Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but music lovers have floated a new state motto: Land of 10,000 Choirs.
As founder and music director of Minneapolis-based VocalEssence, Philip Brunelle has conducted widely in Europe and throughout the U.S. "I can't think of any other state with such a broad choral interest," Brunelle said. "Which is why Minnesota is known as 'Choral Country.' "
The globe-trotting conductor chalks it up to the state's cultural heritage. "Many of the settlers who came to Minnesota in the 1800s came from countries with strong choral backgrounds," Brunelle said. "Particularly folks from the Scandinavian countries and Germany."
Those immigrants kept singing once they arrived in Minnesota — in their churches, schools, universities and folk ensembles. A statewide music education program in the 20th century didn't hurt matters, either.
Despite 21st-century cuts, a strong choral tradition persists to this day. And December happens to be prime time for sampling Minnesota's dazzling array of pro vocal ensembles. Here are 10 holiday concerts representing the very best of the state's choral scene.
Handel's 'Messiah'
Handel's "Messiah" premiered at a crowded Dublin concert in April 1742. Though not specifically intended for Christmas, it nonetheless became a staple of the season. It's been a year since the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra first teamed up with Twin Cities choir the Singers for a performance of Handel's masterpiece. They repeat the collaboration with a string of concerts led by Cleveland baroque specialist Jeannette Sorrell. The SPCO is full of players savvy to the crisp, athletic style that makes baroque music swing. And Sorrell's influence should ensure a bristlingly enjoyable experience. (7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 and 8 p.m. Dec. 21, Basilica of St. Mary, Mpls.; 8 p.m. Dec. 22-23, Ordway Concert Hall, St. Paul; $5-$50, 651-291-1144 or thespco.org)
'A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols'
Anyone can be touched by the special ambience of this event, featuring the story of Christ's birth told through music and biblical readings. The "Nine Lessons" format was invented in Truro, England, during the Victorian era. But it didn't become popular until King's College, Cambridge started broadcasting it to global audiences in 1928. The choir of St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral presents its own version led by Cambridge-educated music director Ray Johnston. An ideal way of pondering the spiritual message of the Christmas season. (7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 and 5 p.m. Dec. 23, St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral, Mpls.; free, ourcathedral.org)
'Christmas With Cantus'
The eight-man Cantus ensemble rethinks the "Nine Lessons and Carols" template for the modern era. The Twin Cities ensemble offers up a bespoke sequence of words and music including John Rutter's "Gabriel's Message," Joni Mitchell's "River" and Franz Biebl's "Ave Maria." Touring to nine metro venues, the concert offers a unique combination of mindful reflection and high-class vocalism. (Dec. 13, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Mpls.; Dec. 14, Fridley District Auditorium, Fridley; Dec. 15, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Apple Valley; Dec. 17, Colonial Church, Edina; Dec. 18, St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, Wayzata; Dec. 20, Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Paul; Dec. 21, Ordway Concert Hall, St. Paul; Dec. 22, Trinity Lutheran Church, Stillwater; Dec. 23, Hamline United Methodist Church, St. Paul, various times; $10-$43, 612-435-0055 or cantussings.org)
