Whatcom Chorale History
1972-1987
Legend has it that Whatcom Chorale began in 1972 when David Clarke arrived in Bellingham toting a suitcase full of madrigal sheet music and an infectious desire to sing. From the informal group of twenty friends he inspired, Whatcom Chorale has grown to an accomplished ensemble of more than eighty voices, with a repertoire ranging from Bach to Britten.
The original Chorale members soon recognized a need for professional leadership, and in 1975 recruited Dr. Robert Scandrett, professor of music at Western Washington University, to direct what was then called the New Whatcom Choral Society. Dr. Scandrett rightly predicted that the Bellingham community would welcome this opportunity to express their talents, and during his twelve-year tenure Chorale membership swelled to eighty vocalists. Dr. Scandrett’s insistence upon rigorous standards honed the group’s enthusiasm and fostered a rise in musicianship and sophistication. In 1986, the chorale’s diligence culminated in a highly successful European concert tour, a collaborative venture with the Seattle Symphony Chorus and the City of Birmingham (UK) Symphony Orchestra.
1987-2002
Under the direction of Jack Frymire (1987–88) and Richard Asher (1988–91), the choral society continued its musical evolution, introducing vocal training and summer workshops. Performance quality steadily improved and the ensemble endeavored to gain wider exposure within the community. The spirit of joyous music-making that had always energized the singers now emerged in strong, well-rehearsed, and engaging concerts, but the public was largely unaware. A simpler name, Whatcom Chorale, in tandem with a closer relationship with Whatcom Symphony Orchestra and sponsorship of a vocal scholarship, helped Whatcom Chorale expand its community presence.
When Linda Scheuffele Frost assumed leadership of Whatcom Chorale in 1992, she had no idea the commitment would extend for ten years and 55,000 freeway miles. As Artistic Director/Conductor, Ms. Frost challenged chorale members with eclectic selections, including Vivaldi, Brahms, Duruflé, Copland, Menotti, and Ramirez. To infuse its classical repertoire with fresh musical elements, the Chorale mastered works in Spanish, French, and Russian. And to further augment its stylistic versatility, Whatcom Chorale delivered a crowd-pleasing concert of American composers during its 1998 tour of Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
2002-2023
Dr.Allan Cline joined Whatcom Chorale as Artistic Director/Conductor in June 2002. During his five-year tenure, Dr. Cline spearheaded efforts to form Whatcom Chorale Sinfonia, an ensemble of superior musicians who provide orchestral accompaniment for Chorale performances. Several concerts directed by Dr. Cline offered renditions of his own compositions, as well as performances of Mozart’s Requiem, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, and Orff’s Carmina Burana.
Beginning in autumn 2007, Whatcom Chorale was fortunate to study and perform under the direction of Charles Peterson. With his extensive background in vocal instruction and choral conducting, Mr. Peterson brought a new emphasis on vocal technique that enriched the Chorale’s tone quality and facility in musical production. As a former director of opera theatre, Mr. Peterson inspired Whatcom Chorale and Sinfonia to present a rousing evening of opera choruses, in addition to a poignant concert featuring the ethereal harmonies of 19th-century French composers.
Whatcom Chorale’s current Artistic Director/Conductor, Deborah Brown, proved the logical and much-applauded choice to take up the baton from Charles Peterson in 2009, having served as Assistant Director during the previous four years. Now in her 12th year with Whatcom Chorale, Ms. Brown brings an infectious enthusiasm for the essential beauty of music and a devotion to the composer’s creative intention, as well as her experience in opera performance and choral conducting. Her confident direction has challenged Whatcom Chorale to master the innovative rhythms and harmonies of 20th-century composers such as Lili Boulanger and Alice Parker, as well as talented local composers Henry From, Scott Henderson, and Sarah Mattox. Older works in the choral repertoire are made new again with Ms. Brown’s special attention to how text shapes musical interpretation. Thus, ”Anchored in the classics, focused on the future,” Whatcom Chorale continues to engage and impress audiences with its vocal artistry and outright joy in making music.
Photo: Ivar Dolph
Photo: David Scherrer
Following a pandemic hiatus, during which undaunted vocalists honed their technological capabilities on Zoom and submitted recordings for inclusion in virtual choirs, Chorale members are enthusiastically embracing this return to singing together! Last year, Whatcom Chorale celebrated its 50th season with a continuing focus on diverse classical and contemporary works. Our December 2021 holiday concert featured both traditional favorites and delightfully rhythmic offerings from Latin America. On May 15, 2022, Mount Baker Theatre provided a grand setting for Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy and sacred works by Mendelssohn. Bellingham’s architectural jewel was a fitting venue to showcase local talents Kim Markworth, Ibidunni Ojikutu, Jason Parker, Mark Davies, and pianist Henry From, selected as one of CBC Music’s “30 hot Canadian classical musicians under 30” in 2019. Working with such outstanding musicians and giving voice to a rich and varied inspiring repertoire keeps Chorale members eager to deliver on the enduring promise of music.
Photo: David Scherrer