Bringing quality classical and contemporary choral music to midcoast Maine and beyond for over 40 years.

Photography courtesy of Marti Stone Photography

Interested in joining Down East Singers?

Please follow the link on the “Join” page to register for the upcoming Fall 2026 Concert season. NEW LINK COMING SOON.

Membership fees for fall semester are $80. Scholarships are available. New singers of all voice parts are welcome to join us. A voice placement check is required for part placement, and the ability to match pitch and control vibrato is required for the caliber of music we perform. Sight reading skills are desired but not required. Students under 18 years of age sing for free.

Members are expected to work on their music between rehearsals and to attend rehearsals regularly. Study aids for the music will be provided. A maximum of three absences is allowed.

For the first rehearsal, Tuesday, September 15, 2026, doors will open at 6 p.m. New singers are encouraged to come early to take care of voice placement checks prior to the rehearsal.

Down East Singers was founded in 1979 by Marion Gray and has performed masterworks from the Baroque to the contemporary period. Past performances can be viewed on the group's YouTube channel. The group's commercial recording of the Rachmaninoff Liturgy is available for sale at rehearsals.

Upcoming Concerts

French- and French-Canadian theme, with Ti Acadie as a partner performer and Sierra Lary as the soloist.

Marc-Antoine Charpentier: Messe de Minuit pour Noël.

a mass based on French Christmas carols.

The Gloria by Francis Poulenc

one of the finest choral pieces of the 20th century.

Turlutte acadienne montréalaise by Marie-Claire Saindon

an original melody hailing from the traditional Acadian and Québecois musical practice of the “turlutte,” or mouth-reel.

***

Friday, December 4, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. Rockland Congregational Church, 180 Limerock Street, Rockland

Sunday, December 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. First Congregational Church of Camden, 55 Elm St, Camden

$25.00, students 18 and under, free with ticket.

Down East Singers, founded in 1979 by Marion Gray, is a musical organization specifically incorporated to create opportunities for participation and enrichment for community members to perform quality choral music under professional leadership and to bring affordable live choral music performances to community audiences. This experience enables those with talent and musical interest to develop their musical potential, while at the same time striving for excellence in musical performance.

What the Critics Say:

Testimonials
Quote 3

“That’s pretty sophisticated stuff… and it reflects their director’s unerring musical sensitivity.”

-Ellsworth American

Read more →
Quote 4

“So many singers working so hard to produce such small dynamics bears on the mystery of this music, suggesting unending tone.”

-The American Organist

Read more →
Quote 5

“What this amateur (in the best sense of the word) brings to this performance is a sense of enthusiasm and discovery that illuminates the piece in a remarkable manner.”

-Stephen Ritter, American Record Guide

Read more →
Quote 6

“Dr. Antolini has found the perfect instrument to perform this masterpiece. Mostly non-professionals, they have produced a miracle.”

-Brunswick Times-Record

Read more →
Quote 7

“The Rachmaninoff Liturgy is so well done…one hopes that it might be possible to have a second performance.”

-Christopher Hyde, Maine Sunday Telegram

Read more →
Quote 2

“Joy and – dare I say it? – love of this music is communicated with an easy-going singing style that invites the listener to sit back and enjoy the music.”

-Stephen Ritter, American Record Guide

Read more →
Quote 1

“They exhibit tremendous dynamic range from mere whispers to mighty fortissimo that tingles one’s spine.”

-Daily Hampshire Gazette

Read more →