The Saint John's Boys' CHoir
Founded in 1981 by Br. Paul Richards and the Saint John's monastic community, The St. John’s Boys’ Choir continues the tradition of enabling boys to express themselves through music, and provides an environment that nurtures and encourages creativity. The SJBC became an independent non-profit in 1993 and has grown to include four choral ensembles for boys in 3rd to 9th grade who represent home, public, and private schools in more than 15 communities across Central Minnesota. The choir has embarked on several concert tours throughout North and Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. Their international travels have brought them to perform in venues such as Dvorak Hall in Prague, Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and Notre Dame in Paris, and Carnegie Hall in New York City. They have also appeared on the nationally-broadcast A Prairie Home Companion, and can be heard on any of several independently-released CDs, as well as on recordings by Saint John’s Abbey, Amy Grant, and the Grammy-nominated album Ghosts Upon the Earth by Gungor.
The Youth Chorale of Central Minnesota
Founded in 2005, the Youth Chorale of Central Minnesota (YCCM) is a 501(c)3 non-profit chorus for students in grades 9-12. The organization seeks to impact young people in the region by offering an advanced choral ensemble committed to excellence in artistic quality. YCCM is an auditioned ensemble, consisting of singers representing 23 different high schools and 25 communities. The Chorale rehearses two hours each week on the campus of St. John’s University.
Bridging the gap between well-established area children’s community choirs and adult community choirs, the Youth Chorale of Central Minnesota was founded in the spirit of collaboration. Singers perform 6-8 times per year with well-known performing arts groups such as The St. John’s Boys’ Choir, Cantabile Girls’ Choir, St. Cloud State Concert Choir, Great River Chorale, Minnesota Center Chorale, Kantorei, The Singers, and From Age to Age.
The Youth Chorale performs a diverse range of choral literature, from Renaissance masterpieces to commissioning new music every year. Past commissions have included Paul Brandvik, Matthew Culloton, Abbie Betinis, Eric Barnum, René Clausen, Dale Warland, Timothy Takach, Timothy Tharaldson, and Jocelyn Hagen.
The Youth Chorale is open by audition to all high school singers within driving range of Saint John’s University.