Noteworthy News, September 11th

First and foremost -- I hope this weekly communication finds everyone safe and doing the best they can under these most unusual circumstances. I know of several Choir members who are dealing with evacuation disruptions as well as many offering support through sharing their homes and a place to park a trailer, pitch a tent, or space in a spare room. Thank you to our community.

Alissa has some words of wisdom (keep reading down the page) regarding some practical things you can do to protect the health of your voice in a smoky environment.

I have suggestions from a long time friend who is a heating and cooling engineer for your household system: "While we are doing our best to stay inside, if possible, select the option on your furnace thermostat to switch the fan to 'always on' and keep your windows closed. Run the air conditioner, if possible. Use a furnace filter with a MERV rating of 13 or higher. Some filters include activated charcoal which will help with the scent of smoke. When this has passed (hopefully as early as next week) change the filter." And lastly, "if the smell becomes particularly objectionable, bake some bread."

Now for the "normal items:"  The first event of our 75th season is next Monday, September 14. Mozart's fabulous Requiem will be featured with guest conductor Sharon Paul (click HERE for a link to her bio). One of the advantages of our virtual season is the ability to include folks who may not be in the general Portland area. We are planning on streaming the event via YouTube so non-choir folks can have an easy method to connect and enjoy the music as well as whatever pearls Dr. Paul will be sharing. Choir members and alumni can connect via a Zoom link. 

In commemoration of our 75th season, an "open house" will be hosted (via the same Zoom session mentioned above) at 6:30 on Monday featuring greetings from all of our past (living) conductors. Scheduled to attend include Frank Holman, David Wilson, Bruce Browne, Debbie Glaze, Steven Zopfi, Katheryn Lehmann, and of course, Alissa and Wendy. Bring your favorite beverage for what promises to be a hearty round of toasts. Jayde will be sending a reminder email on Monday with the Zoom access code.

Special note on preparing for the Mozart: The version we will be using is the Sussmayr edition (John Eliot Gardiner and the Monteverdi Choir) not the Levin that was the basis for our 2014 performance. A copy of the music will be projected on Zoom/YouTube which means you do NOT need to print or otherwise refer to the music that was included in last week’s Noteworthy News.

You should also have a calendar entry for the following Monday, September 21. World renowned conductor Imre Pollo (bio) will lead us in a reading of selections from Carmina Burana. (The link to add our official calendar to your smartphone or Google calendar is in the Members page of our website).

From Alissa: One word: HYDRATE. Water is your friend especially with all the smoke hanging around.

From Wendy: I hope everyone is planning on participating in our virtual season starting with next Monday’s September Sings! Yes, things are a bit different from our usual routine of getting together in person to practice the music then present it to an appreciative audience. We are committed to doing everything possible to keep your voice in shape and our Choir community engaged.