We are thrilled to announce Classical Minnesota Public Radio's 2014-15 Choral Series of "Men and Boys". These groups are some of the best choirs on the planet and we hope to have created a lineup that you definitely don't want to miss.
Choir of King's College, Cambridge - Monday, March 23, 2015, 7:30 p.m.
Cathedral of Saint Paul, 239 Selby Ave, St. Paul, Minn.
Founded in the 15th century, the Choir of King's College, Cambridge (buy here), is undoubtedly one of the world's best-known choral groups. While the choir exists primarily to sing the daily services in King's College Chapel, its worldwide fame and reputation, enhanced by its many recordings, has led to invitations to perform around the globe, and to an extensive international tour schedule. King's College Choir has been performing abroad since its first overseas invitation in 1936. More recently, tours have taken the Choir to China, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea and other countries in the Far East.
Tesfa's Take: "These guys are undoubtedly one of the most recognized choral groups in the world. I was lucky enough to have heard them in Cambridge this summer. They delivered such an incredible performance, I left inspired to purchase even more of their recordings (as if I didn't already own enough…)! If you aren't sold yet, check out this video of them performing the soul-stirring hymn 'Abide With Me'. If you don't have five minutes, skip ahead to that powerful last verse (3:44). You will NOT be disappointed!"
St. Paul's Cathedral Choir of London - Tuesday, April 28, 2015, 7:30 p.m.
Cathedral of Saint Paul, 239 Selby Ave, St. Paul, Minn.
There has been a choir of boys and gentlemen at St Paul's Cathedral (buy here) for more than nine centuries. The present Cathedral Choir consists of 30 choristers (boy trebles), eight probationers (who will become choristers) and 12 professional adult singers (or Vicars Choral): four altos, four tenors and four basses. At the very heart of the Choir's being is the ancient monastic tradition of singing daily services. In recent years, the Choir has established itself as one of the major forces in British church music. The size of the choir and its mature, professional tone set it apart from any other comparable group of singers. Outside regular duties in the cathedral, the Choir frequently gives concerts and broadcasts and has many notable recordings to its credit.
Tesfa's Take: "Being totally honest, I wasn't as familiar with this group before this year. So I began digging and quickly learned that they are quite fantastic. Their artistry is palpable and the clarity of diction is breathtaking. I could spend tons of time gushing over the St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, but I won't. Instead, I will let this recording of John Stainer's masterpiece, God So Loved the World do the talking."
You can find ticket information for this series on the Fitzgerald Theater's website. Patrons who purchase tickets to all three choral concerts in the Classical MPR Choral Package enjoy a 10% discount. Packages are sold through The Fitzgerald Theater box office only (use password "choral".) Tickets for single shows are available through Ticketmaster: Vienna Boys Choir | Choir of King's College, Cambridge | St Paul's Cathedral Choir.
Vienna Boys Choir - Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, 7:30 p.m.
The Basilica of Saint Mary, 88 N. 17th St, Minneapolis
The world-renowned Vienna Boys Choir has thrilled audiences of all ages for more than 500 years; now, it bring its singular sound to the Basilica of Saint Mary. The one-night-only appearance is part of the ensemble's 2014 U.S. tour. The program will feature favorite Strauss waltzes, classical masterpieces by Mozart and Haydn, and folk songs from around the world.
Acclaimed for impeccable vocal technique and expressive music-making, the Vienna Boys Choir is one of the most famous vocal ensembles in the world. The young choristers — who range in age from 10 and 14 years old — perform in front of nearly half a million people annually, touring Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas.
Tesfa's Take: "We are so fortunate to have a group of this caliber in our great state. I heard this group in Vienna during the summer of 2001 and was completely blown away by their passion and precision. I suspect that you will be equally impressed by their performance at the Basilica. I recently came across this cool video of them venturing out of their normal repertoire. Check out this video of them singing Pharrell's hit song, 'Happy'."
"And If you need something a little more traditional, please enjoy this video of them singing Schubert's Ave Maria."
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