University Chamber Singers
Throughout the northern New England region the Chamber Singers have performed a diverse repertory centered on a cappella literature of the Renaissance era and the twentieth century and music of various world cultures. In May 1999 the ensemble toured Europe, singing in some of the most beautiful churches of western Europe, including a performance at Notre Dame in Paris and service music for Sunday Mass at the Karlskirche in Vienna. The singers received wide acclaim in April 2000 for a performance of the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein with the Portland Symphony Orchestra. The ensemble toured Ireland, Wales, and England in May 2002 and in May 2005 completed their third European tour—a trip which took them to Salzburg, Venice, and Provence, including a Sunday Mass performance at St. Mark's Basilica in Venice.
A fourth tour is planned for May 2008. More information about the
University of Southern Maine and the School of Music may be found at this
address: www.usm.maine.edu/music
Robert Russell is professor of music at the University of Southern Maine and
music director of Portland’s Choral Art Society. He has twice served Maine ACDA
as president and in 1993 received Maine's Distinguished Choral Director Award.
Dr. Russell is active throughout the Northeast as a conductor and clinician and
recently led the Chamber Singers in a choral prelude at the Washington National
Cathedral. In 2005 he received the Excellence in Teaching Award on behalf of the
USM student body and in 2006 was recognized by the Portland Conservatory of
Music for his life-long dedication to excellence in choral performance.
"It was a wonderful experience performing with the USM Chamber Singers in the
Portland Symphony Orchestra's tribute to Rodgers and Hammerstein. The chorus was
highly professional, with spirit and energy. Both the orchestra and I have
thoroughly enjoyed the collaboration. The standing ovation from the audience was
well deserved."
Toshiyuki Shimada, music director
Portland Symphony Orchestra
“Many singers were at least close to professional levels…”
Portland Press Herald
17 April 2000
Audio sample: Awake, O North Wind, by Daniel Pinkham
Audio sample: Skidegate Love Song (Haida folksong), arr. Stephen Chatman
Audio sample: Bright Journeys I, by Daniel Gawthrop
Audio sample: Vamuvamba (Kenyan folksong), arr. Boniface Mganga
These audio samples are 30 second excerpts from tracks
3, 10, 13, and 16 from the Bright Journeys CD, recorded on April
26, 2001, at the University of Southern Maine's Corthell Concert Hall and
May 1, 2001, at the Sacred Heart Church, Yarmouth Maine. John Stuart, recording
Technician.
A RealMedia file, may require updating your RealPlayer
to a later version if your current version does not play this sample.
University of Southern Maine Voice Faculty
USM/Fleet
Youth Ensembles | USM
Summer Youth Music Programs
formerly the USM Department of
Music