Performances are set for Nov. 4 and 5 at First Presbyterian Church, 1111 Franklin St. in Port Townsend.  Both concerts are at 3 p.m.  Tickets available at the door for a suggested donation of $20/adult, $10/student.

Laurie de Leonne, RainShadow’s Artistic Director who is now in her second season with the group, called “Frostiana” by composer Randall Thompson the “crown jewel” of the program.  She has chosen a lineup of American art songs from the early and mid-20th century. 

“I have a passion for American music,” she said. “The 20th century was a time we really developed our own choral voice and created a repertoire that we own as a nation.” For “Frostiana,” the chorale will divide into two choirs and circle the audience from the church’s outer aisles, creating an immersive experience.

De Leonne praised the acoustics at First Presbyterian, which she said will enhance the choral sound.

Thompson’s composition is a collection of individual movements written in 1959 to celebrate the bicentennial of the town of Amherst, Massachusetts. Frost, a New Englander widely known for his spare verse, was present at the premier of the work, and after hearing “Choose Something Like a Star,” the final song, he called out and asked that it be repeated. 

Rounding out the program, de Leonne has selected a variety of songs that illustrate the variety of American musical canon and the composers who created it. Collaborative pianist Lisa Lanza of Port Townsend is also featured throughout the program, cooperating with the choir at the piano.

“RainShadow believes that audiences will enjoy and appreciate the breadth of Americana in this program,” said Chorale president Rebecca Nerison.

RainShadow Chorale is an auditioned 42-member mixed chorus which presents two concerts per year. For additional information visit rainshadowchorale.org or call 360-379-3458.