The Gustavus Choir Returns to Present its Annual Home Concert

Following a ten-day concert tour which showcased its talents in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska and Minnesota, the Gustavus Choir, under the direction of Dr. Gregory J. Aune, returns to Gustavus to present its home concert in Christ Chapel, Saturday, February 13 at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the Choir’s home concert is free and open to the public.

The choir has toured annually throughout the United States and abroad during its 84-year history. Prior to this year’s continental tour, the Choir presented concerts in Great Britain and France, including performances in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, Church of the Holy Trinity in Stratford-upon-Avon, and the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris.

The Gustavus Choir is recognized for its musical approach to singing and high standards of performance. The tour program will feature a broad historical spectrum of sacred and secular choral music including Beethoven’s “Kyrie from Mass in C Major,” Peter Anglea’s “Jubilate Deo,” and the choir’s signature closing piece, “Praise to the Lord,” arranged by F. Melius Christiansen.

Dr. Gregory J. Aune, is the Jon and Anita Thomsen Young Distinguished Chair in Music. He is in his 20th year as conductor of the Gustavus Choir and music director of the Christmas in Christ Chapel worship celebrations. Dr. Aune is a respected clinician and has served as an adjudicator and guest conductor at choral festivals throughout the United States. Under his leadership, the Gustavus Choir has toured annually throughout the United States and five times internationally while recording three CDs: Be With Us, How Can I Keep From Singing & Sing South Africa.

The importance of music in the College’s undergraduate curriculum has long been recognized. Over a third of its more than 2,500 students—majors and non-majors alike—register for courses in the theory, history, appreciation, pedagogy, and performance of music each year and participate in some 30 performing ensembles, five of which tour regularly.

Saturday’s home concert by the Gustavus Choir will be live streamed on the Gustavus website at Gustavus Live Stream. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Christ Chapel. Admission to the concert is free.