Interview with Joe Baker, Marketing Coordinator for Choral Events Ensemble

Regina: What is the Chorale Arts Ensemble for those who may not have heard of it before?

Joe: The 40-voice Choral Arts Ensemble of Portland is a volunteer choir founded in 1969 in Portland, Oregon. The choir is a registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization and a performing arts ensemble that performs both sacred and secular music. See www.caeportland.com or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choral_Arts_Ensemble_of_Portland for more information.

Regina: What is the CAE's history, how did it get started?

Joe: The Choral Arts Ensemble of Portland was founded in 1969 in Portland Oregon, and was originally named the Civic Choraliers. The group hired Donald M. Tucker, a student in conducting from Portland State, as their director. That fall, the Choraliers performed a Bach cantata with full orchestral accompaniment.

Farrold Stephens took over as the Choraliers' director in the fall of 1973. He continued to present the great works of classical music as well as lighter fare. Much of the programming was relatively adventurous for a newer ensemble, including twentieth-century works by Kodaly, Hindemith, Pinkham, Poulenc, and a tribute to Benjamin Britten shortly after the composer's death.

Current Music Director and Conductor Roger O. Doyle, PhD became the Choraliers' conductor and musical director in 1978. The following year, at Doyle's suggestion, the group changed its name to the Choral Arts Ensemble of Portland in an effort to emphasize the group's exploration of "the choral arts."

The CAE presents three to five concert programs each season, and is recognized in Portland for Doyle's varied and thematic repertoire selections. Additionally, the group has presented choral masterworks of Brahms, Handel, Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, and others.

Regina: How did you originally get involved? What is your role within the organization?

Joe: After graduating from the University of Portland in 2000, I was invited to audition by Music Director, Roger O. Doyle, who also directs the University of Portland Singers. I am the CAE Bass section leader, I sit on the Board of Directors, and I volunteer as the Marketing Coordinator.

Regina: What is the holiday schedule?

Joe: The CAE presents its holiday concerts Carols for Organ and Audience December 20th at 7:30PM and December 21st at 3:00PM.

Regina: Do you have to purchase tickets? If so, how much are they?

Joe: General Admission tickets for the concerts are $5 for students, $10 for seniors, and $15 for adults. They can be purchased online at www.caeportland.com.

Regina: Where are the performances held?

Joe: Both performances will be presented at Portland's First Unitarian Church at 1211 SW Salmon St. Portland, OR 97205.

Regina: If someone is interested in participating, how do they go about doing so?

Joe: Tickets can be purchased online at www.caeportland.com. More information is available on the website or at 503-488-3834.

Regina: Are the holidays the only time there are performances?

Joe: The CAE presents 4-5 concert programs each year from October through May. Later in the 2008-2009 season the CAE will perform The Play's the Thing: Drama with Music (Feb 21-22) and Something Brassy! (Apr 25-26), both at First Unitarian Church in Portland.

Regina: Do you have anything about CAE that you'd like to share with readers?

Joe: The CAE endeavors to educate its audience on the history and significance of the music and composers it features. The group prides itself on presenting the most diverse and unique repertoire of any Northwest choral ensemble. Christmas is a great time to join the CAE in ringing in the season with fantastic holiday music from across the ages.