Choral Stream

Mike Perkins has nine requiems on his iPod and sings in four choral groups. He is a self-described choral nerd. Mike is Steve Staruch's guest on this week's Music with Minnesotans.

What goes through the minds of orchestra musicians just as a concert is about to begin?

Emily Michael, an experienced choral singer, writes about her venture into the world of barbershop singing - which goes way beyond River City, and beyond stereotypes.

Berthold Auerbach (1812-1882) wrote that "Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." I am not sure that many of us would refer to our everyday lives as "dust," but otherwise, these words capture exactly what classical music, and in particular the requiem by Giuseppe Verdi, can do.

The King's Singers' Valentine's Day concert in Minneapolis this weekend is special for a couple of reasons: It's a program that's never been performed before, and it's created as a tribute to two special people, arts patrons Jerry and Cathie Fischer. John Birge speaks to two members of The King's Singers ahead of the concert.

With three new choirs for elementary students, high school students, and adults - plus a summer community musical program - the North Minneapolis theater, which is owned and operated by Plymouth Christian Youth Center, adds to its educational programming aimed at building community through song.

A humble but very influential Minnesota music icon passed away on Jan. 21, 2015, at the age of 81. In remembrance, Classical MPR's archival producer Steve Barnett has selected three choral pieces conducted by Dr. Steen and recorded at MPR in 1974.

The Choral Arts Ensemble of Rochester sing Shakespeare lyrics in old and new arrangements. Rick Kvam directs his singers in this week's Regional Spotlight.

A hymn favored by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. helps the Oscar-nominated film make a well-known historical story powerfully intimate. But the song has a tragic story of its own.

Patrick Dupre Quigley, founder of the Miami-based professional vocal chamber ensemble Seraphic Fire, presents the second installment in his series on arts entrepreneurship. This week, Patrick looks at how to focus oneself on producing and publicizing the very best art.