All Concerts
All concert events posted since October 2012…
All Northwest
Please join Opus 7 as we celebrate the musical contributions of some of our region's most prominent choral composers. This popular biannual concert of choral works by Northwest composers includes the winning compositions from our Robert Scandrett Memorial Student Composer Competition. Opus 7 Vocal Ensemble – Loren W. Pontén, Founder & Artistic Director Saturday, May 2th – 7:30pm Please visit our Facebook page Opus7Seattle, or our instagram page @opus7vocalensemble for more information. |
Blessed
On March 14, Opus 7 will perform powerful and beautiful sacred works by Bern Herbolsheimer, one of the Pacific Northwest’s most prolific and talented composers. We remember this remarkable artist on the 10th anniversary of his untimely passing. Born in Montana, Bern resided in Seattle for over 40 years. He taught at the University of Washington and Cornish College of the Arts, influencing students for decades. His music has been performed nationally and internationally and found specific relevance with performing ensembles in the Seattle area. Opus 7 is privileged to perform some of Herbolsheimer's greatest sacred choral masterpieces for Lent:
Featuring Opus 7 Vocal Ensemble – Loren W. Pontén, Founder & Artistic Director Joseph Adam, piano & organ Chad DeMaris, tenor Janet Putnam, oboe Karen Sunmark, percussion Patrick Huninghake & Bruce Daugherty, trumpet Saturday, March 14th – 8:00pm Please visit our Facebook page Opus7Seattle, or our instagram page @opus7vocalensemble for more information. |
Britten’s Saint Nicolas
Featuring Opus 7 Vocal Ensemble – Loren W. Pontén, Founder & Artistic Director St. James Cathedral Youth Music Program – Stacey Sunde, director Bellevue High School Choirs, Andrew Jacobson director Chad DeMaris, tenor Opus 7 Chamber Orchestra – Denise Dillenbeck, soloist & concertmaster Joseph Adam & Matthew Wilkins, piano Christopher Stroh, organ Sunday, December 7th – 7:30pm Please visit our Facebook page Opus7Seattle, or our instagram page @opus7vocalensemble for more information. |
The Legacy They Weave
Music by and about women who have led, sacrificed, created, and inspired Opus 7 Vocal Ensemble Loren W. Pontén, founder & artistic director Gunnar Folsom, percussion Benjamin BRITTEN — “Choral Dances” from Gloriana Alice PARKER, Libby LARSEN, Gabriela Lena FRANK, Ysaÿe BARNWELL — Quilt Songs: Women Weaving the Fabric of Life Eleanor DALEY — O Ye Who Taste That Love Is Sweet Joan SZYMKO — Malala Jocelyn HAGEN — “For Nadia” from Songs for Muska Walter ROBINSON / Kathleen MCGUIRE — Harriet Tubman Leonard BERNSTEIN — “French Choruses” from The Lark Join us for a concert of inspiring choral music dedicated to women’s stories, from Queen Elizabeth II to Harriet Tubman. You will hear Malala Yousafzai’s powerful words of courage, a tribute to Afghan poet Nadia Anjuman, and a powerful and uplifting arrangement of Harriet Tubman. Bernstein’s charming French Choruses from The Lark present his interpretation of Renaissance folk songs with an ode to Joan of Arc. Quilt Songs: Women Weaving the Fabric of Life was inspired by the quilts of Kay McCarthy—these musical settings by women composers weave together joy, generosity, wisdom, and beauty. Saturday, Oct 11 7:30 pm concert University Congregational, Seattle Please visit our Facebook page Opus7Seattle, or our instagram page @opus7vocalensemble for more information. |
There is Sweet Music
Opus 7 Vocal Ensemble Loren W. Pontén, founder & artistic director Dwight Beckmeyer, piano Cecilia Archuleta & Emily Pontén-May, violin Opus 7 Vocal Ensemble invites you to join us as we transition out of winter with a vibrant offering of choral music for spring! This concert will highlight Edward Elgar’s lyrical finesse, with selections for two violins and piano, capturing grandeur and tender introspection that resonates with the soul. Featured composers: Elgar, Finzi, Muehleisen, Herbolsheimer, Scandrett, Earnest & Malpocker (world premiere). We are also proud to perform Central Washington University student Nico Benabid’s winning work for this year’s Robert Scandrett Memorial Choral Composition Competition. Join us at 6:30 pm for a pre-concert talk, and to view/purchase the evocative paintings of local artist Sharon Wherland. An artist, musician, and teacher, her work is known for its symphonic interplay of color and movement which beautifully complements our springtime season finale. Saturday, May 10 6:30 pm pre-concert talk and art exhibit 7:30 pm concert University Congregational, Seattle Please visit our Facebook page Opus7Seattle, or our instagram page @opus7vocalensemble for more information. |
