PDF of the complete program

Velkommen til vår konsert!
When I was approached by one of our singers two years ago about
doing a concert of Scandinavian music—music of those composers who are
themselves “Northern Lights”—I was excited…but then a bit daunted by the
fact that I don’t know Norwegian or Swedish, and I have never had the
opportunity to delve into those cultures.
Turns out that I had Norwegian language speakers galore in the choir
and colleagues who were willing to help. Not only did I learn of and fall in love
with the choral music and composers from Norway, Sweden, Finland and the
Baltic region, I was made aware of the rich Scandinavian heritage that we in
Minnesota enjoy. Thus, this program was born!
Learning the Norwegian, Swedish, and Finnish language diction, and
bringing the language off the page to tell a story and express emotion is a
challenge, and the SPVF singers have proven to be up to the task! In addition
to learning the diction from our wonderful singer/coach Ann Sather, our
rehearsals have centered on fostering an improvisatory style of singing to echo
jazz elements in our concert and the native Sami yoik—a chant much like
Native American Indian chant. This has been such a treat, learning again to sing
from the heart, to listen deeply to one another to tell a collaborative story.
Nordlys, is a collaborative constellation of choral music that
invites imagination (or memory!) about the Aurora Borealis,
encourages encounter with composers of the Scandinavian region who
sparkle in their own ways and
meditates on the mystery inherent in the celestial beauty of the
Northern Lights and Stars.
Just as constellations are made up of a series of stars, so this concert presents
four “constellations” with connected pieces…
Please hold applause until after each “constellation” of music.
Lighten Our Darkness ......................................................................... Andrew Smith
South Sámi People............................................................................ Frode Fjellheim
Norwegian Lullaby ............................................Gjendine Slålien/Gunnar Eriksson
!
/
!
Aftonbön ................................................................................................. Egil Hovland
Children of the Heavenly Father ................................................ Trad. Swedish
Karin Boye’s Evening Prayer ................................................... Egil Hovland
Ave Maris Stella .................................................................................... Edvard Grieg
Til de Døde / Bliv hos os ................................................. Agathe Backer-Grøndahl
!
INTERMISSION
!
Night Yoik .......................................................................................... Frode Fjellheim
Drömmarna ............................................................................................. Jean Sibelius
Stemning .................................................................................................. Hugo Alfvén
Evening Prayer ............................................................................................ Ola Gjeilo
!
/
!
Nu solen går ned ............................................ Trad., arr. Linn Andrea Fuglseth
Rivers of Light .................................................................................... Ēriks Ešenvalds
Stars ..................................................................................................... Ēriks Ešenvalds
Our first choral constellation begins with the chant-inspired work of
Englishman-in-Oslo Andrew Smith (b.1970).
Lighten Our Darkness is based on the Latin and English text of the ancient
evening hymn Te lucis ante terminum. His composition incorporates the chant
melody as well, and draws on the “sprung rhythm” that makes chant so
ethereal. We connect this plea for light in darkness with a Yoik…to invoke the
light.
Norway’s jazz-inspired composer and yoiker Frode Fjellheim (b. 1959) wrote
two of the pieces on this concert. Fjellheim was raised in Karasjok and is of
Southern Sámi origin.
He is most well known in Norway for his band Transjoik and for writing the
music for the title song, Eatnemen Vuelie for Disney’s Frozen. Fjellheim calls
South Sami People a “pseudo-yoik”.
A yoik is a native vocal tradition that is kept alive among the Sami people of
Northern Scandinavia. The Sami culture revolves around reindeer herding,
central to survival of these Nordic people. Yoik, somewhat like Native
American chant, is a vocal tradition meant to call out and evoke an emotion or
person or event. A person “yoiks” another person, “yoiks” a memory, “yoiks”
an experience. It is an improvisatory tradition born out of direct expression,
and while Fjellheim does not pretend to teach us to yoik, he uses some of the
melodies from the ancient tradition as a component of his music, using simple
melodies which repeat with gathering intensity and fervor.
Resting in the light of the night that we “yoiked,” Norwegian Lullaby follows,
an arrangement of folksong Gjendine’s bådnlåt by Gunnar Ericksson (b. 1936).
