Putnam Chorale

10/12/2026

“People are so inhibited about their voices these days,” says Rachel Dempsey, founder of Singing for Change. “They’re so full of shame because someone once told them they can’t sing. But really, it’s denying people their human right – to sing with others.”

10/12/2026

The Summer Ensemble of the Putnam Chorale performed a series of concerts throughout May, June, July and September, celebrating the historical roots of American music in celebration of our 250th anniversary. Take a listen to one of our favorites, "Roll, Jordan, Roll" a spiritual created by enslaved African Americans, developed from a song written by Isaac Watts in the 18th century which became well known among slaves in the United States during the 19th century.

09/22/2026

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to our weekly engagement list! 🎉

Amy Rastadt, Rosa Morales, Judy Challis

09/22/2026

On Saturday, the Putnam Chorale’s Summer Ensemble will perform its last concert of its “American Tapestry”program, a musical celebration of our 250th Anniversary of the founding of our great nation as a democratic republic. We are joining forces with the Lyall Community Church in Millbrook, which is, itself, celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Join us on Saturday, Sept 26, at 3pm to hear songs from the colonial era, patriotic favorites, and songs by American luminaries like Leonard Bernstein and George Gershwin. This concert is free to the public.

09/20/2026

The Summer Ensemble of the Putnam Chorale is a select group of singers from the Putnam Chorale, who continue to perform long after the May concerts are over. This summer, we celebrated the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution with a new program titled "American Tapestry." The repertoire follows the arc of American music, from the colonial era to the near present day. All summer long, we performed at historic venues in Putnam and Dutchess counties, and this video is from our next-to-last concert at Memorial Hall in Beacon. Next Saturday, we'll perform our final concert at the Lyall Community Church in Millbrook at 3pm.

The song on the video is one of our favorites...."Roll, Jordan, Roll," a spiritual in the American Gospel tradition.

09/18/2026

In case you're wondering what we sound like, our concerts are posted on YouTube. Here's the link to our December 2026 concert titled, Shimmering Night: Songs of Mystery and Wonder.

Works by Britten, Gjeilo, and Cohen; performed Saturday, December 6...

09/16/2026

We are still accepting new singers.

09/15/2026

The Putnam Chorale held its first rehearsal of the fall semester last night and welcomed 14 new members. Thank you, all, for joining this wonderful community of music makers. It’s going to be a great season.

09/08/2026

The Putnam Chorale has 79 singers as of today. But we still need more tenor and bass voices. If you love to sing, consider joining us. Rehearsals begin Monday, September 14 at Casey Hall in Carmel High School. Registration will start at 6:30pm and rehearsals will run from 7:00 to 9:30pm every Monday. Female tenors are welcomed; and many husband/wife, boyfriend/girlfriend couples join. It's a great way to spend a Monday evening together. You can learn more, and preregister at: https://forms.gle/vdfqiDpYMpbUZhTJ8

08/28/2026

Thank you, Southern Dutchess News, for the coverage. Rehearsals begin on Monday, Sept 14 at 7:00pm at the Carmel High School’s Casey Hall. To preregister, go to: https://forms.gle/LkMjjAmJRigEYVGq7

We are especially in need of tenors and bass singers, although as long as you can sing, everyone is welcome.