Great River Chorale announces the appointment
of Erick Lichte as its new Artistic Director
St. Cloud, MN, August 7, 2009 -- The Great River Chorale is proud to announce the appointment of Erick Lichte as its new Artistic Director. Lichte comes to the GRC from his previous position as a founding member, singer and Artistic Director of the male vocal ensemble Cantus. Through his 13 year tenure with Cantus, Lichte led one of only two full-time vocal ensembles in the nation.
From 2000-2009, Lichte’s programming and artistic direction was heard in over 60 concerts a year in such venues as Kennedy Center, Library of Congress, Merkin Hall, San Francisco Performances, Oregon Bach Festival, UCLA and Spivey Hall, to name a few. His work has also been heard by hundreds of thousands of people through national and international broadcasts of hour-long Christmas programs distributed through American Public Media. He has collaborated with artists such as Bobby McFerrin, the Boston Pops, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, James Sewell Ballet and poet Robert Bly.
His work with Cantus garnered him the 2009 Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence, the highest honor awarded by the professional choral organization Chorus America.
Lichte himself is an active arranger and composer whose music has been heard across the United States, especially as a co-creator and arranger of All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914.
"I am thrilled to be working with the Great River Chorale," says Lichte. "They are a wonderful group of musicians who bring a warm and inviting spirit to everything they sing. It is my hope to broaden the ensemble’s reach within the region. I believe that the Great River Chorale is a singing jewel in Minnesota and I hope to make it shine even brighter."
The Great River Chorale will be heard in numerous concerts in central Minnesota during the 2009-10 season, including a performance for the Paramount Theater Gala on September 19 as well as their popular Christmas concerts at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on December 12 and 13, 2009.
Lichte is the Great River Chorale’s third Artistic Director. The group’s first Artistic Director, David Scholz, founded the group in 2001 and was succeeded by Lee Nelson in 2006. Nelson left the Great River Chorale to take a teaching position at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa.
The group will be holding auditions for the 2009-10 season on August 17, 20 and 23. For more information on auditions or to schedule an audition please call 218-329-3924 or email info@greatriverchorale.org.
Great River Chorale is a dynamic, 50-voice chamber choir based in St. Cloud, MN and is composed of seasoned, amateur singers. Founded in 2001, the Great River Chorale seeks to provide the thriving central Minnesota art community with a choir dedicated to excellent performances of choral music from all musical eras and genres. The chorale membership prides themselves in their mission to collaborate and promote other area ensembles of all kinds. The choir rehearses on Sunday evenings and presents 3-4 concerts a year.
Great River Chorale presents a collaborative work of Johannes Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem in May
Great River Chorale of St. Cloud, under the direction of Lee Nelson, will be performing Johannes Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem on Friday, May 1, 2009 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, May 2 at 7:30 pm. The concert is in collaboration with East Central Chorale (Mark Potvin, director) and the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University Orchestra (J. David Arnott, director) with soloists Hillary Vermillion, Soprano, and Michael Jorgensen, Baritone.
St. Cloud, MN, April 20, 2009 -- Great River Chorale, under the direction of Lee Nelson, will be presenting the major work "Ein deutsches Requiem" in early May. The work will be presented in collaboration with East Central Chorale and the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University Orchestra with soloists Hillary Vermillion and Michael Jorgensen. Two concerts will be presented: the first on Friday, May 1 at 7:30 pm at the Richard Hardy Performing Arts Center in Cambridge, MN, and the second on Saturday, May 2 at 7:30 pm at the Benedicta Arts Center in St. Joseph, MN. The choirs, orchestra, and soloists will be directed by J. David Arnott at both performances.
Lee Nelson, conductor of GRC, states that, "This concert brings together three wonderful ensembles performing one of the greatest choral/orchestral works of all times. Brahms Requiem is a work that comforts and uplifts anyone that experiences it. It is rare to get a performance of this hallmark work in central Minnesota. This is a concert you won’t want to miss!"
Lee D. Nelson serves as the Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Conducting at St. Cloud State University. In addition to his work at SCSU, Nelson serves as the artistic director and conductor of the Great River Chorale, an auditioned chamber choir based in St. Cloud. He also serves as the conductor of the Paramount Festival Chorus and Orchestra, which annually presents Handel's Messiah at the historic Paramount Theater in St. Cloud.