Eriksson is professor of choral conducting at the University of Gothenburg, in
Sweden. He wrote the piece in 1993 in response to a commission to provide a
fresh approach to a treasure of Norwegian folk music. Eriksson says, “so I did
the unthinkable and dressed my arrangement of this Scandinavian jewel with a
bit of a Cuban touch, creating a new perspective on the song.” One can hear
the Cuban guitar accompanying the lovely folk melody handed down by Kaia
Gjendine Slaalien, who sang it for Edvard Grieg when he visited the farm where
she was working. Gjendine died in 1972 at the age of 101.
Lighten Our Darkness
Music: Andrew Smith
Text: from a collect for Evening Prayer and a Compline hymn, 7th c.
A Collect for Aid against Perils.
Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord; and by thy great mercy
defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son,
our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Te lucis ante terminum,
rerum Creator, poscimus,
ut solita clementia,
sis praesul ad custodiam.
To thee, before the end of the light,
Creator of all things, we pray,
that thy accustomed mercy
may be our protector and guard.
Procul recedant somnia,
et noctium phantasmata:
hostemque nostrum comprime,
ne polluantur corpora.
Let dreams depart from us,
and the phantoms of night,
and restrain our enemy,
that our bodies may not be polluted.
Praesta, Pater omnipotens,
per Iesum Christum Dominum,
qui tecum in perpetuum
regnat cum Sancto Spiritu. AMEN
Grant this, all-powerful Father,
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who with thee in eternity
reigns with the Holy Spirit.
South Sámi People
Music and Text: Frode Fjellheim
Norwegian Lullaby
Music: Gjendine Slålien/Gunnar Eriksson
Text: Per Mathisson Offvid
Soloists: Bill Booth, Phil Soucheray, Jeff Anderson, Ann Sather, Mary Jo Lewis
Gjendin, Gjendin, Gjendin, Gjendin
Barnet legges i vuggen ned
Stundom greder og stundom ler.
Sove nu, sove nu i Jesu navn,
Jesus bevare barnet.
Gjendin, Gjendin, Gjendin, Gjendin
The child laid down in the cradle,
Sometimes crying, and sometimes laughing.
Sleep now, sleep now in Jesus’ name,
Jesus will keep you safe.
Min mor hun tok meg på sitt fang,
danse med meg frem og tilbake.
Danse så, med de små.
Danse så, så skal barnet danse.
My mother she took me on her lap
Danced with me to and fro.
As she danced, with her child
Just so will the child dance.
Constellation two, begins with a weaving of two pieces, a well-known hymn
tune/folk song, and an evening prayer. Aftonbön was written by one of
Norway’s most prolific composers, Egil Hovland (1924-2013). His style
embraces a number of interesting elements, Gregorian chant, neo-classicism,
and atonality. Written in 1987, Aftonbön or Evening Prayer is more folk
inspired neo-classical, and sets a poignant text by Karin Boye (1900-1941).
Boye was a Swedish writer who, according to Hovland ,“in her lyrics expressed
her deep personal conflict between the need to accept herself as she was
versus the expectations of society…the tension was so great that she finally
took her own life. In Evening Prayer Karin Boye brings together her personal
confession and her deep longing for total surrender.”
This song was first conceived by Hovland as a simple melody with flute
accompaniment. We weave this simple melody and text together with wellknown Swedish folk tune Tryggare kan ingen vara with verses in Swedish,
Norwegian, and English. If you know the melody…sing along! This is followed
by Hovland’s beautiful arrangement of the melody, Karin Boye’s Evening
Prayer.
What concert of Norwegian “stars” would be complete without music by
Edvard Grieg (1843-1907)? Grieg is widely considered one of the leading
Romantic era composers, and his music is part of the standard classical
repertoire worldwide. His use and development of Norwegian folk music in his
own compositions put the music of Norway in the mainstream, and helped to
develop a Norwegian national identity. Grieg had a gift for melody, and Ave
Maris Stella is a prime example. Written in 1898, this is a choral arrangement
by Grieg of a solo song written in the same year. For the choral version, Grieg
used the traditional Latin text, depicting a poetic image of Mary as a star who
guides souls across the sea of life. The hymn is regularly used as one of the
Marian antiphons in evening prayer.
