For the 28th year, any Seattle singer of whatever caliber can join in
the Summer Sings, hosted by the Seattle Symphony Chorale.

For five consecutive Tuesday evenings at the Swedish Cultural Center,
for a nominal sum, you can join with your fellows to sing through one
of several big choral works, each session conducted by an area choral
conductor.

Next Tuesday, the second Summer Sing, it's Dvorak's "Stabat Mater,"
conducted by Anthony Spain, music director of the Northwest Symphony
Orchestra and the Bainbridge Chorale. (Spain and the Northwest
Symphony have just won their seventh ASCAP award, first place in their
category of orchestras with an annual budget under $470,000.)

Succeeding sessions will enjoy the Verdi "Requiem," July 31 under Paul
Schultz of the Northwest Repertory Singers; Haydn's "Lord Nelson"
Mass, Aug. 7 with Jerry Yonkman of the University of Puget Sound; and
Mendelssohn's "Elijah," Aug. 14 with James Savage of St. James Cathedral.

"It's a lot of fun," says Spain. "One of the best parts is for singers
to sing stuff new to them. With the Dvorak, they get to enjoy a
terrific piece which is making a comeback."

Choruses, he says, are always on the lookout for works beyond the
standards, and this year's offerings are deliberately a little outside
the norm, though none so unfamiliar they would be difficult to read.

"We performed the 'Stabat Mater' 18 months ago, and the orchestra and
chorus were just blown away," he says.

He feels it's a great challenge to conduct these performances. "We
have to be conductors at our best, to see how much we can accomplish
in one session, try to get inside the work on some level, be convinced
by it. The a cappella parts in the last 'Stabat Mater' chorus are
riveting."

Summer Sings on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. through Aug. 14 at the Swedish
Cultural Center, 1920 Dexter Ave N. $10 at the door. Bring your own
score if you have one. Information: 206-215-4728