- If you haven’t heard Orpheus lately, you haven’t heard Orpheus! -

Perhaps the strongest sentiment of the Orpheus Male Chorus Mission Statement, is “Keeping the Tradition.  Building the Future.”  Our 2007-2008 Season is keeping the tradition alive by performing many pieces which were chosen by the singers themselves.  This season, entitled, “Singer’s Choice” brings to our audiences, selections which have withstood the test of time, and have emerged as favorites of the singers in Orpheus.  We are also dedicated to bringing new music to our audiences, from some of the best composers of our time.

Our 79th season begins with our Holiday Concert Series by presenting the World Premier male chorus arrangement of “A Prayer for Peace,” composed by the great grand-daughter of the Rev. Bates G. Burt, and great-niece of Alfred Burt, Abbie Betinis.  Ms. Betinis continues the family tradition of composing a new carol each year, just as those before have done, and we are thrilled to be chosen to premier this work.  This series will also feature Franz Biebl’s “Ave Maria,” Alfred Burt’s famous carol arrangements, Mark Hayes’ “O Holy Night,” Whalums’ Yoruban Christmas song “Betelehemu,” along with Mark Riese’s trio of songs “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, I Saw Three Ships and What Child is This,” Howard Helvey’s wild 7/8 setting of “Deck the Halls,” Frederick Silver’s “The Twelve Days AFTER Christmas,” Jeff Funk’s “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,”  and local composer Linda Spevacek’s “Riu, Riu, Chiu.”  Ron Rhode will then lead us in the always popular Christmas Carol Sing-a-long with some outstanding organ arrangements.

Bridging the gap between our Holiday Concert Series and our Spring Concert Series is our much anticipated performance of the Requiem Mass of Maurice Duruflé, with the Phoenix Boy’s Choir.  Duruflé’s Requiem is a 20th century masterpiece and this is an extraordinary opportunity for two of the Valley’s most beloved choral ensembles to collaborate in two performances on February 16th in Phoenix and February 17th in Tucson.  Please visit our website soon for details.

Our Spring Concert Series will feature many commissioned works that have become an exciting part of the Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix tradition.  We are very lucky to have several works which have been composed for and dedicated to Orpheus.  Gwyneth Walker’s “How Can I Keep from Singing” and three movement “Love Was My Lord and King” are held in deep affection by the men of Orpheus.  Local composer and dear friend of Orpheus, Linda Spevacek, has written several songs for us throughout the years.  We are happy to bring her beautiful song “If” as well as her exhilarating “Fanfare, A Celebration in Song” to our audiences.  Other featured favorites of Orpheus include Eric Barnes’ “Lambscapes,”  Randol Alan Bass’ “Gloria,” accompanied by Ron Rhode on the organ, and Aguiar’s “Salmo 150.”  Orpheus continues to build the future with numerous new compositions that will round out our spring concerts with a promise to entertain and delight our audiences.