Grant Us Peace
Opus 7 Vocal Ensemble Loren W. Pontén, founder & artistic director Opus 7 Chamber Orchestra Mary Sokol Brown, concertmaster Opus 7 performs a Lenten concert of profound music for choir and orchestra by Eastern European and Scandinavian composers as a musical prayer for hope and perseverance; comfort for those who grieve and those who are fearful; and peace and justice in Ukraine.The concert features the Northwest premiere of both Ukrainian composer Alexander SHCHETYNSKY’s Requiem* and Estonian composer Erkki-Sven TÜÜR’s For Ukraine*, a personal response to the war. Other works: Even When He Is Silent – ARNESEN (Norway) • “Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered” – BORTNIANSKY (Ukraine/Russia) • “Fecit Potentiam” from Magnificat – RAUTAVAARA (Finland) • “Kyrie” from Gloria Patri – SISASK (Estonia) • Dona Nobis Pacem* – VASKS (Latvia)Opus 7 Vocal Ensemble is joined by the Opus 7 Chamber Orchestra* with Mary Sokol Brown as concertmaster. This concert is dedicated to the people of Ukraine and we’ll be collecting donations to support continued relief efforts. Please visit our Facebook page Opus7Seattle, or our instagram page @opus7vocalensemble for more informationIMPORTANT NOTICE: Construction on the Portico Project will close the Marion and Terry entrance and the restrooms there from January 6 through early April. During this time, the box office will move to the south Columbia Street/Archbishop Murphy Courtyard entrance, which is ADA accessible. To minimize congestion at the south entrance, we ask those who purchase tickets in advance and who are able to navigate stairs to please enter through the west 9th Avenue entrance. During concerts, an ADA-accessible restroom will be available in the west vestibule of the Cathedral, and additional facilities will be available outside of the south entrance of the Cathedral and in an adjacent building. Thank you for your patience as we complete this exciting project! |
O Rising Dawn
Opus 7 Vocal Ensemble Loren W. Pontén, founder & artistic director Joseph Adam, organ Mark Wilson, guitar Opus 7 welcomes the holiday season with a stunning program of choral music for Advent and Christmas. Featured music for Advent and Christmas by Seattle’s Peter Hallock in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of his birth; eclectic settings of the O Antiphons by Peter Hallock, Bob Chilcott, Rihards Dubra, David Hurd, Melissa Dunphy, John Muehleisen and Vytautas Miškinis, and other music for the season by Alice Parker, Joachim Knoph, Pierre Villette, Jeffrey Van, Damijan Moçnik and the world premiere of “Silent Night” by Jacob Malpocker. |
Our Common Ground
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All Northwest
Christina Siemens, pianoSoren Hamm, soprano saxophone 7:00 p.m. pre-concert talk8:00 p.m. concert Preferred Seating: $40 in advance |
Hear My Prayer
Preferred Seating: $40 in advance |
There is Sweet MusicDear Opus 7 Friends,We regret to announce that due to positive Covid-19 cases, our concert on Saturday, January 20th, There is Sweet Music, will be canceled. The health and safety of our audience members, volunteers, singers, and guest performers remains our number one priority and is what has led us to the decision of cancelation. |
The Flower of Peace
