Kimberly Karchenes (piano accompanist) feels special and is proud to have been Seaglass’ resident pianist since 1998. In turn, all enjoy her musical abilities and the lighthearted repartée she lends every rehearsal. Ms. Karchenes holds a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in Piano Performance from the University of Lowell (Massachusetts). She collaborates with two other community singing groups and teaches a private piano studio of 20 students spanning all ages. An accomplished musician, her artistry can be enjoyed Monday and Thursday evenings from June until October at the Cliff House in Ogunquit. On Saturday nights she is currently delighting audiences at Clay Hill Farm while long-time pianist David Hollis recovers from surgery. Kim has enjoyed the new house she helped construct three years ago— alongside a well-tended rose garden.

Founded in 1993, the Seaglass Chorale is a non-auditioned adult choral group of 60-70 voices that has established itself as a voice to be heard! The chorale represents some 20 southern Maine communities with other choristers traveling from New Hampshire and the Boston area.

While most concerts toggle back and forth between Kennebunk and Sanford, it is always a pleasure to perform at other regional venues such as, say, Noble High School or the Wells Historical Society.

During the Christmas season, the chorale has welcomed the further enhancement of its mission statement with Kinderconcerts at the Waterboro and Line (Limerick) Elementary Schools.

In September, 2004, choristers proudly led the musical prelude at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC.

Internationally-acclaimed, the group traveled to Italy in 1997 with venues at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome (the Vatican), Il Duomo in Perugia, St. John's Square near Pisa and Sts. John & Paul Church in Venice. Again in the year 2000 the chorale embarked on a European tour — this time performing by invitation at the 2000 Innsbruck Festival. Added venues were San Marco Cathedral in Venice, Duomo dei Filippini in Chioggia, and St. Mathias Church in Budapest.

Concerts have featured these demanding works: Beethoven's Missa Solemnis, Poulenc's Gloria, Bernstein's Chichester Psalms, Vivaldi's Gloria and Magnificat, Haydn's Lord Nelson Mass, Orff's Carmina Burana, Pinkham's Christmas Cantata, Mozart's Requiem and Coronation Mass, Rutter's Gloria, Bach's Magnificat, Charpentier's Messe de Minuit, and Brahms' Requiem sung in English locally - and in German collaboratively with the Paul Madore Choir and the North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra at Salem (Massachuetts) State College.

Two CDs have been produced: Voices in 2002 and Many Voices in Spirit in 2003.

The uniqueness of Seaglass events stems not only from the quality of its performances and the generous response of the community, but from its demonstrated connectivity to the community through its benefit concerts. Organizations benefiting include Habitat for Humanity; St. Thomas School in Sanford; the Sanford/Springvale Food Pantry; York County Shelters; Wells Historical Society; Noble High School; Child Abuse Prevention Council and many others.

The chorale is often called upon in celebration of such diverse, community events as the Nasson College Community Center dedication, Franciscan Monastery Anniversary, Laudholm Farms Building Inaugural, Holy Family Church (Sanford) Jubilee, and the Sanford Mainers baseball team playoffs.

Several concerts have been invitational ones in response to world events: Concert for Kosovo Refugees (1999), Songs for Healing (9/11- 2001), The Kennebunks' Tributes to Heroes of 9/11 (2002), Concert for Tsunami Survivors and Songs for Healing (2005), and Music for Winter Warmth (2008).

In short, no other regional group integrates more fully in its diversity of intended
audiences, music, events, and venues - always with its mission focus of performance
opportunities through community service.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SEAGLASS CHORALE: Director
Related links:
Choral Net - www.choralnet.org
Maine Info - www.maineinfo.net

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