Our second constellation ends with a pair of pieces by Norwegian pianist,
conductor, and composer Agathe Backer-Grøndahl (1847-1907). BackerGrøndahl studied with some of the greatest piano teachers of the time,
including Franz Liszt. After her marriage to choral conductor Olams Andreas
Grøndahl she divided her time between music and domestic life; the couple
was close friends and professional colleagues of the Griegs. She is best known
for her songs and short piano pieces.
Flerstemmige Sange, opus 67 is a lovely example of her agreeable, rather
conservative compositional style, intended for the sophisticated amateur
market. Til de Døde and Bliv hos os close the first half of our concert, evoking
the sweetness of holy rest, and ending with a prayer for divine presence in the
midst of darkness.
Aftonbön
Music: Egil Hovland
Text: Karin Boye; Translation by David McDuff
Soloists: Ann Sather, Rochelle Milbrath
Ingen stund är såsom denna,
kvällens sista, tysta timma.
Inga sorger längre bränna
inga stämmor mera stimma.
No time is like this one,
the evening's final, silent hour.
No sorrows burn any longer,
no voices crowd any more.
Tag då nu I dina händer
denna dagen som förflutit.
Visst jag vet: i gott du vänder
vad jag hållit eller brutit.
Then take now into your hands
this day that is past, like a token.
For I know: into good you will turn
what I have held or broken.
Ont jag tänker, ont jag handlar,
men du läker allt och renar.
Mina dagar du förvandlar
så från grus till ädla stenar.
Evilly I think, evilly I act,
but all things you heal and cleanse.
My days then you transform
From gravel to precious stones.
Du får lyfta, du får bära,
jag kan bara allting lämna.
Tag mig, led mig, var mig nära!
Ske mig vad du sen må ämna!
You must lift, you must carry,
I can only leave all things behind.
Take me, lead me, be close to me!
Show me what you next may intend!
Children of the Heavenly Father
Music: Trad. Swedish
Text: Carolina Sandell Berg
Swedish:
Tryggare kan ingen vara
än Guds lilla barnaskara
stjärnan ej på himlafästet,
fågeln ej i kända nästet.
Children of the heavenly Father
safely in His bosom gather;
nestling bird nor star in heaven
such a refuge e’er was given.
Norwegian:
Ingen nød og ingen lykke
skal av Herrens hånd dem rykke.
Han, den beste venn blant venner,
sine barns bekymring kjenner.
Neither life nor death shall ever
from the Lord His children sever.
Unto them His grace He showeth
and their sorrows all He knoweth.
Karin Boye’s Evening Prayer
Music: Egil Hovland
Text: Karin Boye
English translation by Gracia Grindal
Now I lay me down in silence,
In this still and quiet hour.
Sorrow’s hold on me is fading,
Clam’ring voices lose their power.
All my harmful thoughts and actions,
Heal and make them new and wholesome.
Take my days and make them over.
Come, transform their dust to diamond.
Take this day which now has ended.
Let me rest until tomorrow,
For I know that you can finish
what I found of joy or sorrow.
Lift and bear them from me,
I will leave them in your keeping.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Let me rest as I am sleeping!
Ave Maris Stella
Music: Edvard Grieg
Text: Vesper hymn, ca. 9th c. (text in italics is not sung)
Ave, maris stella,
Dei mater alma,
atque semper virgo,
felix cœli porta.
Hail, star of the sea,
Nurturing Mother of God,
And ever Virgin,
Happy gate of Heaven.
Sumens illud “Ave”
Gabrielis ore,
funda nos in pace,
mutans Evæ nomen.
Receiving that "Ave"
From the mouth of Gabriel,
Establish us in peace,
Transforming the name of "Eva"
Solve vincla reis,
profer lumen cæcis,
mala nostra pelle,
bona cuncta posce.
Loosen the chains of the guilty,
Send forth light to the blind,
Our evil do thou dispel,
Entreat (for us) all good things.
Monstra te esse matrem,
sumat per te precem
qui pro nobis natus
tulit esse tuus.
Show thyself to be a Mother:
Through thee may he receive prayer
Who, being born for us,
Undertook to be thine own.
Virgo singularis,
inter omnes mitis,
nos culpis solutos
mites fac et castos.
O unique Virgin,
Meek above all others,
Make us, set free from (our) sins,
Meek and chaste.
Vitam præsta puram,
iter para tutum,
ut videntes Jesum
semper collætemur.
Bestow a pure life,
Prepare a safe way:
That seeing Jesus,
We may ever rejoice.
