The Orcas Choral Society bids founding director Catherine Pederson a fond fare-thee-well after 33 years, saying she has shown gracious, steadfast dedication, skillful conducting and the ability to select eclectic and fabulous choral pieces.

Pederson will step down following May’s spring concert (see story below), passing the artistic director baton to local music producer Roger Sherman, but plans to stay involved with the group in other ways.

“I’ll always be connected,” she said. “The Choral Society is a manifestation in our community of the importance of choral music to all of us. When we lift our voices in song, we feed our souls.”

The group Pederson founded in 1977 has blossomed into a 60-member choral society. While the first performances were held at the Orcas Grange, in later years part of the choir traveled to Scotland and Carnegie Hall to join Canadian choirs in performing “Celtic Mass for the Sea.” On those trips, “she made divas of all of us,” said Jan Cleveland.

“I loved our early performances at the Grange before Orcas Center was built and now feel, every time we sing at Orcas Center, our great good fortune in having such a beautiful hall for our performances,” Pederson said.

She said one of her favorite memories is “seeing everyone on stage and ready to sing after all that hard work – everyone looking happy and loving their music.”

Pederson also enjoyed knowing that the music brought people joy or comfort.

Now, after many years of making beautiful music together, Pederson said it’s the right time to pass the baton.

“The choir is in a good place right now,” she said. “I’ve done it long enough. I feel it’s the right decision. We’ve had a wonderful spring of sharing music and friendship.”

Choir members had lots to say about Pederson’s leadership, calling her “patient, charming, vivacious, witty, compassionate, detail-oriented, a classy dresser, and joyful.” They said she has “a heart of gold” and “a knack for picking good music.” And on a humorous note, “She gives us a special look when we get it right … and another special look when we don’t.”

Choir member Terri Triplett said she felt Pederson’s leadership helped the choir become a gift to the island that knits the community together, despite uncertain times.

“She’s been a rock on the rock,” she said. “I admire her unfailing dedication all these years. I can hardly remember a rehearsal that she’s ever missed,” said Triplett.

By Pederson’s count, she has missed fewer than 10 rehearsals in her 33 years of directing the choir.

“The whole island has benefited by her presence,” said David Evans, a 10-year choir member. “Through the years it’s been a wonderful, stable element in the community … the real gift that she has is her choice of music, inviting us to explore music in all of its manifestations, all the way from the wonderful Buddhist chant, ‘Gate Gate,’ to John Rudder’s ‘Magnificat’ … And we always do something goofy.”

And long-time accompanist Louellen McCoy said, “I have her to thank for improving my musicianship, exposing me to so much wonderful music … and for the pleasure of 25 years working together, playing piano together and friendship.”

Orcas Choral Society spring concerts

The Orcas Choral Society is celebrating its 33rd year with “Songs We Love To Sing.” Choir and instruments combine to take the listener on a musical journey of some of the favorite Orcas Choral Society pieces over the years. Catherine Pederson, Founding Director/Artistic Director, will be retiring following this concert. This will also be the last concert for Patty Johnson, accompanist. The concerts will take place at the Orcas Center on Saturday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 9 at 2 p.m.

Many of the pieces that “made the final cut” have stories or memories from past concerts. The power of relationships through music, love, and nature reflect the unique aspects of life on Orcas Island as well as into the entire world of human experience. The program could also be seen as a 33-year-old musical journey of the Orcas Choral Society.

Expressing a love for the sea and its creatures, “The Celtic Mass for the Sea,” by Canadian Cape Breton islanders Scott Macmillan and Jennyfer Brickenden, had its United States premier by the Orcas Choral Society and was performed again on Orcas in 2002. Some members of the Orcas Choral Society participated in the Carnegie Hall premier in 2002. “Introit,” ”Agnus Dei,” and “Dismissal” are the sections included in this concert. A dramatic musical expression of “He who tramples on the world, tramples on himself” reminds us that our individual choices can be far reaching.

Other songs with Cape Breton Island influences include the poignant, “Fare Thee Well Love” by James Rankin; the nostalgic “Away from the Roll of the Sea” by Allister MacGillvray; and the rollicking “Tell My Ma When I Go Home,” which is a traditional Irish children’s street song featuring J.P. Wittman on a blazing fiddle.

“The Rose” was commissioned for the Orcas Choral Society’s 30th anniversary by Fred Whitridge in honor of Betty Whitridge. The text is a poem by Pulitzer prize-winning poet, Theodore Roethke, written after a visit to the San Juan Islands, with music by Canadian composer, Stephen Chatman.

“The Month of May” by Clement Janequin has often been chosen as the May concert opening song. “Selections from the Music Man” by Meredith Willson is another timeless favorite that was performed by the Orcas Choral Society at the opening of the Orcas Center. Opening the second half of the concert, The Quick Singers Ensemble shares the Irish Air, “Quick! We Have But a Second.”

“River in Judea” by Jack Feldman and “The Heavenly Aeroplane” by John Rutter offer two different approaches to spiritual transcendence. “Where Your Bare Foot Walks,” music by David Childs, from texts by the poet Rumi, also follows this theme but through the imagery of clouds dissolving in sunlight and romantic love.

Featured performers and instrumentalists include: Pam Evans, alto soloist; Holly King, soprano soloist; J.P. Wittman, fiddle; Becky Deryckx, whistle and flute; Scott Heisinger, Pamela Wright, violin; Lisa Humphrey, viola; Dale Heisinger, cello; Jon Humphrey, string bass; Dave Zoeller, Anita Orne, guitar; Gordon Koenig, stand up bass; Penny Sharp-Sky, Jim Schaffer-Bauck, percussion; Kathi Ciskowski, Mary Gropp, Schaffer-Bauck, readers.

A gala reception in the Madrona room follows each concert and will honor Pederson.

Tickets are available for the concerts by calling the Orcas Center Box office at 376-2281 or online at www.orcascenter.org. The cost is $10 for adults and $3 for children and students.