Opus 7 welcomes the holiday season with a stunning program of choral music for Advent and Christmas. Celebrate the Joy and Mystery of the season and enjoy moments of quiet reflection and soaring grandeur—all shimmering in the heavenly acoustics of St. James Cathedral. This program includes Pierre Villette’s Hymne á la Vierge, Ola Gjeilo’s Serenity, and a rich selection of music by Pacific Northwest composers, including Morten Lauridsen’s O Magnum Mysterium, Jessica French’s Fix Your Eyes Upon the Star, and John Muehleisen’s Invocation. As we close out this year, may the beauty of these choral works bring you a sense of peace and hope. Opus 7 Vocal EnsembleLoren W. Pontén, founder & artistic director Cecilia Archuleta, violin Preferred Seating: $40 in advance Please visit our social media platforms for more information. Facebook page: Opus7Seattle Instagram Page: @opus7vocalensemble |
POSTPONED – There is Sweet MusicDear Opus 7 Friends, For all who have purchased a ticket, please either keep your ticket and use it for our rescheduled concert date, consider the ticket price as a donation to our choral organization, or contact Opus 7 Board Member, Bridget Malpocker, at bridget.malpocker@opus7.org for instructions on how you can return your ticket for a refund. |
Pilgrim BeatitudesPilgrim Beatitudes30th Anniversary Season Year of Celebration Concert Finale |
Show Us Your Mercy
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Of a Rose
Preferred Seating: $40 in advanceGeneral Seating: $25 in advance, $30 at the doorSeniors: $20 in advance, $24 at the doorStudents: Pay as able at the door with student ID Please visit our Facebook page: Opus7Seattle for more information.Note regarding the covid protocol: Proof of vaccination is no longer required for Opus 7 events. The CDC and King County Public Health continue to strongly recommend you wear a mask at large indoor events. While not required, we encourage all concert attendees to wear masks while community spread continues. We ask that all audience members be respectful of each other's choices. This policy is subject to change following local health and CDC guidelines. |
Music Wakes from SilencePlease join us at the opening concert of our 30th-anniversary Year of Celebration for a performance of audience and choir member favorites from the last 30 years, and a musical tribute to the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. |
All NorthwestPlease join Opus 7 as we celebrate the musical contributions of some of our region’s most prominent choral composers. This popular bi-annual event features choral works by Northwest composers, including Karen P. Thomas, Bern Herbolsheimer, Reginald Unterseher, Gwyneth Walker, Stacey Philipps, Joan Szymko, Eric Barnum, Christine Szabadi, Robert Scandrett, Kevin Siegfried, and Opus 7’s Composer-in-Residence John Muehleisen. Opus 7 will also perform the winning compositions from our Robert Scandrett Memorial Student Composer Competition. |
Finding Light in Darkness
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All Northwest – CanceledPlease join Opus 7 as we celebrate the musical contributions of some of our region’s most prominent choral composers. This popular bi-annual event features choral works by Northwest composers, including Bern Herbolsheimer, Reginald Unterseher, Morten Lauridsen, Peter Hallock, Sean MacLean, and Opus 7’s Composer-in-Residence John Muehleisen. Opus 7 will also perform the winning compositions from this season’s Robert Scandrett Memorial Student Composer Competition. |
Show Us Your Mercy – POSTPONEDThis concert has been POSTPONED due to recommendations by the King County Health Department to limit the spread of COVID-19. |
Here We Come A-CarolingThis holiday program is sure to delight and bring a smile! Opus 7 performs a concert of light and fanciful settings of Christmas carols and holiday favorites. The program will include selections of Alfred Burt carols and arrangements by Sir David Willcocks, William Walton, Lajos Bárdos, Stephen Paulus, and many others. Please join us for this journey through Christmas traditions around the world. |
Splendid Jewel
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Chasing the Moon
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Seattle Sings: “Welcome Home Morten Lauridsen”
