Welcome to the Oratorio Chorale
Now in its fifth decade, the Oratorio Chorale is a symphonic chorus committed to advancing choral music through exceptional performances, educational and community outreach, and collaborations. The Chorale consists of 80 auditioned, professionally directed singers, from high school students to retirees.
Artistic Director Emily Isaacson joined us in 2013 for the Chorale’s 40th season. She is noted for unique programming that provides a contemporary take on timeless music. In 2015, Oratorio Chorale founded Sweetest in the Gale, a women’s chorus, and a Young Artists Program for gifted high school students.
Experience Choral Music With Us
Oratorio Chorale
Oratorio Chorale is an 80-member symphonic chorus committed to advancing choral music through performances, collaborations, educational programs, and community outreach.
Sweetest in the Gale
Sweetest in the Gale (SinG), Classical Uprising’s women’s chorus, is designed to be of service to our community, and believes that everyone should have access to the arts without the constraints of travel. SinG brings music to hospitals, retirement homes, hospice homes, and community centers. SinG is directed by Maria Belva.
Young Artists Program
Oratorio Chorale’s Young Artists Program nurtures the musical and expressive skills of exceptional young singers in southern Maine, providing an opportunity for talented high school students to tackle advanced choral repertoire in a supportive environment.
Classical Uprising
In 2020, the Chorale participated in a merger with Portland Bach Experience to form Classical Uprising, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to community development, creative expression, inclusivity, lifelong learning, and artistic excellence. Our goal is a holistic approach to classical music that enlivens, strengthens, and connects communities.
Classical Uprising’s programs include Oratorio Chorale, Portland Bach Experience, and Horizon Voices, which combined serve over 120 adult amateur singers, 70 young musicians, 60 professional artists, and more than 4,000 audience members.
Support Our Work
When you support the arts, you make an investment in your community. Share the joy of music with your neighbors and inspire a culture of lifelong learning in Maine by supporting our programming.