The Great River Chorale is in its eighth concert season. This ensemble, comprised of music professionals and seasoned amateurs, is enthusiastically dedicated to presenting exceptional choral music throughout the year and often works in partnership with other area ensembles.
This activity is made possible by a grant from the Central Minnesota Arts Board, through funding provided by the Minnesota State Legislature.
For additional information on Great River Chorale, visit www.greatriverchorale.org or contact Marie Flagstad.
Great River Chorale released its first CD this Christmas of an album titled "Born of Light" which features Christmas and holiday favorites. For more information about the recent release of GRC’s CD please contact Marie Flagstad.
ABOUT Great River Chorale:
Great River Chorale is a dynamic 50-voice chamber choir based in St. Cloud, MN and is composed of seasoned, amateur singers. Founded in 2001, the Great River Chorale seeks to provide the thriving Central Minnesota art community with a choir dedicated to excellent performances of choral music from all musical eras and genres. The chorale membership prides themselves in their mission to collaborate and promote other area ensembles of all kinds. The choir rehearses twice a month on Sunday evenings and presents 3-4 concerts a year.
ABOUT CSB/SJU Orchestra:
The CSB/SJU Symphony Orchestra has been under the direction of Dr. Arnott since 2001. They perform four concerts each year in Petters Auditorium in The Benedicta Arts Center, focusing on music from the standard canon of orchestral literature from the classical period through the modern period. In 2007 the orchestra played two sold-out performances of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker with the Minnesota Dance Theater and participated in both the domestic and European performances of Stephen Paulus’ Holocaust Oratorio, To Be Certain of the Dawn with St. Cloud State University. Next season the orchestra will perform with William Kapell Piano Competition winner, Sofya Gulyak. This performance marks the second collaboration with the Great River Chorale.
ABOUT East Central Chorale:
The East Central Minnesota Chorale is a civic choir representing more than ten East Central Minnesota communities. The Chorale is a non-profit community organization that is supported by local businesses and individual patrons, receipts from ticket sales, as well as by the singers themselves. We sincerely thank our patrons who are so faithful to the Chorale. Because of their support the Chorale is able to bring outstanding choral music to East Central Minnesota.
Contact:
Marie Flagstad, business manager
Great River Chorale
PO Box 945
St. Cloud, MN 56302
218-329-3924
mdflagstad@gmail.com
www.greatriverchorale.org
Great River Chorale presents FREE Childrens’ Concert
at the St. Cloud Public Library in Februrary
Great River Chorale of St. Cloud, under the direction of Lee Nelson, will be performing a FREE childrens’ concert at the St. Cloud Public Library on Saturday, February 28th, 2009 at 10:30 am. The concert, "Animal Crackers", will playfully explore children’s books and songs about animals.
St. Cloud, MN, February 18, 2009 -- Great River Chorale, under the direction of Lee Nelson, will be presenting a concert entitled "Animal Crackers" at the St. Cloud Public Library on February 28, 2009. Selections will include pieces about animals sung by both the full choir and smaller groups of choir members. The concert will be a FREE event that is intended for both children and families. An interactive program will be provided on which children can draw during the concert and animal crackers will be available as a snack.
Some of the selections to be performed include "Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad Wolf" arranged by Norman Luboff, the King’s Singers version of "Under the Sea" arranged by Philip Lawson, and Eric Whitacre’s "Animal Crackers". The women of GRC will perform a Japanese Children’s song entitled "Hotaru Koi" about a firefly while the men will sing a spiritual arranged by Marshall Bartholomew entitled "De Animals a-Comin’".
Lee D. Nelson, conductor, serves as the Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Conducting at St. Cloud State University. In addition to his work at SCSU, Nelson serves as the artistic director and conductor of the Great River Chorale, an auditioned chamber choir based in St. Cloud. He also serves as the conductor of the Paramount Festival Chorus and Orchestra, which annually presents Handel's Messiah at the historic Paramount Theater in St. Cloud.
Lee Nelson states that, "This concert is intended to celebrate the beautiful new city library and the wonderful service it provides for our children and the community. It is our hope to entertain and inspire the young audience through children’s books and songs while presenting it in a fun and carefree environment. And by providing this free concert, it is a chance for Great River Chorale to give back to the community for their continued support over the past 9 years."