Chasing the MoonSaturday, October 26th, 2019 @ 8:00 pmSeattle First Baptist Church1111 Harvard Ave, SeattlePreferred Seating: $40 in advanceGeneral Seating: $25 in advance, $30 at the doorSeniors: $20 in advance, $24 at the doorStudents: Pay as able at the door with student ID Opus 7 begins its 28th season with a celebration of the moon and the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. In the 20th century, nations raced to conquer it, while lovers basked in its moody, silvery light. Opus 7 will be performing works by a stellar group of composers who have lent their considerable talents to compositions revolving around the moon. Read more… |
Family Ties
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The King of Glory***Notice*** Due to circumstances beyond our control, the pre-concert lecture for this Saturday’s concert has been canceled. |
O Rising DawnSt. James Cathedral Resident Ensemble Opus 7 welcomes the holiday season with a stunning program of choral music for Advent and Christmas. (more…) |
In Search of America
With Elisabeth Ellis, piano; David Nichols, organ;Gunnar Folsom & Rob Tucker, percussion What does it mean to be an American?Do you know someone who is patriotic?Who are your American heroes? Opus 7 explores these questions in the opening concert of our 27th season as we celebrate the American spirit exemplified in these words from Lloyd Pfautsch’s Litany for America: “Dream of a land where all people can think as they please, or say what they think; see an America where no one is another’s master, where no one’s mind is dark with fear—to see an America at peace with the world.” (more…) |
All Northwest Please join Opus 7 to celebrate the musical contributions of some of our Northwest region’s most prominent choral composers, including Opus 7’s Composer-in-Residence John Muehleisen, and Opus 7’s Student Choral Composition Awards Program winners. |
The Road of MercyOpus 7 presents an inventive and powerful concert of choral music for the Lenten season, which includes Benjamin Britten’s great masterpiece, Cantata Misericordium for choir; soloists Eric Neuville, tenor and Charles Robert Stephens, baritone; harp; percussion; piano; and string orchestra. This dramatic retelling of the parable of the Good Samaritan compels us to show mercy to our neighbor. (more…) |
Aye, Sing we now of Joy!St. James Cathedral Resident Ensemble Opus 7 rings in the joyous seasons of Advent and Christmas with a stunning program of European and American favorites. (more…) |
GSCC Seattle Sings! Festival"The Greater Seattle Choral Consortium is proud to gather together 35 of our member choirs in a three-day event of public performances." |
It’s about Time
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25th-Anniversary CelebrationA musical celebration of Opus 7's 25th Anniversary! |
BlessedJoin St. James Cathedral Resident Ensemble Opus 7, directed by Loren Pontén, for a stunning concert of dramatic choral music for the Lenten Season by Northwest composer Bern Herbolsheimer. This performance will feature Herbolsheimer’s Stabat Mater for choir, soprano soloist, oboe and strings; his monumental Seven Last Words and the deeply moving David Mourns, both for a cappella choir; as well as Blessed for women’s choir and piano. This concert is featured in the Herbolsheimer Festival, a year-long celebration of the musical legacy of Bern Herbolsheimer. |
Peace in Our Time
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My Spirit RejoicesDon’t miss this concert by St. James Cathedral Resident Ensemble Opus 7 as they celebrate their 25th-Anniversary Season with some of their favorite choral music for Advent and Christmas. The concert will feature Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara’s a cappella choral masterpiece Magnificat; music by Northwest composers John Muehleisen, Bern Herbolsheimer, and Robert Scandrett; and music by Herbert Howells, Gerald Finzi, Benjamin Britten and others. |
Tonight’s Concert POSTPONED
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All NorthwestJoin our celebration of the musical contributions of some of our region’s most prominent choral composers. This popular biannual event features choral works by Northwest composers, including Opus 7’s Composer-in-Residence John Muehleisen, and Opus 7’s Student Choral Composition Awards Program winners. |
