Notes from Our Past: Forty Years of Milestones, Memories, and Melodies – Chapter 2
From Humble Beginnings to a New Chapter
A New Era Begins with the Arrival of Paul French
Southern Oregon Repertory Singers began with an idea in a pub: gather dedicated singers, build community through music, and see what might be possible. The early years were filled with energy, experimentation, and a shared belief that choral music could enrich the cultural life of Southern Oregon. As leadership changed and new voices arrived, that original spark continued to grow. The story of our second chapter begins here.
When Ellison Glattly founded Southern Oregon Repertory Singers, he drew singers from the vocal music program at Southern Oregon State College, while others were recruited by word of mouth throughout the community. By the fall of 1989, however, Ellison left to pursue his doctorate in music and then pivoted to follow another passion-becoming a golf teaching professional, which landed him in Sacramento.
With Ellison’s departure, SOSC launched a national search for a new Director of Vocal/Choral Activities and hired Dr. Paul French, a newly minted DMA graduate from the USC Thornton School of Music. A versatile tenor, conductor, and scholar, Paul arrived in Ashland ready to build something special. He discovered a small but committed ensemble eager for new leadership, and under his direction, the first concert featured just 24 singers: the nucleus of what would become today’s Southern Oregon Repertory Singers.
One of Paul’s earliest initiatives came in 1991: a fundraising gathering in a board member’s home. Six guests attended. At the end of the evening, a single gift came in: a check for $25. Humble as it was, it was the very first official donation to Southern Oregon Repertory Singers, and it marked the beginning of a supportive community that has continued to grow ever since.
Momentum followed quickly. In 1994, after submitting an audition recording, the ensemble was selected to perform at the American Choral Directors Association Pacific Northwest regional conference in Tacoma. It was the first “road trip” for Rep Singers and they returned a decade later for a second ACDA performance in2004.
Milestones in creativity followed. In 1996, SORS launched “Mozart’s Birthday Bash,” celebrating the composer’s 240th birthday in collaboration with the Northwest Bach Ensemble. OSF actor (and Rep Singer) John Stadelman appeared as Herr Mozart himself, introducing each piece, and the audience enjoyed Viennese pastries and champagne at intermission. The beloved tradition continued for nearly a decade, with Jefferson Public Radio’s Geoffrey Riley elevating the role of Mozart even further.
That same year, Ellison Glattly returned to the Rogue Valley, this time as a baritone/bass and became a cornerstone of the lower voices for many seasons.1996 also brought a landmark artistic step: Rep Singers’ first commissioned choral work, written by Paul’s longtime friend Craig Kingsbury. The fee? A premium bottle of Single Malt Scotch. And that was all the budget could bear in those early days. In 2000, Rep Singers also released its first professional CD, In Time of Softest Snow, featuring works by Kingsbury and others. By 2002, Kingsbury officially joined Rep Singers as Composer-in-Residence, a role that helped shape the identity of the ensemble for years to come.
From a 24-member group and a $25 donation to regional recognition, commissioning projects, and professional recordings, this era marked the transformation of Southern Oregon Repertory Singers into a bold, ambitious, and adventurous choral community grounded in artistry, gratitude, and a shared love of music.