Sit laus Deo Patri,
summo Christo decus,
Spiritui Sancto
tribus honor unus. Amen.
Praise be to God the Father,
To the Most High Christ (be) glory,
To the Holy Spirit
(Be) honour, to the Three equally.
Amen.
Til de Døde (To the Dead) op. 67 no. 10
Music: Agathe Backer Grøndahl
Text: Adolph Wilhelm Schack von Staffeldt (1769-1826)
English Translation: Ann Sather
Sover sødt i hellig Fred!
Blomsten sig om Graven slynger,
Liden Fugl i Linden synger,
Maanen ser saa venlig ned.
Sleepers sweet in holy peace!
Flowers wind themselves around your graves,
The little bird in the linden sings,
The moon looks down so kindly.
Sover sødt i hellig Fred!
Blomsten visner, Løvet falder,
Høstens Storm Naturen kalder
Til den dybe Hvile ned.
Sleepers sweet in holy peace!
Flowers wither, leaves drop,
Fall’s storm of nature calls
Down to the deep rest.
Sover sødt i hellig Fred!
Alt hvad over Eder bølger,
Tidlig eller sildig følger
Til den dybe Hvile ned.
Sleepers sweet in holy peace!
Everything above You,
Sails early or late, follows
Down to the deep rest.
Sover sødt i hellig Fred!
Sleepers sweet in holy peace!
Bliv hos os (Stay with us) op. 67 no.8
Music: Agathe Backer Grøndahl
Text: Bernhard Severin Ingemann (1789-1862)
English Translation: Ann Sather
Bliv hos os, naar Dagen helder,
Du kjære Fader og Gud, o bliv.
Bliv hos os, naar Mørket vælder
Af Nattens Sluser ud! O bliv.
Stay with us, when the day ends,
You dear Father and God, oh stay.
Stay with us when the dark power
of night pours out! Oh stay.
Henspred over Dal og Høie
Dit Stjerneklædebons Flig,
Saa lukke, vi trygt, vort Øie
Og slumre sødt hos Dig.
Across the valley, and on high
Your star's raiment shines,
We are secure in closing our eyes
In sweet, peaceful slumber with You.
Bliv hos os, og vi vil drømme
Om Englebørnenes Fred, o bliv,
Din Aand gjennem Himmelstrømme
Vil suse til os ned, o bliv,
Stay with us, and we will dream
Of angel-children's peace, oh stay,
Your Spirit streams through the heavens
Down to us, oh stay,
Og Kongen i Livets Rige
Vil favne alle de Smaa, o bliv,
Paa Englenes Himmelstige
Skal Barnesjæla gaa.
And the King of life's realm
Will embrace all the little ones, oh stay,
On the angels' heavenly ladder
Shall the children themselves go.
Bliv hos os, naar Dagen helder,
Du kjære Fader og Gud!
Og Paradislyset vælder
Af Nattens Sluser ud,
Bliv hos os.
Stay with us when the day ends,
You dear Father and God!
And the light of paradise overwhelms
the dark power of night.
Stay with us.
!
INTERMISSION
!
We begin our third constellation with Night Yoik, another of Fjellheim’s
“Norwegian Sámi Songs.” Though it has a different feel from South Sámi
People, the rhythmic, repetitive structure again provides energetic space for
Peter Vircks to demonstrate his artistry on the saxophone. It also provides an
interesting context for the contemplative Drömmarna, by Finnish composer
Jean Sibelius (1865-1957).
As Grieg did for Norway, Sibelius is often credited with supporting the
development of a Finnish national identity. Sibelius, who is best known for his
symphonic composition, was also interested in and influenced by the
mythology and the landscape of the region, which comes through in this little
choral gem. “Even by Nordic standards,” says biographer Erik Tawaststjerna,
“Sibelius responded with exceptional intensity to the moods of nature and the
changes in the seasons: he scanned the skies with his binoculars for the geese
flying over the lake ice, listened to the screech of the cranes, and heard the
cries of the curlew echo over the marshy grounds just below Ainola. He
savoured the spring blossoms every bit as much as he did autumnal scents and
colours.”
Our next star, Hugo Alfvén (1872-1960), was a prominent Swedish
contemporary of Sibelius. Also a painter and writer, he wrote programmatic
music that evokes the landscape of Sweden. Stemning is a miniature for choir
that evokes the “mood” of melancholy as the darkness of evening descends.
