About Falmouth Chorale & Orchestra

The Falmouth Chorale has been offering Upper Cape communities fine musical concerts for forty-four years. The Chorale traces its roots to 1964, when James Stevens, organist at First Congregational Church in Falmouth, called a meeting of representatives of Falmouth church choirs to plan a joint performance of Handel's Messiah. The resulting group was named the Falmouth Interfaith Choir; its mission was to further the ecumenical movement through music. Its concerts became a traditional part of Falmouth's observance of Christmas/Hanukkah and Easter/Passover seasons, sung in more recent years by individual members drawn from all parts of the upper Cape community. In 1980, the Chorale became incorporated, 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 name of the group was changed to the Falmouth Chorale to reflect a new vision and commitment to musical excellence. A fall concert was added to the Chorale's seasons and full orchestral accompaniment was added for many concerts. During the past seventeen years the Chorale has grown in strength and ability under the able and caring hand of Frederick Johnson. In 2007, we welcomed an interim director, John Yankee, who has been offered 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