Honoring the past and looking to the future

Tomorrow morning, many members, including several founding ones, will gather via Zoom to begin the 20th season of Northwest Repertory Singers.

18 years ago today, NWRS sponsored Tacoma’s participation in the worldwide “Rolling Requiem” —a commemoration of the first anniversary of the September 11 attacks with performances of Mozart’s Requiem across each time zone of the globe.

We’ll never forget the power of music to unify, heal, inspire and lift others up that day. Sharing the gift of music and meeting people right where they are and whatever they are facing is a gift.It’s something that our founder, Dr. Paul Schultz, reminded us during every rehearsal and performance until his retirement two seasons ago.

And now, under the artistic direction of Kyle Haugen, two full decades after our inaugural concert year, we find ourselves with the wonderful opportunity to share the gift of music in a different way – a virtual one. Will we miss the in-person hugs and pre and post-rehearsal chat times? Of course we will. But our choir family remains strong, rooted in a foundation of love for the music we sing, those we sing with and those we sing for, in-person and virtual audiences included. Music, after all is said and done, through the most difficult and incomprehensible of times can always, always make everything better.

Special Presentation from Our Archives

We wish we could share our May 2 and 3 concerts with you. From our musical family to yours, we hope you are staying safe and well.

In place of our concerts, we’re offering this online audio presentation of one of our milestone performances: Ein deutsches Requiem, by Johannes Brahms. Watch and listen below or cast to your device via YouTube.

May the poignancy and power of this music inspire you during this time.

Ein deutsches Requiem, Op. 45, Johannes Brahms (1833–1897)

Northwest Repertory Singers with Rainier Symphony

Conducted by Paul W. Schultz, Founder and Artistic Director Emeritus, Northwest Repertory Singers

Charles Robert Stephens, baritone

Janeanne Houston, soprano

Live performance, May 2014

Text and translation here.

For the health and safety of our community, and in light of evolving and more stringent guidelines, it’s clear we must cancel our May 2 and 3 concerts.

These concerts will not be rescheduled. (more here…)

Contrasts – Classical, Modern, and More

Our spring program shines a spotlight on our theme of CONTRASTS with works by great composers of the Classical era, including Beethoven (celebrating the 250th anniversary of his birth), plus choral works from the opposite end of the musical spectrum and World music influences. We are delighted to be joined by our special guests, the White River High School Chamber Choir, directed by Robin Howard.

Saturday, May 2, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. (Cancelled)

Sunday, May 3, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. (Cancelled)

Thank you, Donors, to Giving Tuesday!

Contrasts: Christmas Ancient, Christmas Modern

Bring your family and friends to the Northwest Repertory Singers celebration of the Christmas season! Featuring Vivaldi’s Gloria with orchestra, contrasting modern works, and traditional carols for choir and audience.

Saturday, December 7, 2019, at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 8, 2019, at 3:00 p.m.