This melancholy is lifted by the sound of the saxophone, which connects us to
Evening Prayer by contemporary Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo (b. 1978).
Gjeilo’s gift for melody and flair for the dramatic are combined here with jazz
improvisation, echoing many elements of the yoik and chant traditions.
Night Yoik
Music: Frode Fjellheim
Soloists: Rochelle Milbrath, Terry Lynn Carlson
Drömmarna
Music: Jean Sibelius
Text: Jonatan Reuter
English translation: John Yilek
Släktena födas, och släktena gå,
släktena glida som strömmar
dö och försvinna och slockna, ändå
dö ej de lockande drömmar:
leva i sol och i sorg och i storm,
domna och läggas på båren,
uppstå ånyo i skimrande form,
följa varandra i spåren.
Generations are born, and generations pass,
generations glide like streams
They die and vanish and are extinguished,
yet enticing dreams do not die:
They live in sun and in sorrow and in storm,
they grow numb and are laid in their deathbed,
and rise up anew in shimmering form,
following in each other's footprints.
Hur än de komma och hur än de gå,
glida som speglande strömmar,
hur de försvinna och slockna,
leva de eviga drömmar.
However they come and however they go,
they glide like reflecting streams.
However they vanish and are extinguished,
the eternal dreams live on.
Stemning
Music: Hugo Alfvén
Text: I. P. Jacobsen
Alle de voksende Skygger
har vævet sig sammen til en,
ensom paa Himmelen lyser
en Stjærne saa straalende ren,
Skyerne have saa tunge Drømme,
Blomsternes øjne i Duggraad svømme,
underligt Aftenvinden suser i Linden.
All the growing shadows
have woven together as one.
Alone in the sky shines
a star so radiantly clear.
The clouds have such melancholy dreams.
The eyes of the flowers swim in tears of dew,
a strange evening wind whistles in the trees.
Evening Prayer
Music: Ola Gjeilo
Text: St. Augustine
Watch, O Lord,
with those who wake,
or watch or weep tonight,
and give your angels charge
over those who sleep.
Tend your sick ones,
O Lord Jesus Christ;
rest your weary ones;
soothe your suffering ones;
pity your afflicted ones;
shield your joyous ones;
and all for your love’s sake.
Amen.
Our final constellation begins with the women singing an arrangement of a
Norwegian folk tune called Nu solen går ned, arranged by Linn Andrea
Fuglseth of Trio Mediaeval, a well-known vocal trio from Norway. Nu solen går
ned, is another evening prayer, and sets into context the last two pieces, both
by Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds (b. 1977). Ešenvalds choral music is
melodic, expressive, and creative! Rivers of Light incorporates two melodies,
one an old Finnish folksong, and the other a Northern Sami yoik about the
Northern Lights. He blends these elements together in different time
signatures, along with descriptions of the Northern Lights by Arctic explorers
Charles Francis Hall and Fridtjof Nansen, among others. Using a jaw harp to
evoke a more primitive sound, Ešenvalds weaves a magical piece of music that
clearly reflects the beauty, mystery, and awesome wonder of the Aurora
Borealis. Following Rivers of Light, we end our concert with Stars. Here,
Ešenvalds sets text by American lyric poet Sara Teasdale (1884-1933) to his
impression of “aural stars,” created by a mix of voices and tuned wine glasses.
It is, perhaps, the celestial sound of Nordlys. As Sara Teasdale writes “I know I
am honored to be witness of so much majesty!” We hope you feel the same
way!
Nu solen går ned
Music: Trad., arr. Linn Andrea Fuglseth
Text: Sondre Bratland
English translation: John Yilek
Nu solen går ned
og aftenen breder
på jorden sin fred.
Små fuglene flyver til redene hen,
og blomsten har lukket sitt øye igjen,
så lukker seg også mitt hjerte i lønn,
Med gudelig bønn,
med gudelig bønn.
Now the sun is setting,
and the evening spreads
its peace over the earth.
The little birds fly to their nests,
and the flower closes its eye again
so also my heart closes secretly
in devout prayer,
in devout prayer.
Hav takk for i dag.
Gud Fader i himlen
som fremmet min sak.
