The Sea Change Chorale Concert Proceeds Benefited Maine Immigrants Rights Coalition This Afternoon in POrtland.

Dr. Deirdre McClure Conducts the 52 Member  Sea Change Chorale This Afternoon at Williston Immanuel Church, High Street, Portland.

Choral music of justice, courage, peace, anger, inspiration and hope comprised the emotional program of  Sea Change Chorale, under the artistic direction  of Deirdre McClure, at Williston Immanuel Church, Portland, this afternoon.

The hour long concert by the 52 member Chorale – “I Lift My Lamp” – benefited the Maine Immigrants Rights Coalition, the Portland non-profit that is dedicated to improving legal, social and economic conditions for immigrants in Maine.

The ten compositions on the program were unknown to this blogger.  So, it was  appreciated that the words were provided in the program – from Mozart, to Belafonte to Szymko to Schneckenburger – the program was as diverse as many of the receipients of this concert;’s financial success are..

Along with the memorable music, the words themselves were inspirational.  That’s because of the challenges faced by the immigrant community nationwide in the near future.  That challenge became more apparent due to Trump’s recent edict that Homeland Security is challenging sanctuary locales, including the city of  Portland and Cumberland and Hancock Counties  in Maine.  The Trump edict was likely on the minds and hearts of many at the packed SRO audience at Williston this aftenoon.  If you are unfamiliar with the challenge presented by Homeland Security several days ago, it is detailed in the previous post in this blog.

Clearly a favorite this afternnoon was “Myrzaraz,” by Joan Szhmoko.  It was composed at the outbreak of the Russian invasion of Ukraine three years ago.  The words demonstrate the power of the repeated phrase, “Peace Now,” something that most angered  by the brutality of Putin want Stopped Now.

The final offering by the non-profit social justice singers was “Hope LIngers On,” by Lissa Schnenburger.  Raised in Maine, she now lives in Vermont and is a performer as well as songwriter.    The chorus to her music of hope is:  “I will not hate and I will not fear.  In our darkest hour, hope lingers here.”

You can catch this inspirational concert tomorrow, Sunday, June 1st at the First Parish United Chuch of Christ, 12 Beach Street, in Saco.  The time is 4:00 pm.  Donations accepted for Maine Immigrants Rights Coalition once again.

If you are interesded in singing with this non-profit.  the next Open House will be held on July 10, 2025  This is a non-audition choir that practices every Thursday from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm at The Park Danforth, 777 Stevens Avenue, Portland.

For more information, please visit www.seachangechorale.org