The Concordia Choir is a collegiate choral ensemble from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. Founded in 1920, the choir is composed primarily of undergraduate students and has been involved in regional, national, and international choral performances. The ensemble performs both sacred and secular repertoire and participates in annual tours and seasonal concert programs.
The choir was founded at Concordia College in 1920. From 1937 to 1986, it was directed by Paul J. Christiansen, a figure associated with the continuation of choral traditions developed by his father, F. Melius Christiansen, at St. Olaf College.[1] The Christiansen family's influence is frequently cited in discussions of Minnesota’s choral development during the 20th century.[2]
René Clausen directed the choir from 1986 to 2020. During his tenure, the choir undertook national and international tours and produced numerous recordings. Clausen’s compositional style and educational methods have been discussed in publications by the American Choral Directors Association.[3][4]
In 2020, Dr. Michael Culloton, a Concordia alumnus, became the ensemble’s fourth conductor.[5]
Tours and performances
The choir conducts annual tours across the United States and international tours on a rotating schedule. Past destinations have included Germany and Italy, with performances in both liturgical and concert settings.[6]
In March 2024, the choir was reviewed in *The Munro Review* following a tour concert in California. The performance was noted for its program variety and ensemble coordination.[7]
Recordings and broadcasts
The ensemble produces recordings through the Concordia Recordings label. A 2016 concert was broadcast on Minnesota Public Radio’s *Choral Stream*, including works by J.S. Bach, Stephen Paulus, and René Clausen.[8]
Christmas concert
The choir participates annually in Concordia College’s Christmas Concerts, which also feature the college's orchestra and other vocal ensembles. These performances are held in Moorhead and Minneapolis and have been broadcast on public television stations.[9] The concerts have received regional recognition, including Upper Midwest Emmy Awards for televised productions.
Academic relevance
The choir’s former conductor René Clausen has been the subject of academic study, particularly in relation to his choral composition and conducting pedagogy.[10]
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