Classical Minnesota Stories

Former classical director Brian Newhouse explains how the renowned Minnesota-based vocal ensemble Cantus ended up rehearsing in the living room of his St. Paul home.

It’s a long way from Limerick, Ireland, to the Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma, yet the gap is bridged in a surprising way on ‘Lowak Shoppala’,’ a new CD by Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate — an American Indian composer who should be familiar to Minnesota audiences.

Over the past year, JazzMN has shifted their big band performances to a more nimble, COVID-safe smaller ensemble. Artistic director JC Sanford shares how the organization has adjusted its programming to fit a virtual concert schedule and what projects we can look forward to seeing next as the world starts to reopen.

After a delay of more than a year due to COVID, the St. Olaf Band plans to premiere Darkroom, written by St. Olaf College graduate and composer Ella Harpstead, in a virtual concert on May 31.

As the COVID-19 pandemic starts to turn a corner, Minnesota choirs are looking forward to more in-person singing and performances. Learn more about what Cantus, the Minnesota Chorale and other ensembles are doing to prepare for the return of live audiences.

Chorus America awarded the University of Minnesota's director of choral activities, Kathy Saltzman Romey, its Distinguished Service Award for 2021. The award follows her 30 years of work with the school, as well as her deep involvement with the Minnesota choral community.

From Mahler to Berlioz, bells are an important part of orchestral repertoire. But, for the longest time, the Minnesota Orchestra relied on computer-based bell samplings and chimes to bring out those booming sounds. Thanks to a generous gift, however, two new bells will be added to the ensemble.

After a career as the founder and director of vocal jazz ensemble Moore by Four, Sanford Moore is returning to his classical roots. Learn more about his path revisiting the music of Beethoven, his piano practicing techniques and his plans for a future recital.

Minnetonka high school senior Eli Hooker Reese entered a composing competition for the King's Singers with no expectations. On Sunday, his winning composition will be featured alongside three others for the King's Singers New Music Prize Concert.

On Sunday, Minnesota's annual BrassChix forum moves online to provide a free virtual event for female brass players who want to spend the day discussing music, sharing ideas and enjoying the camaraderie of playing a brass instrument.