The Great River Chorale is in its eighth concert season. This ensemble, comprised of music professionals and seasoned amateurs, is enthusiastically dedicated to presenting exceptional choral music throughout the year and often works in partnership with other area ensembles.
The next creative project Great River Chorale will be working toward is a collaborative performance of the Brahms Requiem. East Central Chorale and the Saint Johns University/College of Saint Benedict Orchestra will perform two concerts with GRC in Cambridge and St. Joseph the first weekend in May.
This activity is made possible by a grant from the Central Minnesota Arts Board, through funding provided by the Minnesota State Legislature.
For additional information on Great River Chorale, visit www.greatriverchorale.org or contact Marie Flagstad.
Great River Chorale released its first CD this Christmas of an album titled "Born of Light" which features Christmas and holiday favorites. For more information about the recent release of GRC’s CD please contact Marie Flagstad.
ABOUT Great River Chorale:
Great River Chorale is a dynamic 50-voice chamber choir based in St. Cloud, MN and is composed of seasoned, amateur singers. Founded in 2001, the Great River Chorale seeks to provide the thriving Central Minnesota art community with a choir dedicated to excellent performances of choral music from all musical eras and genres. The chorale membership prides themselves in their mission to collaborate and promote other area ensembles of all kinds. The choir rehearses twice a month on Sunday evenings and presents 3-4 concerts a year.
Contact:
Marie Flagstad, business manager
Great River Chorale
PO Box 945
St. Cloud, MN 56302
218-329-3924
mdflagstad@gmail.com
www.greatriverchorale.org
St. Cloud, MN, April 20, 2009 -- Great River Chorale, under the direction of Lee Nelson, will be presenting the major work "Ein deutsches Requiem" in early May. The work will be presented in collaboration with East Central Chorale and the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University Orchestra with soloists Hillary Vermillion and Michael Jorgensen. Two concerts will be presented: the first on Friday, May 1 at 7:30 pm at the Richard Hardy Performing Arts Center in Cambridge, MN, and the second on Saturday, May 2 at 7:30 pm at the Benedicta Arts Center in St. Joseph, MN. The choirs, orchestra, and soloists will be directed by J. David Arnott at both performances.
Lee Nelson, conductor of GRC, states that, "This concert brings together three wonderful ensembles performing one of the greatest choral/orchestral works of all times. Brahms Requiem is a work that comforts and uplifts anyone that experiences it. It is rare to get a performance of this hallmark work in central Minnesota. This is a concert you won’t want to miss!"
Lee D. Nelson serves as the Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Conducting at St. Cloud State University. In addition to his work at SCSU, Nelson serves as the artistic director and conductor of the Great River Chorale, an auditioned chamber choir based in St. Cloud. He also serves as the conductor of the Paramount Festival Chorus and Orchestra, which annually presents Handel's Messiah at the historic Paramount Theater in St. Cloud.
The Great River Chorale is in its eighth concert season. This ensemble, comprised of music professionals and seasoned amateurs, is enthusiastically dedicated to presenting exceptional choral music throughout the year and often works in partnership with other area ensembles.
This activity is made possible by a grant from the Central Minnesota Arts Board, through funding provided by the Minnesota State Legislature.
For additional information on Great River Chorale, visit www.greatriverchorale.org or contact Marie Flagstad.
Great River Chorale released its first CD this Christmas of an album titled "Born of Light" which features Christmas and holiday favorites. For more information about the recent release of GRC’s CD please contact Marie Flagstad.
ABOUT Great River Chorale:
Great River Chorale is a dynamic 50-voice chamber choir based in St. Cloud, MN and is composed of seasoned, amateur singers. Founded in 2001, the Great River Chorale seeks to provide the thriving Central Minnesota art community with a choir dedicated to excellent performances of choral music from all musical eras and genres. The chorale membership prides themselves in their mission to collaborate and promote other area ensembles of all kinds. The choir rehearses twice a month on Sunday evenings and presents 3-4 concerts a year.
ABOUT CSB/SJU Orchestra:
The CSB/SJU Symphony Orchestra has been under the direction of Dr. Arnott since 2001. They perform four concerts each year in Petters Auditorium in The Benedicta Arts Center, focusing on music from the standard canon of orchestral literature from the classical period through the modern period. In 2007 the orchestra played two sold-out performances of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker with the Minnesota Dance Theater and participated in both the domestic and European performances of Stephen Paulus’ Holocaust Oratorio, To Be Certain of the Dawn with St. Cloud State University. Next season the orchestra will perform with William Kapell Piano Competition winner, Sofya Gulyak. This performance marks the second collaboration with the Great River Chorale.
