Notes from Our Past: Forty Years of Milestones, Memories, and Melodies – Chapter 4
A Legacy in Motion
By Brian Tingle, Co-Founder
As the Southern Oregon Repertory Singers mark four decades of music-making, Chapter Four of our story reflects a period of bold artistry, resilience, and renewed vision.
Following the triumph of our 25th anniversary performance of Mass in B minor in 2011—presented with period instruments and distinguished national soloists—we continued our exploration of masterworks with Johann Sebastian Bach’s profound St. Matthew Passion in 2014. This deeply moving performance featured an exceptional cast, including Christopher Cock as the Evangelist and Christopheren Nomura in the role of Jesus.
In 2017, we launched a defining new tradition: the James M. Collier New Works Festival. Made possible through an extraordinary endowment gift from Jim Collier, the festival embodies his vision of fostering new choral music and ensuring its place in our future. His generosity continues to resonate through every new work we bring to life.
Then came 2020—a year that reshaped the world. After our final performances on February 29and March 1, the onset of the COVID-19 brought our voices to an unprecedented pause. For 21months, our ensemble fell silent, as singers everywhere grappled with the sobering realities of aerosol transmission and the unique risks of choral singing.
When we reunited in December 2021, it was with both joy and adaptation. Masked in specially designed singer’s masks, we returned to the stage—our sound intact, though the experience felt, as many described it, “like singing in a sock.” Even so, the spirit of music endured.
In February 2022, the outbreak of war in Ukraine stirred the global artistic community. Renowned composer John Rutter responded with A Prayer for Ukraine, generously offered to choirs worldwide. That March, Rep Singers presented the Oregon premiere at a fundraiser supporting Ashland’s sister city, Sviatohirsk—a deeply moving and meaningful performance.
Our commitment to new music continued in May 2023 with the premieres of two significant works: a vibrant cantata by Will Todd and a multi-movement composition by our Composer-in-Residence, Jodi French.
In March 2024, we honored the life and legacy of our founding Music Director, Ellison Glattly. His vision shaped this ensemble from its earliest days, and his continued presence in later years as a bass singer remains a cherished memory.
December 2025 marked another milestone: our first-ever holiday concert at the beautifully restored Holly Theatre, where we performed to a sold-out audience of 1,024. The excitement continues—we look forward to returning on December 18, 2026 for what promises to become a beloved annual tradition.
As we turn our gaze toward our 50th anniversary, we ask: what lies ahead? What musical treasures from centuries past to works yet unwritten will inspire us and the next generation under the direction of Paul French?
For this chorister, and to those who have journeyed with us, it has been nothing short of a magic carpet ride through decades filled with harmony, challenge, and joy. We invite you to continue this journey with us, to experience the beauty of choral music, and to share in the wonder that still lies ahead.
Cheers to the next chapter!