Poulenc, and a tribute to Benjamin Britten
Benjamin Britten
Edward Benjamin Britten, Baron Britten, OM CH was an English composer, conductor, and pianist. He showed talent from an early age, and first came to public attention with the a cappella choral work A Boy Was Born in 1934. With the premiere of his opera Peter Grimes in 1945, he leapt to...
shortly after the composer’s death.
Current Music Director and Conductor Roger O. Doyle became the Choraliers’ conductor and musical director in 1978. The following year, at Doyle’s suggestion, the group changed its name to the Choral Arts Ensemble of Portland in an effort to emphasize the group's exploration of “the choral arts.”
The CAE presents three to five concert programs each season, and is recognized in Portland for Doyle's varied and thematic repertoire selections. Additionally, the group has presented choral masterworks of Brahms, Handel, Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, and others.
Mission
The CAE endeavors to educate its audience on the history and significance of the music and composers it features. The choir's concert program notes are written by Susan Wladaver-Morgan, Assistant Editor of the Pacific Historical ReviewPacific Historical Review
Pacific Historical Review is the official publication of the Pacific Coast Branch of the American Historical Association. It is a quarterly academic journal published by University of California Press. It was established in 1932 under founding editor John Carl Parish...
, also a member of the ensemble.
In November 2005, the CAE performed by invitation at the gala opening of the Lewis and Clark National Bicentennial Exhibition
Collaboration
In addition to presenting a four-concert season each year, the Choral Arts Ensemble frequently collaborates with other Portland ensembles including the Oregon Renaissance Band, the University of PortlandUniversity of Portland
The University of Portland is a private Roman Catholic university located in Portland, Oregon. It is affiliated with the Congregation of Holy Cross and is the sister school of the University of Notre Dame. Founded in 1901, UP has a student body of about 3,600 students...
Singers, Pioneer Brass, and musicians such as Richard Zeller and Thomas M. Lauderdale
Thomas M. Lauderdale
Thomas Mack Lauderdale is a musician, largely known for his work with the Portland-based band Pink Martini.-Early life:...
of the Portland band Pink Martini
Pink Martini
Pink Martini is a 13-member "little orchestra" from Portland, Oregon, formed in 1994 by pianist Thomas M. Lauderdale. They draw inspiration from music from all over the world – crossing genres of classical, jazz and old-fashioned pop.-History:...
. In April, 2008 the CAE presented Beethoven's Missa Solemnis
Missa Solemnis
Missa Solemnis is Latin for solemn mass, and is a name which has been applied to a number of musical settings of the mass, especially particularly serious or large-scale ones.The following are notable examples:...
and Choral Fantasia, featuring Lauderdale as the piano soloist.