Choral Stream

The world-renowned Vienna Boys Choir has thrilled audiences of all ages for more than 500 years; now, it bring its singular sound to the Basilica of Saint Mary.

Classical MPR's Tesfa Wondemagegnehu recently bought himself a new car so he can drive all over spreading the joy of choral music. Now he just needs a perfect name for his new ride. What ideas do you have?

Here's a fun look back: Harmony in the Park delighted audiences in Minneapolis, Mankato and Duluth back in June. Each day, the weather threatened, but the air cleared just in time for each concert. Enjoy these photos by freelance photographer Bill Hickey.

Just 28 years old, Mohammed Fairouz is an acclaimed and widely-performed composer. Having been raised as a world traveller, Fairouz - in the words of his official biography - "integrates Middle-Eastern modes into Western structures, to deeply expressive effect."

In a bittersweet announcement, the King's Singers have announced that Julian Gregory will be joining their ranks as tenor; Benedict Hymas, the previously-announced replacement for departing Paul Phoenix, has withdrawn from the position for personal reasons.

Benedict Hymas will be joining The King's Singers from September 2014, taking over from Paul Phoenix who has been with the group for almost 17 years.

Texas-based Conspirare, which St. Olaf Choir director Anton Armstrong has called "the finest professional choir in the United States today," is presenting a two-week comPassion Festival in Austin and other Texas cities this month. Conspirare's artistic director and conductor Craig Hella Johnson writes about the genesis of this unusual festival theme and the works being performed.

The Apollo Male Chorus knows how to swing! Joined by the George Maurer Group, the Apollo guys present "De-Lovely" this weekend. Steve Staruch welcomed both groups into the Maud Moon Weyerhauser Studio for a preview.

Men's vocal ensemble Six Appeal have a cheeky name, but they also have the goods to back it up. Two members of the group, Michael Brookens and Andrew Berkowitz, stopped in to talk to Alison Young before performing this Thursday at Harmony in the Park.

Tenors Gary Ruschman and David Walton as well as baritone Adam Reinwald, will depart Cantus to explore other endeavors after spending a collective 30 years with the singing ensemble. All three men joined Classical MPR's Alison Young for an interview on Friday, May 30.