Choral Stream Stories

Minnesota choir 29:11 International Exchange draws from its African roots

Watch as the Minnesota-based ensemble 29:11 International Exchange, many of whose singers and instrumentalists hail from South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo, tap into their African roots to, as co-founder Brendon Adams says, “spread love and reconciliation through our music.” Enjoy the results of their recent recording session with YourClassical MPR.

Listen: National Lutheran Choir presents farewell concert for conductor David Cherwien

The National Lutheran Choir presents its season finale and farewell concert, ‘Ventures Known & Unknown,’ featuring some of departing conductor David Cherwien’s favorite repertoire during his 21-year tenure with the ensemble. Listen to the concert now, with host Steve Staruch.

This choir from South Africa spent two years singing in Britain, and even performed for Queen Victoria in 1891. But their journey did not end well.

South African choir sang for Queen Victoria, with great highs — and awful lows

The singers traveled to England for a tour to raise money to build a technical college. Their story is receiving renewed attention because of a new dance performance based on the concert tour.

Watch: Voces8 Scholars and Augsburg/Mirandola singers join forces for 'Nunc Dimittis'

YourClassical MPR recently hosted the Voces8 Scholars in our flagship recording studio — and what an endeavor it turned out to be. Among the highlights of the three-day session by the U.S.-based training ensemble for the U.K.’s esteemed Voces8 was a recording of Paul Smith’s ‘Nunc Dimittis’ performed with the Minneapolis-based Augsburg/Mirandola Chamber Collective. Watch now!

Listen: National Lutheran Choir performs Steve Heitzeg's 'Lament of the Earth'

On Saturday, April 22, YourClassical MPR broadcasted the premiere of Minnesota composer Steve Heitzeg’s ‘Lament of the Earth.’ Performers included the National Lutheran Choir, the Minnesota Boychoir, soloist Clara Osowski and conductor David Cherwien. Listen to on-demand audio of the broadcast now!

Courtland Pickens directing youth choir, Known MPLS.

Known MPLS choir director leads a musical quest for community healing

The Minneapolis youth choir Known MPLS is making an impact in song and in community. ‘Known MPLS first and foremost exists to consistently provide a safe space for youth to thrive,’ director Courtland Pickens says. Find out more about these remarkable singers, and watch their performance of ‘Up Above My Head.’

Watch: Voces8 Scholars perform Minnesota composer Shruthi Rajasekar's 'Sat on the Shore'

During the Voces8 Scholars’ recent recording residency with YourClassical MPR, the young singers enjoyed the privilege of working with Minnesota composer Shruthi Rajasekar. Watch and listen now as they perform the Midwestern premiere of her vibrant new piece ‘Sat on the Shore,’ which urges listeners to ‘put away your mobile devices’ and enjoy the beauty of the world around you.

Watch: Jason Max Ferdinand Singers join Coldplay on 'SNL'

Choral fans received a nice surprise over the weekend when Coldplay performed on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and was unexpectedly joined by the Jason Max Ferdinand Singers and YouTube sensation Jacob Collier on ‘Fix You’ and ‘The Astronaut.’ Watch now!

'A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols'

YourClassical MPR’s live broadcast of 'A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols' from King's College, Cambridge, with host Michael Barone, has ended. You may download the Order of Service for the 2022 program.

Explore Martin Luther King Jr.'s musical side

Martin Luther King Jr.’s life often focuses on his pivotal moments such as his "I Have a Dream" speech. But music filled and inspired his most intimate moments that made him the leader he is remembered as today. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.