Kantorei, an a cappella choir led by Axel Theimer of St. Joseph, will perform holiday music by Minnesota composers and others Dec. 14 and 15.
Four central Minnesota residents carpool for Kantorei practices and performances in the Twin Cities: Amanda Culver of Avon, Kayla Ward of Cold Spring, Axel Theimer of St. Joseph and Marlene Dingmann of Cold Spring.
St. Joseph choral director Theimer directs Kantorei holiday concerts
Two holiday concerts will be performed by Kantorei, the Minnesota-based a cappella choral ensemble led by Axel Theimer, professor of music at the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University. Three other Central Minnesota residents sing in the choir: Amanda Culver, Avon, and Kayla Ward and Marlene Dingmann, Cold Spring.
“Celebrating the Mystery: Choral Music of Advent and Christmas” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 at St. Joseph Parish, 8701 36th Ave. N. in New Hope, and at 4 p.m Sunday, Dec. 15 at the St. Paul Seminary, Chapel of St. Mary, 2260 Summit Ave. in St. Paul.
Kantorei’s performances combine the ancient singing traditions of Europe with modern choral works and hymn favorites, weaving an experience audience members have called “intimate, joyous, peaceful and reverent.”
The holiday program includes music by Minnesota composers Wayne Kivell and James Callahan, plus works of Francis Poulenc, Giuseppe Verdi, Andreas Hammerschmidt, Michael Haydn, Samuel Scheidt, Bob Chilcott, and Grayston Ives. Choral hymn favorites and carols sung with the audience will round out the event.
Theimer, a native of Tirol, Austria and alumnus of the Vienna Boys’ Choir, has led Kantorei since it was founded in 1988.
“Our ensemble of about 40 voices pursues the highest standard of musical expression and artistry,” Theimer said. “During this hectic time of year, our concerts offer a musical oasis of peace and joy to audience members.”
Future Kantorei events include a Gala and Silent Auction Feb. 8 and spring performances, “How Can I Keep from Singing,” May 3 and 4.
For tickets, more information and group sales, please visit www.kantorei.net/tickets or call 612-21-SINGS (612-217-4647). To encourage youth participation in choral activities, Kantorei provides free rush tickets to high-school students.
ABOUT KANTOREI
Directed since 1988 by Axel Theimer, Kantorei is one of the premier choral ensembles in Minnesota. Kantorei’s 40 singers have set a standard in Minnesota for rich and effortless choral sound. The choir’s approach to singing – with an integral focus on vocal freedom and health – allows the singers to communicate emotional and expressive content of music and text with natural beauty. Kantorei’s special reputation for interpreting European choral music – including seldom-heard Romantic pieces, sacred masterworks, and Austrian and German folk melodies – is drawn from the heritage of founder Axel Theimer. The ensemble’s website is www.kantorei.net.
Food shelf drive very successful
Chuck Kern, a member of the American Legion of St. Joseph Post 328 presents a $500 check to Sr. Joyce Iten of the St. Joseph Food Shelf. Iten says “a huge thank you to everyone who helped in any way to make our St. Joseph area-wide Food Shelf Drive on Nov. 9 one of the most successful ever conducted.” Donations included more than 200 grocery bags, 10 large boxes of food and household items as well as $7,196.
St. Joseph Lions Club member Joe Bechtold presents a $5,000 check to Ann Scherer of the St. Joseph Food Shelf. All food, household items and monetary donations have made it possible to restock the empty food shelves and storeroom at this time. The Area Food Shelf Board hopes to raise $15,000 by Dec. 31 through local donations which will help to keep our food shelves restocked. Scherer said, “Thank you one and all for your generosity for those in need.”