ABOUT East Central Chorale:
The East Central Minnesota Chorale is a civic choir representing more than ten East Central Minnesota communities. The Chorale is a non-profit community organization that is supported by local businesses and individual patrons, receipts from ticket sales, as well as by the singers themselves. We sincerely thank our patrons who are so faithful to the Chorale. Because of their support the Chorale is able to bring outstanding choral music to East Central Minnesota.
Contact:
Marie Flagstad, business manager
Great River Chorale
PO Box 945
St. Cloud, MN 56302
218-329-3924
mdflagstad@gmail.com
www.greatriverchorale.org
Great River Chorale presents FREE Childrens’ Concert
at the St. Cloud Public Library in Februrary
Great River Chorale of St. Cloud, under the direction of Lee Nelson, will be performing a FREE childrens’ concert at the St. Cloud Public Library on Saturday, February 28th, 2009 at 10:30 am. The concert, "Animal Crackers", will playfully explore children’s books and songs about animals.
St. Cloud, MN, February 18, 2009 -- Great River Chorale, under the direction of Lee Nelson, will be presenting a concert entitled "Animal Crackers" at the St. Cloud Public Library on February 28, 2009. Selections will include pieces about animals sung by both the full choir and smaller groups of choir members. The concert will be a FREE event that is intended for both children and families. An interactive program will be provided on which children can draw during the concert and animal crackers will be available as a snack.
Some of the selections to be performed include "Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad Wolf" arranged by Norman Luboff, the King’s Singers version of "Under the Sea" arranged by Philip Lawson, and Eric Whitacre’s "Animal Crackers". The women of GRC will perform a Japanese Children’s song entitled "Hotaru Koi" about a firefly while the men will sing a spiritual arranged by Marshall Bartholomew entitled "De Animals a-Comin’".
Lee D. Nelson, conductor, serves as the Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Conducting at St. Cloud State University. In addition to his work at SCSU, Nelson serves as the artistic director and conductor of the Great River Chorale, an auditioned chamber choir based in St. Cloud. He also serves as the conductor of the Paramount Festival Chorus and Orchestra, which annually presents Handel's Messiah at the historic Paramount Theater in St. Cloud.
Lee Nelson states that, "This concert is intended to celebrate the beautiful new city library and the wonderful service it provides for our children and the community. It is our hope to entertain and inspire the young audience through children’s books and songs while presenting it in a fun and carefree environment. And by providing this free concert, it is a chance for Great River Chorale to give back to the community for their continued support over the past 9 years."
The Great River Chorale is in its eighth concert season. This ensemble, comprised of music professionals and seasoned amateurs, is enthusiastically dedicated to presenting exceptional choral music throughout the year and often works in partnership with other area ensembles.
The next creative project Great River Chorale will be working toward is a collaborative performance of the Brahms Requiem. East Central Chorale and the Saint Johns University/College of Saint Benedict Orchestra will perform two concerts with GRC in Cambridge and St. Joseph the first weekend in May.
This activity is made possible by a grant from the Central Minnesota Arts Board, through funding provided by the Minnesota State Legislature.
For additional information on Great River Chorale, visit www.greatriverchorale.org or contact Marie Flagstad.
Great River Chorale released its first CD this Christmas of an album titled "Born of Light" which features Christmas and holiday favorites. For more information about the recent release of GRC’s CD please contact Marie Flagstad.
ABOUT Great River Chorale:
Great River Chorale is a dynamic 50-voice chamber choir based in St. Cloud, MN and is composed of seasoned, amateur singers. Founded in 2001, the Great River Chorale seeks to provide the thriving Central Minnesota art community with a choir dedicated to excellent performances of choral music from all musical eras and genres. The chorale membership prides themselves in their mission to collaborate and promote other area ensembles of all kinds. The choir rehearses twice a month on Sunday evenings and presents 3-4 concerts a year.
Contact:
Marie Flagstad, business manager
Great River Chorale
PO Box 945
St. Cloud, MN 56302
218-329-3924
mdflagstad@gmail.com
www.greatriverchorale.org
