About Falmouth Chorale & Orchestra

The Falmouth Chorale has been offering fine musical concerts for forty-five years. The Chorale traces its roots to 1964, when James Stevens, organist at First Congregational Church in Falmouth, with representatives of Falmouth church choirs, planned a joint performance of Handel's Messiah. Thus was born the Falmouth Interfaith Choir; its mission was to further the ecumenical movement through music. Its concerts became an integral part of Falmouth's Christmas/Hanukkah and Easter/Passover seasons. In 1980 when the Choir was incorporated, it adopted as an additional purpose "to further the public appreciation of music in Falmouth," broadened its repertoire to include secular works, and added an instrumental ensemble.

In 2004, the group changed its name to the Falmouth Chorale to reflect a new vision and commitment to musical excellence. A fall concert was added to the Chorale's season and full orchestral accompaniment was added for many concerts. For seventeen years the Chorale developed in strength and ability under the baton of Frederick Johnson. In 2007, we welcomed director John Yankee, who then accepted the new position of Artistic Director for the 2008-2009 season.

“The chorale sang what they believed with conviction, and, with the orchestra, created a gorgeous wash of sound.”

“The spirit of the works was certainly with Mr. Yankee, the soloists, singers, and the orchestra, and the audience leapt to their collective feet in a spontaneous ovation.”

“Conductor Yankee has added an extra sparkle to the chorale and to Falmouth and one should look forward to his other concerts this year.”

Programs over the last several years have included:

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Requiem

George Frideric Handel The Coronation Anthems

Johannes Brahms A German Requiem

Antonio Vivaldi Gloria

Franz Schubert Mass in E flat major

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Mass in C Minor

Ludwig van Beethoven Mass in C

George Frideric Handel Messiah

Faure Reguiem

Dvorak TeDeum

Pinkham Christmas Cantata

Vaughn Williams Fantasia on Christmas Carols

Vivaldi Credo

Scarlatti Dixit Dominus

Bellini Salve Regina