Choral Stream Stories

What is the story behind Handel’s ‘Messiah,’ and why is it performed at both Christmas and Easter? Here’s everything you need to know about this enduring holiday masterpiece, including the best recordings.

This Easter, as always, the 'Messiah' oratorio is in full play. But do you want to venture beyond Handel's masterpiece? Then check out our picks for 10 other great works for Holy Week.

Celebrate Holy Week with the North American premiere of a choral and orchestra setting of ‘Psalm 103,’ by Johann Schelle, recorded by the Buxtehude Festival Chorale and Orchestra, led by Brian A. Schmidt. Listen now.

Minneapolis’ Augsburg/Mirandola Chamber Collective recently had the privilege of recording with British vocal powerhouse Voces8 and its Voces8 U.S. Scholars, a stupendous event captured by YourClassical MPR. Listen now as they perform the breathtaking “The Day Sky” and the majestic “Hail, Gladdening Light.”

Choral legend Philip Brunelle has done it all. He’s the founder and artistic director of VocalEssence, a vocal ensemble based at the Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis. He recently talked to Minnesota Public Radio about his esteemed career. Listen now!

The College Rank website has put together a list of the nation’s top college choirs. But there’s plenty to question about its rankings, especially in the Land of 10,000 Choirs.

The celebrated King’s Singers return to the Twin Cities on Feb. 18 for the first time in six years as part of their ‘Legacies’ seven-city national tour. Find out more about the show, which will include ‘a tour of Scandinavia.’

The Oslo Chamber Choir was founded in 1984 by Grete Pedersen. The ensemble has acquired a unique expression by being the only choir where all the singers are profoundly trained in Norwegian folk music singing. Listen now to the Oslo Chamber Choir’s recent performance at St. Olaf College, with host Steve Staruch.

Each December, the Center for Faith and Life at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, rings out with the sacred and the exuberant: the sounds of the Christmas season. Enjoy the 2022 program, ‘The Gifts They Gave Emmanuel.’

Undine Smith Moore knew the importance of music education from an early age. But despite her success, she still doubted her abilities and accomplishments as a composer, citing racism. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.