Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

The St. Olaf Choir is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences for over a century. Founded in 1912 by F. Melius Christiansen, the choir has become one of the most respected and celebrated choral groups in the world. F. Melius Christiansen was a Norwegian immigrant who settled in Northfield, Minnesota, where he founded the St. Olaf College Music Department. He was a visionary musician who believed in the power of choral music to inspire and uplift people. In 1912, he formed the St. Olaf Choir, which consisted of 75 students from St. Olaf College. The choir quickly gained a reputation for excellence, and in 1913, they embarked on their first tour, performing in churches and concert halls throughout the Midwest. The tour was a huge success, and the choir continued to tour every year, expanding their reach to other parts of the country and eventually the world. Over the years, the St. Olaf Choir has performed in some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Sydney Opera House. They have also performed for numerous heads of state, including President Barack Obama and Queen Elizabeth II. One of the highlights of the choir's history was their performance at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada. They were the only choir invited to perform at the opening ceremonies, and their rendition of "O Canada" was widely praised as one of the most moving and memorable moments of the games. The St. Olaf Choir has also been recognized with numerous awards and honors over the years. In 1972, they received the National Medal of Arts, the highest honor given to artists and arts patrons by the United States government. They have also been awarded multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Choral Performance and Best Engineered Album, Classical. One of the hallmarks of the St. Olaf Choir's sound is their commitment to the Lutheran choral tradition. They have recorded numerous albums of hymns and sacred music, including their best-selling album, "Great Hymns of Faith." However, they are also known for their innovative and eclectic repertoire, which includes everything from classical masterpieces to contemporary works. The choir has been led by several distinguished conductors over the years, including F. Melius Christiansen's son, Olaf Christiansen, and Kenneth Jennings. However, it is perhaps best known for its long association with conductor Anton Armstrong, who has been at the helm since 1990. Under Armstrong's leadership, the choir has continued to push the boundaries of choral music, while remaining true to its roots. In addition to their performances, the St. Olaf Choir is also known for its commitment to music education. They have hosted numerous choral festivals and workshops, and have inspired countless young musicians to pursue their passion for music. Today, the St. Olaf Choir continues to be one of the most respected and beloved choral ensembles in the world. They have released over 30 albums, and their performances continue to inspire and uplift audiences around the globe. As they approach their 110th anniversary, the St. Olaf Choir remains a testament to the power of music to bring people together and transcend cultural and linguistic barriers.

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