Classical Minnesota Public Radio returns to Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis and Leif Erikson Park in Duluth for Harmony in the Park this summer. Six ensembles that represent Minnesota's mighty choral tradition will fill the summer air with song on June 4 and 28 in Minneapolis and Duluth, respectively (see photos from the June 4th event below).
Tesfa Wondemagegnehu, manager of Classical MPR's Choral Works Initiative, hosted the Minneapolis event. Classical MPR's Alison Young will host the Duluth event. These free concerts give Minnesotans and visitors the chance to hear choral music, a treasured part of our state's culture, in beautiful city-park settings.
The events are free and open to the public and are perfect for all ages. There's plenty of seating at each venue, so bring your folding lawn chairs or a blanket and your picnic basket and join us for a great evening of music in the great Minnesota outdoors.
In Duluth, Midi Restaurant will serve food and beverages for purchase, including pulled pork sandwiches and veggie wraps, as well as a selection of beers from local brewers Castle Danger, Superior Shores, Bent Paddle, Canal Park Brew and Lake Superior Brewing Company.
NOTE: These events will happen rain or shine, except in the case of severe weather.
June 28, 4-5:30 p.m.: Duluth
Leif Erikson Park, at 12th Ave E. & London Road in Duluth, is located next to the Rose Garden across from First Lutheran Church and along the Lake Walk. There are several parking lots as well as street parking on Superior Street.
Performers
Twin Ports Choral Project is a Duluth-Superior-based a capella vocal chamber ensemble directed by Brett Amundson, associate professor of music and Director of Choral Activities at the College of St. Scholastica. Recent programs include "Heaven and Earth", sacred and secular works from the Renaissance to the 20th century, and "Cathedral Classics", masterworks by Allegri, Tavener, and Lotti. Lake Superior Youth Chorus, also led by Artistic Director Bret Amundson, consists of three choirs of young singers in grades 3 through 10. The Concert Choir, 7th through 10th grade singers, is its main touring and performing ensemble. LSYC brings a holistic approach to its music education, emphasizing the growth and personal development of young choral artists. Echoes of Peace Choir got its start 13 years ago when Founding and Artistic Director Sara Thomsen organized it for the Art of Peace event in Duluth, a local response to the event and aftermath of 9/11. It has grown to 75 members. Beyond celebrating the joy of singing, the ensemble's mission is to inspire awareness, action and reflection on critical social issues through music and the arts.
NEW THIS YEAR! Drop off gently used instruments to help kids in need Classical MPR wants to keep music education strong in Minnesota and will be collecting instruments in Duluth for Play It Forward, a statewide musical instrument drive in partnership with the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA). Donate clean, gently used and playable instruments, which will be given to school music programs in need of instruments, especially as a help for kids who can't otherwise afford them.
Harmony in the Park is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
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