Du har meg omhegnet,
alt ondt fra meg vendt,
mitt arbeid velsignet,
meg lykke tilsendt.
Så mildelig timene for meg henrant.
Takk skje deg så sant,
Takk skje deg så sant.
Give thanks for the day.
God the Father in heaven,
my help and my cause.
You have embraced me,
driven all evil away,
blessed my work
and sent me happiness.
Mildly the hours have passed by.
Thanks be truly yours,
thanks be truly yours.
Rivers of Light
Music: Ēriks Ešenvalds
Text: Charles Francis Hall, Fridtjof Nansen, and other writings
Soloists: Lily Vasquez, David Vasquez
Jaw Harp: David Barrett
Saami or Old Finnish folksong:
Kuovsakasah reukarih tåkko teki
sira ria
tåkko teki
sira ria, sira siraa ria
Northern Lights slide back and forth
sira ria
back and forth
sira ria, sira siraa ria
Winter night, the sky is filled with symphony of light.
The sky is flooded with rivers of light.
Ah, the doors of the heaven have been opened to night.
Northern Saami yoik about Northern Lights:
Guovssat, guovssat radni go
libai libai libaida
ruoná gákti
nu nu nu
Northern Lights, Northern Lights, blanket shivering
libai libai libai
green gákti [gákti is traditional Saami clothing]
nu nu nu
From horizon to horizon
misty dragons swim through the sky.
Green curtains billow and swirl.
Fast-moving sky-filling,
the tissues of gossamer.
Nothing can be heard, nothing heard!
Light shakes over the vault of heaven
its veil of glittering silver:
changing now to yellow, now to green, now to red.
It spreads in restless change, into waving,
into many-folded bands of silver.
It shimmers in tongues of flame.
Over the very zenith it shoots a bright ray up,
until the whole melts away,
as a sigh of departing soul,
in the moonlight,
leaving a glow in the sky
like the dying embers of a great fire.
Stars
Music: Ēriks Ešenvalds
Text: Sara Teasdale
Tuned glasses: Phil Soucheray, Jeff Anderson, Kathleen Bartholomay, Mary Jo
Lewis, Lily Vasquez, Jodi Gustafson, Karla Booth
Alone in the night
On a dark hill
With pines around me
Spicy and still,
And a heaven full of stars
Over my head,
White and topaz
And misty red;
Myriads with beating
Hearts of fire
That aeons
Cannot vex or tire;
Up the dome of heaven
Like a great hill,
I watch them marching
Stately and still,
And I know that I
Am honored to be
Witness
Of so much majesty.
Saint Paul Vocal Forum is a chamber ensemble devoted to sharing exquisite choral music
with people from all walks of life. Our concerts ignite a spirit of joyful discovery between
listeners and performers, and demonstrate that choral music is a primary expression of the
human spirit. Visit us online at spvf.net.
Soprano/Alto
Kathleen Bartholomay, Patrice Cicchese, Karen Esbjornson, Perri Graham-Raff, Mary Jo Lewis,
Margot McKinney, Rochelle Milbrath, Ann Sather, Virginia Stillwell, Lily Vasquez, Janet Zahn
Tenor/Bass
Jeff Anderson, Bill Booth, Terry Lynn Carlson, Glenn Davis, Isak Englund, Bill O’Brien, Scott
Sandberg, Phil Soucheray, David Vasquez, Thor Wagstrom, Dennis Wu
Logistical Manager: Judy Eitland
Special Thanks to Kyle Robertson for help with Video
Karin Barrett, Artistic Director, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from the College of
St. Catherine (Piano and Voice Performance and Music Education K–12); a Master of Music
degree in choral conducting from the University of Minnesota; and a Master of Divinity and a
Master of Arts in Theology (Liturgy and Scripture) from St. John’s School of Theology/Seminary
in Collegeville. She is an active church musician in the Twin Cities, currently serving as Director
of Liturgy and Music for St. Paul’s Monastery in Maplewood. Karin also serves as Director of
Spiritual Care at Lumen Christi Catholic Community in St. Paul and as Chaplain at Mary Hall in
St. Paul. An active member of the VoiceCare Network, Karin continues to study with Liz
Grefsheim.
