NCC celebrates 30 years

Thirty years of joyful singing. What a time for celebration! 2020 will be a banner year for North Coast Chorale (NCC). Throughout the years members of North Coast communities have joined to share their singing talent and love of song in this group.

The Chorale's theme song says, "How can I keep from singing?" As in the past, NCC is inviting singers in all four parts, from 7th Grade students to Senior Citizens, to join the fun. Students attending Clatsop Community College can earn credits while singing as a member of NCC. A desire to sing, and the ability to match pitch, is the only requirement. Rehearsals are Tuesdays, at the "PAC", on the corner of 16th and Franklin Streets, Astoria, beginning January 7, from 6:45 to 9:00 p.m. A donation of $25 per month enables funding for Director, Dr. Denise Reed, the accompanist, purchase of music, and rent at the PAC. For more information, call Denise Reed (503-338-8403) or Frank Spence (503-325-3265).

North Coast Chorale is supported by the Oregon Arts Commission. With this help, the new season will begin by reprising a 2013 performance of Northwest composer Martin Lauridsen's, Lux Aeterna with the River City Singers of Saint Helens on March 15 in St. Helens and March 22 in Astoria. On Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 the Chorale will present 30 favorite songs from its repertoire over the last 30 years.

The location of the concerts offers another reason to celebrate. The Chorale will continue to sing at the Performing Arts Center, now a community-owned venue under the management of Partners for the PAC, having been purchased by a local philanthropist.