Choral Stream

When one person joins with others, the power of song is undeniable. Singing can allow people to tap into memories once thought to be lost, reconnect with loved ones and so much more. This is why we sing.

The St. Olaf Band, under the direction of Timothy Mahr, performs an arrangement of a sacred work by Claudio Monteverdi that required both singing and playing. The instrumental lines in "Adoramus te, Christi" mimic and enhance the vocal lines for a modern take on this Baroque classic.

Composer Eric Barnum took the Proverb, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life," and ran with it. Barnum's choral work 'Wellspring' is in this week's Regional Spotlight.

As times change, so do the stereotypes surrounding barbershop singing. Learn more about the barbershop community in Minnesota, and hear the Minneapolis Commodores perform at venues across the Twin Cities this summer.

The Detroit Youth Choir delivered an energetic and inspiring performance on 'America's Got Talent,' bringing host Terry Crews to tears. Watch its Golden Buzzer-winning performance that brought the judges to their feet.

"Hearing Susan's and Mary Beth's stories reaffirmed that communal singing, like all variations on the arts in this culture-rich state, is not merely a 'nice to have' -- it deepens our connections with each other and our communities at a time when those ties are fraying." Vaughn Ormseth shares how music can bring people together even in the toughest of circumstances.

When it comes to being a part of a choir, the benefits can be felt live or even virtually. A study that followed Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir shows how partaking in a choir -- even over the internet -- can have positive effects on mental health and social well-being.

The Phoenix Chorale announced Monday that Christopher Gabbitas is taking over as its artistic director, succeeding Charles Bruffy, who led the choir from 1999 to 2017. Along with appearing on more than 30 albums with the King's Singers, Gabbitas is a two-time Grammy winner.

VocalEssence is celebrating its 50th-anniversary season. Listen now to this encore presentation of its 50th-anniversary concert from Oct. 7 with host John Birge.

Enjoy this absolutely gorgeous performance of Alejandro Consolacion II's 'Alleluia,' performed by South Korea's Ansan City Choir at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn.