The Gift of Fire: Featured Artists
Recognized for expressive singing and inspired programs, Magnum Chorum brings artistry and spirit to a cappella choral music. The 50-voice chamber choir presents colorful concerts, commissions and premieres new sacred works, and provides music for worship. Founded in the choral tradition of St. Olaf College, the choir welcomes singers of all backgrounds devoted to musical excellence in sacred choral music.
Founded in 2004, The Singers organization is dedicated to giving world-class performances of the finest choral literature. The Singers exists to serve as artists, educators, and ambassadors of the choral art. The Singers has premiered and commissioned over fifty new works by composers Stephen Paulus, Abbie Betinis, Jocelyn Hagen, Joshua Shank and Craig Carnahan.
Comprised of select women's voices from the first year class, the Manitou Singers is one of the most popular music organizations on the St. Olaf College campus. Despite a complete turnover in personnel each year, the 100-voice choir sings at the opening worship service of the college as well as at various campus functions throughout the year such as daily chapel and church services, the annual St. Olaf Christmas Festival, Family Weekend Concert and its own Spring concert in April. With a repertoire that ranges from sacred to secular to popular ballads, the Manitou Singers have broad appeal both on and off campus.
VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers
Called “one of the irreplaceable music ensembles of our time” by Dana Gioia, past chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, VocalEssence is renowned for its innovative exploration of music for voices and instruments under the enthusiastic direction of Artistic Director and Founder Philip Brunelle. Each season, the organization presents an eclectic series of concerts featuring the 130-voice VocalEssence Chorus, the 32-voice professional Ensemble Singers, guest soloists and instrumentalists.