Steve Norquist has been an active accompanist in the Twin Cities for decades. He has played
in venues as varied as Thursday Musical, Schubert Club, Dayton's Minneapolis, Gustino's, a
Prairie Home Companion, as well as many solo vocal recitals. He is a regular rehearsal
accompanist for the Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Company, and for many years
played for Karin Barrett's Minneapolis Vocal Consort. Steve holds a Master's Degree in
Musicology from Indiana University. His choral compositions have been performed by the Dale
Warland Chamber Singers, the Minnesota Composers Forum Chorale and the Minneapolis
Vocal Consort; two of his song cycles have been broadcast on MPR. (More at
www.stevenorquist.com) He and his husband Michael live in Minneapolis and are avid
gardeners. He collects Minneapolis-related ephemera with an emphasis on cookbooks and
postcards. He has recently started researching and performing undeservedly forgotten piano
music for a YouTube channel called “Piano Curiosities with Steve Norquist: Musical Selfies from
the Edge of the Repertoire”.
Saxophonist Peter Vircks has established himself as a versatile artist with a uniquely rich
instrumental voice. He's co-written and performs internationally with the award winning
theater experience Rhythmic Circus: Feet Don't Fail Me Now! He co-founded the celebrated
electric jazz unit Moveable Feast, leads the Peter Vircks Quartet and is a regular feature in the
Root City Band, Dizzy Hat, Clementown and Viza-Vie. He's been in the bands of national
performers such as Cynthia Johnson (singer of Funkytown), Jennifer Holliday (Dream Girls'
Grammy winning vocalist), the Horn Heads, Eric Kamau Gravatte (of Weather Report fame),
Nachito Herrera and many others.
Peter has been recorded on more than 40 albums including his own 2014 release What You
Believe Is True which was listed in Minnesota Public Radio's top ten “Jazz Favorites of 2014”.
He also has many commercial television, independent film and theater soundtrack credits. —
www.petervircks.com
Every Voice Matters.
What does this mean?
Over the last few years members of the St. Paul Vocal Forum have been lucky to discover,
together, a fundamental truth that is rich and true for each individual singer, for our choir as a
whole and, we believe, for you, the members of our audience.
Every voice matters.
This means that each individual voice contributes mightily to the whole, and that together, our
voices are stronger.
It is a metaphor for the power of community. Good music builds community. It reinforces the
best of who we are as people.
It means that we value the voice of our audiences who sing with us, guide us, listen and hear
our concerts in ways that stretch well beyond our own individual imaginations and
understanding.
It means that our voices can change perspectives, provide comfort and solace, and spark
meaningful conversations. Perhaps the Scandinavian music tonight will conjure fond memories
of your grandparents, or give you new insights into the Scandinavian culture so prevalent in the
Midwest. Maybe the next time you hear a prediction for a Northern Lights appearance, you’ll
hop in your car and drive out of the city in search of a sighting!
We also see how Every Voice Matters as SPVF begins its work with Karin Barrett’s street choir
at the Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul. The Dorothy Day Singers brings people off the street
into a sanctuary of song, where each individual belongs and connects to something that is
bigger than themselves.
One Dorothy Day singer came to rehearsal one night and said, “I credit this choir with the fact
that I now have housing.” Imagine that.
We believe that we can do even more. To do that we need your financial support. Just as every
voice matters, so too does every dollar matter. If you can provide a gift to help us grow in our
mission, please consider giving a donation during the time designated during intermission. The
Saint Paul Vocal Forum has just begun to explore our place in the Twin Cities choral community
and to get to the next level we need to increase our budget. We think that our model of a
choral community—which includes our audience, collaborators and outreach partners—is
unique. We hope that you agree and will feel moved to invest in our future.
Join SPVF (Saint Paul Vocal Forum), our lively and engaging chamber ensemble! If you seek an
opportunity to challenge your musicianship and vocal abilities, then SPVF is for you! The 24voice group is comprised of singers from around the Twin Cities who believe that every voice
matters, and know that a smaller ensemble requires commitment to community and the choral
art. We are looking for singers who are confident music readers, who can prepare and rehearse
music on their own, and who want to create and present beautiful choral music to diverse
audiences without cost. Is that you? We present two concert series annually and rehearse
weekly on Sundays at St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Roseville from 6:30-9:30pm. The Spring
2016 concert rehearsals begin on January 10. To be considered for an audition, and for our
calendar, please go to our website www.spvf.net for audition form and more information.