MEMBERS OF THE ORATORIO CHORALE pose during a dress rehearsal of “Elijah.”
More than 100 singers from Midcoast and Southern Maine are coming together to bring a blend of new and classical music to the ears of concert-goers. The Oratorio Chorale kicks off its latest season with a performance of Mendelssohn’s biblical tale “Elijah” Sunday at St. John the Baptist Church in Brunswick.
The Oratorio Choral will be joined by soloists from across the country, including Emmywinning bass Dashon Burton — who has collaborated with artists ranging from the Seattle Symphony to Kanye West — as Elijah himself.
EMMY WINNING BASS DASHON BURTON will be playing the title character in the Oratorio Chorale’s “Elijah” this Sunday at St. John the Baptist Church in Brunswick.
“He’s really a magical figure,” said Isaacson, who has been friends with Burton since 2008 when she worked with his choir ensemble, Roomful of Teeth, as an administrator. “He’s an extraordinarily talented, graciously easy-going guy. It’s amazing that we’re getting him for this show.”
“I’m really glad to be bringing this role to the Oratorio Chorale,” said Burton, a New York City native who also worked with Isaacson three years ago on Motzart’s “Requiem.”
Isaacson was so impressed with his work that she asked him to come perform at the Oratorial Chorale.
“I told Dashon I would do any show he wanted, and he said ‘Elijah,’” said Isaacson. “He’s perfect for the role.”
Though “Elijah” is one of the most performed pieces in the chorale canon, Burton has found ways to continuously rework the famous protagonist’s role.
“The most challenging thing is getting the immediacy of the story across,” said Burton. “It’s quite a heroic piece, and there is so much story to get through. This is one of the biggest stories in western civilization.
You have to throw your heart into it.”
Burton credits the other freelance soloists, as well as the choir of Maine locals who form the core of “Elijah,” for keeping the show fresh.
“The dedication of people in this neighborhood is amazing,” said Burton. “It just shows how alive the arts are in the Midcoast.”
The Oratorio Chorale was formed 43 years ago, but has only recently grown into the force it is now. Isaacson, who is entering her fourth season as Chorale director, said that when she began directing there were only 35 people in the choir. Through various singing clinics, music readings and a program that brings in five local high students each season, the Oratorio Chorale has expanded to more than 100 strong.
“We are really expanding and becoming more than just a choir,” said Isaacson.
As strong as the choir is now, it wasn’t always easy to get classical experience in Brunswick.
“I grew up here and had an interest in classical music, and just didn’t feel supported,” said Isaacson. “I felt I couldn’t get the proper classical training in Brunswick, so I left for 15 years. When I came back I knew I wanted to create opportunities for others.”
Now a third of Oratorio Chorale participants are under 30 years old, bridging the gap for the next generation of singers to come into their own.
“The idea is to give (young people) a holistic education in the choral arts,” said Isaacson. “It’s important that it’s not one or two kids, but a posse.”
Isaacson said that there is no better way to train youngsters and elders alike then working on a project like “Elijah,” and having veterans like Burton to lend a hand.
“I’ve never directed a piece with so many moving parts,” said Isaacson. “There’s a lot of character, a lot of movement, tempos and textures. I feel so incredibly lucky to be doing the work that I’m doing.”
“Elijah” is the first of several Oratorio Chorale shows this season. The show begins at 3 p.m. this Sunday, Nov. 14. Advance tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. Door tickets are $25 for adults and $12.50 for students $12.50. Children under 12 get in free with adults.
bgoodridge@timesrecord.com
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