Mass Appeal

This afternoon I’ll be attending Mass Appeal, where Cappella Romana joins the Portland Youth Philharmonic Camerata for Igor Stravinsky’s crisp, modern Mass for choir and double wind quintet and Anton Bruckner’s soaring Mass No. 2 in E minor for double choir, reeds, and brass, with guest conductor David Hattner. These two works couldn’t be more different, yet together they promise an afternoon that speaks to both discipline and devotion — two qualities that define Portland’s choral scene at its best.

I don’t feel the need to write a concert preview, as that has already been elegantly written by Daryl Browne for Oregon ArtsWatch, or program notes, which have been thoughtfully constructed by Mark Powell.

But, what I do want to write about is the fact that we have a world-renowned choral ensemble here in Portland and many people aren’t aware how unique that is. Full disclosure, I sang with Cappella Romana for over 20 years, from 1997-2018, and I didn’t realize myself until many years into my tenure what a rare and distinctive ensemble they were.

Cappella Romana specializes in early and contemporary sacred music of the Christian East and West, particularly Byzantine chant and works inspired by Orthodox traditions. This focus is rare among professional choirs, giving Cappella Romana a distinctive artistic identity rooted in both historical scholarship and living performance tradition. The ensemble is closely connected with academic research, as founder and music director Alexander Lingas is both a conductor and scholar, which ensures that performances are informed by the latest historical and musicological discoveries, bridging the gap between scholarship and artistry.

The choir’s singers are specialists in an unusually broad range of vocal techniques, from the resonant sonorities of Byzantine chant to the refined polyphony of Renaissance and the rhythmic and harmonic challenges of modern choral music. This versatility creates a sound that is both powerful and precise. Nearly all of the singers perform with other vocal ensembles in town, including In Mulieribus, Resonance Ensemble, Cantores in Ecclesia, and many more.

When I think about Portland’s professional choral singers, the first words that come to mind are dedication and balance. Many sing in several choirs, teach, tour, and hold day jobs — all while keeping families and creative lives in motion. It’s hard work, but it’s also what gives Portland’s choral community its heart.

What strikes me most is how ensembles like Cappella Romana elevate Portland’s entire choral community. Having sung with them for so many years, I know firsthand the dedication, artistry, and camaraderie that drive their work. Their presence reminds me that world-class music doesn’t just happen elsewhere. It thrives right here at home, sustained by singers who teach, perform, and give so much of themselves to this city’s musical life.

Tickets are still available at the Cappella Romana website. Today – Sunday, October 26th at 2 pm at St. Mary’s Cathedral.