Walla Walla Choral Society’s proud tradition continues with June 2 concert

Robb Harrison considers hearing a large chorus sing a requiem one of life’s can’t-miss concert experiences.

“Everyone should see one at least once in their lives,” said Harrison, artistic director and conductor of the Walla Walla Choral Society. “Sitting back and letting the massive sound wash over you is such a beautiful thing.”

The Walla Walla-based community chorus will offer that opportunity on June 2 when it joins two high-school choirs and a 30-piece orchestra from the Walla Walla Symphony to perform composer Dan Forrest’s “Requiem for the Living.” The modern take on a requiem combines the traditional Catholic funeral mass liturgy with text from Ecclesiastes and the Book of Job, a harmonically textured prayer seeking relief from earthly sorrows.

“It’s some of the most beautiful music written in the 21st century, as far as I’m concerned. It’s very moving,” Harrison said.

The June 2 performance at 3 p.m. at Village Church in College Place will be the biggest show Harrison has led since taking over as the choral society’s conductor two years ago, featuring his 80-some singers and another 70 from the choral programs at Walla Walla and College Place high schools.

“This is something that doesn’t happen all the time. It’s on a larger level and scale and involves players all over the valley,” Harrison said.

Taking on an ambitious masterwork fits squarely with the mission of the Walla Walla Choral Society, which for 118 years has been devoted to sharing music its singers cherish. In additional to choral compositions, recent concerts included nights featuring Rat Pack standards and songs from films and musical theater.

“What makes the group special to me is our members’ love of bringing music to their community. They understand and know it makes the culture around them so much richer. Everybody involved in this organization is just so jazzed about bringing music to people,” Harrison said. “It’s a longstanding tradition, and we’re proud of that.”

The group’s volunteer members range in age from their early 20s to 86, Harrison said. A handful are professional vocalists, but most are Walla Walla residents with a variety of backgrounds and occupations – including three doctors.

“I know a lot of their patients don’t know they sing because they’ll be in the audience and will tell them after, “Doctor, you sing? Oh my gosh!” he said.

Harrison is among the members with a professional background. He was born in Pendleton and grew up in the Walla Walla area, but for seven years performed in operas and theatrical productions across the U.S. Since he and his family moved home three years ago, he’s been teaching choir and drama at College Place High School.

One of Harrison’s goals in the coming years for the Walla Walla Choral Society is to expand its reach in the region, arranging performances in cities such as Pendleton.

“Our instruments are our bodies, and we take them with us wherever we go. It’s not logistically difficult. We just need the space to sing,” he said.