MAGNUM CHORUM

Recognized for expressive singing and inspired programs, Magnum Chorum brings artistry and spirit to a cappella choral music. The 50-voice chamber choir presents colorful concerts, commissions and premieres new sacred works, and provides music for worship. Founded in the choral tradition of St. Olaf College, the choir welcomes singers of all backgrounds devoted to excellence in sacred choral music. Now celebrating its 21st season, Magnum Chorum also serves as Choir in Residence at Westwood Lutheran Church in St. Louis Park, MN.

Magnum Chorum has performed with distinguished conductors including Weston Noble, Dale Warland, Kenneth Jennings, Anton Armstrong, Philip Brunelle, René Clausen, Craig Hella Johnson and Osmo Vänskä, and collaborated with prominent composers such as Stephen Paulus, Frank Ferko, Libby Larsen, Dan Kallman and Ralph Johnson. The ensemble has been featured at conferences of the American Choral Director’s Association (ACDA), American Guild of Organists, and American Hymn Society. Magnum Chorum’s name is intended to convey the importance of the choir in expressing the divine and the infinite through voice, music, and text.

The choir’s 6 recordings are broadcast nationally and locally on public radio and classical music stations. The most recent recording, "Love Divine," was released November 2009, and features the choir live in concert under the direction of Christopher Aspaas.

Christopher Aspaas has served as Music Director of Magnum Chorum since 2008. Dr. Aspaas is Assistant Professor of Choral/Vocal Music at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, where he teaches choral literature, choral conducting and voice, and conducts the Viking Chorus and Chapel Choir. He earned his B.M. in Voice Performance from St. Olaf, his M.M. in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University, and his Ph.D. in Choral Music Education at Florida State University. Aspaas is active as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator, and makes frequent appearances as a tenor soloist.

Come hear for yourself! On Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18 we offer Today Heaven Sings Christmas Concerts. Celebrate the joy and peace of Christmas in a radiant evening of carols. You’ll enjoy music by Grieg, Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming by Sandström, and a charming lullaby by Villette. Stunning and chromatic, Creator Spirit and Today Heaven Sings by Jennings are featured with music by Mendelssohn and Fauré. With lyrical oboe, How Still He Lies and a tender Infant Holy, Infant Lowly capture the Christmas miracle borne in a humble stable so long ago. Join us to infuse your holidays with music and joy!

Please visit www.magnumchorum.org for details. Gifts like yours provide 60% of our revenue each season, literally funding our concerts, new sacred works, recordings and participation in worship services. We are tremendously grateful for every gift we receive that allows us to continue our musical ministry. Thank you!