Choral Stream

Composer Abbie Betinis continues a family tradition begun in 1922 by her great-grandfather by writing a new carol every year. For the 14th consecutive year, Betinis premieres this year's carol on Classical MPR. Her new carol is called 'Peace with Me Now'.

Starting Dec. 12, Classical MPR's Tesfa reveals a choral special as he counts his way to Christmas Eve. Check this page each day at 11:45 a.m. to hear the day's feature, and listen to the Choral Stream.

Eric Whitacre is the most popular choral composer today, and his works are beloved by choirs throughout the world. In this one-hour programs, he introduces the music with co-host Brian Newhouse and describes the often-colorful backstory of how each piece came to be.

Friday's excursion to Northfield was, for me, an entry to a new world: a world of those Lutheran traditions that I'd heard Garrison Keillor talk about but I'd rarely experienced firsthand.

For Sarah Stevens, who graduates in 2015, and for Martha Kunau, who graduated in the 1990s, the St. Olaf Christmas Festival is a tradition and experience that leaves a lasting impression -- whether or not one ever attended the college.

Giving Voice Chorus gives Alzheimer's patients and their caretakers a chance to thrive. Those suffering from Alzheimer's often retain the ability to sing. MPR News' Cathy Wurzer and Phil Picardi provide this story on the Giving Voice Chorus.

Philip Brunelle and VocalEssence joined MPR News' The Daily Circuit for the annual exploration of Christmas carols that some folks might like to forget.

As Christmas 1914 approached, opposing armies famously put their differences aside and shared common celebrations. It's a story that's been preserved in many ways, including in the stage show, 'All Is Calm', a co-production of Theater Latte Da and Cantus. Learn more and enter for a chance to win tickets to the show.

A new vocal festival funded by a $75,000 Minnesota State Arts Board grant aims at raising the visibility for the many vocal ensembles, barbershop quartets, jazz singers, gospel choirs, folk duos, and other groups of people who come together in song around Minnesota.

Tesfa Wondemagegnehu, Classical MPR's choral initiatives manager, bought a car that he'll be driving throughout Minnesota to share the joy of choral music. He asked listeners to submit their name ideas for the vehicle. From more than 200 creative ideas, Tesfa is pleased to announce the winning name.