PhoenixJoin St. James Cathedral Resident Ensemble Opus 7, directed by Loren Pontén, for a stunning concert of dramatic choral music for the Lenten Season. |
Music for the Feast of Saint NicholasDon't miss St. James Cathedral Resident Ensemble Opus 7’s celebration for the Feast of St. Nicholas with Benjamin Britten’s brilliantly entertaining and moving cantata, Saint Nicolas. This joyous cantata for choir, orchestra, tenor soloist, and children's choirs will feature young singers from St. James’ own Youth Music Program (Stacey Sunde, director) and Dr. Paul Thornock, organist. |
The Voice of the RainAfter a long, hot summer, the sound of a long-awaited Pacific Northwest rainfall soothes the earth and our souls. Opus 7 invites you to their first concert of the season with a stunning selection of choral music celebrating the sounding seas and the voice of the rain. Music by Eric Whitacre, John Muehleisen, Edward Elgar, Gerald Finzi, Claude Debussy, Bern Herbolsheimer, J. A. C. Redford, Eric Barnum, and others. |
Greater Seattle Choral Consortium 2015 Choral FestivalOpus 7 will perform about 9:00 pm on Friday night. The Greater Seattle Choral Consortium is proud to announce our second Seattle Sings choral festival to be presented October 8th through October 10th 2015 at Saint Mark's Cathedral, located on Seattle's Capitol Hill. More information → |
Peter Hallock memorial celebration |
Let My Prayer Arise
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Robert Scandrett Musical Memorial ConcertPlease join us for a Musical Memorial Concertin honor ofRobert Leland Scandrett
It was Bob’s wish to have one of his favorite pieces, Gabriel Faure’s Requiem, sung at his memorial. The performance will be with chamber orchestra, organ, and around 100 singers from many of the choral organizations where Bob conducted or sang – including Opus 7, the University Congregational Church Choir, Seattle Symphony Chorale, Midsummer Musical Retreat and Western Washington University. (more…) |
Shining Rose of Heaven
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Festival of St. James ChoirsOpus 7 will be performing as part of a festival concert with the St. James Schola, Seattle Pro Musica and the Medieval Women’s choir. (more…) |
All Northwest
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Spring FollyLink to map and directions (Trinity Parish web site) |
Grant Us Peace: Lenten Music for Choir and Chamber Orchestra
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A Boy Was Born
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Beautiful MindsThis concert will feature works by composers and poets who created works of magnificent beauty in the midst of their own personal struggles with mental illness. Their determination to persevere in their artistic endeavors is an example and an encouragement to all who face personal afflictions, whether physical or mental. (more…) |
Chorus America |
All Northwest |
Grant Us PeaceSt. James Cathedral resident ensemble Opus 7 invites you to join them and special guests - percussionist Karen Sunmark and St. James Associate Organist Clint Kraus – for a concert of deeply moving works for the Lenten season that center around the theme of our desire for peace in the midst of travail and the hope that comes from the promise of peace and resolution. (more…) |
I Sing of a Maiden |
If Music Be the Food of Love |
Opus 7 Vocal Ensemble
Opus 7 is delighted to present our second concert of our 30th-anniversary Year of Celebration - music for Advent and Christmas with harp, handbells, choir & soloists - December 10th at St. James Cathedral!Celebrate the Joy and Mystery of the season at Seattle's most iconic sacred space.MAGNIFICAT - a sparkling work for soprano soloist, solo treble trio, and mixed choir by Belgian composer Rudi TasHYMN TO THE THEOTOKOS - world premiere of this Orthodox hymn setting by Los Angeles-based composer Michael ParaskevasMusic for harp and choir, including "The First Miracle" from This Night by John Muehleisen and two works for choir and harp by Bern Herbolsheimer.More Advent and Christmas music by Herbert Howells, Morton Lauridsen, John Tavener, Steven Martland, and by Zoltán Kodály.Opus 7 Vocal EnsembleLoren Pontén, founder & artistic directorClarice Alfonso, sopranoAlison Austin, harp
