Our Beginnings

In the summer of 2001, Cynthia Haberman Marlette assembled a small, dedicated group of vocalists who recognized a lack of choral opportunities for adult singers in the Coeur d'Alene area, and made a decision to form a new chorale. The Northwest Sacred Music Chorale was born, and the following mission statement was adopted:

"The Northwest Sacred Music Chorale exists to promote the highest standards in performance of quality choral music including sacred, classical and secular works for the enjoyment and education of its membership and its audiences."

Where We Are Today

2012-2013 launches our twelfth season, and in this brief history, our original intentions have been met. We are incorporated and maintain a 501(C)3 tax exempt status.

We have performed to very enthusiastic audiences, some of which have been "standing room only!" We have been recognized by other musical organizations in the Inland Northwest as witnessed by the invitation we received from the Spokane area "Cathedral In The Arts" series to participate in the April 2003 production of MISSA GAIA at the Cathedral of St. John, the Evangelist.

Our Repertoire

Some of our repertoire highlights have included John Rutter's Gloria with brass, organ and percussion, Hayden's Mass In Time of War with full orchestra, and Vivaldi's Gloria and Beethoven's Ninth Symphony as joint collaborations with the Coeur d'Alene Symphony Orchestra. We are committed to performing outstanding choral music from yesterday to today. The future of the Northwest Sacred Music Chorale is bright. We are pleased to have Mary Sims Johnson as our conductor and Gaynell Coppess as assistant conductor. Our talented accompanist is Marietta Hardy.

Welcome to Our 2012 - 2013 Season!

Welcome to the 2012-2013 concert season of the Northwest Sacred Music Chorale! Again, this year’s musical journey with our three main concerts are all at the fabulous Kroc Center in Coeur d'Alene. As our attendance continues to grow, we once again want to thank you so much for your support of our group.

We also team with the Coeur d'Alene Symphony for an annual performance of "Handel's Messiah" at the Lake City Community Church on December 1st, 2012.

Concert Schedule

The 2012 Fall Concert November 17th, 7:00 PM and November 18th, 3:00 PM will feature the NWSMC performing the major work "Requiem" by French composer Gabriel Faure’. This special presentation will include powerful baritone solos, a pure soprano solo, and a chamber orchestra.  In addition, the Fall Concert program will also feature classical hymn arrangements by Ralph Vaughn Williams, “For All the Saints” and a rousing spiritual (Moses Hogan’s, “Elijah Rock”.)

On December 1st, the Chorale will team with the Coeur d’Alene Symphony to present Handel’s Messiah as a Sing-along at the Lake City Community Church (7:00 PM) in Coeur d’Alene.

The 2012 Christmas Concert December 19th, with performances at 5:00 PM & 8:00 PM features a traditional “Lessons and Carols” format seen in Christian churches throughout the world.  In addition to audience participation, this concert will also spotlight outside artists that will make this concert a joy-filled experience of the Christmas season.

Our 2013 Spring Concert on April 13th at 7:00 PM and on the 14th at 3:00 PM will highlight music for both Lent & Easter, inviting the audiences to participate in pieces written for this solemn yet jubilant time of year.  Musical selections by diverse composers: Pablo Casals, Anton Bruckner, John Ireland and Dave Brubeck will be featured.

Please plan to attend all four concerts, in order to experience the fullness of the Liturgical year as presented for you in an array of lively, beautiful, and thrilling music performed by the Northwest Sacred Music Chorale.