Best Choirs In Minnesota
There's more to choir than just singing hymns at church on Sunday. What these groups can do with harmony, pitch and control is truly amazing. The voice is an instrument, and deserves respect as such. As September is classical music month, what more reason do you need to check out some of Minnesota's finest vocal ensembles to see and hear them for yourself?
Cantus
4915 W 35th St., Suite 206
Minneapolis, MN 55416
(612) 435-0046
www.cantussings.org
What has been called the "premier men's vocal ensemble in the United States" by Fanfare Magazine is truly a great experience. But it's about more than the experience, it's about fostering talent so that the world (or at least Minnesota) will never have a shortage of incredible choral performances. Check out their upcoming season, performing at venues such as the Ordway and Cowles Centerm, or check out some of their music online for a quick listen to one of the best choirs in the country.
Minnesota Chorale
528 Hennepin Ave., Suite 407
Minneapolis, MN, 55403
(612) 333-4866
www.mnchorale.org
The principal chorus for the Minnesota Orchestra, Minnesota Chorale also performs across the state. Lauded since 1972 as one of the best choral ensembles in the U.S., they're still going strong, adding new shows to their already busy schedule. You can catch them often throughout the coming season, and not just at Orchestra Hall. They're performing at various venues, from high schools to churches to ballrooms, to make sure everyone can partake in the experience.
Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir
1530 Russell Ave. N.
Minneapolis, MN 55411
(612) 521-0800
www.tccgospel.org
A little livelier than the choral music often associated with choirs in Minnesota, gospel music gets people up and dancing, whether they planned to or not. Bringing the African-American gospel tradition to churches, venues and events all across the metro, it's an experience not to be missed. You won't be able to stay in your seat; there's nothing wrong with getting into the music. Check the schedule on the website to see when their next show is.
Rose Ensemble
75 W. 5th St., Suite 314
St Paul, MN 55102
(651) 225-4340
www.roseensemble.org
The members of the Rose Ensemble don't just sing beautifully, they sing pieces of music that have been painstakingly researched, dug up from the dusty corners of history, for a one-of-a-kind musical experience. This is not your typical choral experience, with the tried-and-true classics you've heard a thousand times before. Performing across the globe, the Rose Ensemble thankfully stays true to Minnesota and plays all across the state as well, even playing free shows every now and again at their headquarters, the Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul.
Land Of Lakes Choir Boys
6437 Norris Lake Road NW
Elk River, MN 55330
(763) 213-8105
www2.lolcb.org
Some kids join the army to learn discipline. The this boys choir our of Elk River, Minnesota seeks to teach discipline and responsibility through a different manner: the power of music. And the end result is good for the audience as well, as is made clear by the countless national and international awards the group has won. This is an international group with roots in small-town Minnesota. That is worth celebrating in itself, but really all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the music.
Related: Best Vocal Groups In Minnesota
Adrian Schramm is a resident Saint Paul writer with a passion for all things local. Through his work with Saint Paul Almanac and Minneapolis Examiner at Examiner.com, as well as in the kitchens of bars and restaurants around town, he has discovered what truly makes the Twin Cities tick.