After nearly two years of hiatus due to the pandemic, Opus 7 is thrilled to present Finding Light in Darkness, a program of music featuring inspirational texts of faith, hope, and love.Our first concert of 2022 presents a collection of extraordinary works spanning six centuries from some of the greatest European and American choral composers, setting some of the most profound and prayerful texts in the choral repertoire. Composers include Howells, Parry, Schütz, Gibbons; Welsh native Paul Mealor; and Seattle’s own Peter Hallock and John Muehleisen.We will sing three pieces by the Anglican composer Peter Hallock, who was Director of Music and conductor of the Compline Choir at Seattle’s iconic St. Mark’s Cathedral for a span of more than 60 years. “Rachel’s Lament,” a movement from Hallock’s liturgical drama Days of Herod, narrates the grief of a mother’s loss through a dialogue between two soloists with handbell accompaniment. There is a Stream, with text by 17th-century poet John Mason, describes a heavenly Paradise. Phoenix—whose text is adapted from an ancient Christian poem—combines choir, harp, and cello to express the miraculous resurrection of the Phoenix rising from the ashes, representing Christ’s Resurrection.Seattle native John Muehleisen, Opus 7’s critically-acclaimed Composer-in-Residence, will be represented in an encore performance of De Profundis (Out of the Depths). This work is based on the collection of Psalm texts sung by the Israelites on their journey from captivity in Babylon to the holy city of Jerusalem.We hope you will join us for an evening of restorative and inspirational music, as we journey together to find light in darkness, all in the glorious acoustic of St. James Cathedral.
St. James Cathedral Resident Ensemble Opus 7 welcomes the holiday season with a stunning program of choral music for Advent and Christmas. “Splendid Jewel” includes Gerald Finzi’s glorious Magnificat for choir, soloists, and organ, featuring special guest organist Wyatt Smith; the first movement of Benjamin Britten’s Christ’s Nativity, an early work full of brilliance and virtuosic vocal writing; John Rutter’s beautiful double-choir motet, Hymn to the Creator of Light, dedicated to the memory of Herbert Howells; and music by Howells, Stephen Paulus, Steven Martland, József Karai, Frank Ferko, and Pacific Northwest composers Jessica French, Peter Hallock, and Opus 7’s own composer-in-residence, John Muehleisen.
Join us for our performance on Friday evening, October 11, as part of the fourth biennial Seattle Sings Choral Festival, organized by the Greater Seattle Choral Consortium. Opus 7 is one of the featured choirs honoring Northwest composer Morten Lauridsen for his many years of excellence and mentorship in the field of choral music. 
This unique and insightful concert celebrates the rich heritage of choral works by composers from the same family, including Clara and Robert Schumann (wife and husband); Fanny Hensel and Felix Mendelssohn (sister and brother); Gustav and Imogen Holst (father and daughter); Herbert and Lisa Bielawa (also father and daughter); Leopold and Wolfgang Mozart (father and son); and of course motets from the Bach family, as well as other familial combinations. The concert will also include winners of our annual Student Choral Composition Awards Program. You’re invited! Please join us after the concert for a reception in the narthex.
This critically-acclaimed group is known for its glorious sound, ardent musicality, and innovative programming of late 19th- through 21st-century repertoire. A featured work for this concert will be "Phoenix" by the renown Seattle composer Peter Hallock. This evocative setting for choir, cello and harp is from an ancient Christian poem which references several Psalms depicting images of restoration and rebirth. Other striking music for Lent by Mendelssohn, Homilius, Pizzetti, Koszewski and Penderecki.
