Favorite choruses from Handel's Messiah are on tap for our 3rd annual Community Sing, this year happening on Thursday, July 14. Be a part of it! More information here .

Kristine and Roger Harms, Michael Culloton

Roger and Kristine Harms were named recipients of the 2011 Kvam Choral Advocacy Award at our May concerts. Roger sang with Choral Arts Ensemble for 25 years (Choral Landscapes was his last concert--he is now among the emeritus singers!), served on our board of directors, helped develop our strategic plan, and with his wife, Kris, hosted many an afterglow. Kris has been an enthusiastic concert supporter and attendee as well as our choir photographer. Her photographs can be found in programs, on cd covers, in brochures, on posters, on the website and throughout our Singing Valentine event and promotions. Thank you, Roger and Kris, for being dedicated choral advocates!

Our 2011-2012 season is all set and it is going to be fantastic! Here's a brief overview:

• Carmina Burana October 15, 16, 2011 Lourdes Chapel at Assisi Heights
• Christmas at Assisi December 9,10, 11, 2011, Lourdes Chapel at Assisi Heights
• Choral Classics March 17, 18, 2012 Zumbro Lutheran Church
• An American Spring May 5, 6, 2012 Zumbro Lutheran Church

And of course, our annual benefit event, A Singing Valentine, will be held on February 11, 2012 at the Rochester International Event Center.

Season ticket packages will be on sale soon. Buy yours early and get a ticket voucher to bring a friend to one of our concerts! Look for your brochure to arrive in the mail in June.

Auditions are being scheduled for the 2011-2012 season. Dates are May 31 and June 1, or by appointment, with recalls on June 7. All auditions are held at our office at Assisi Heights. Email music@choralartsensemble.org to schedule a time. Information and audition form can be found here.

A popular offering at our A Singing Valentine benefit event the past few years is the opportunity to reserve a place at a Summer Soiree, hosted by several of our nearest and dearest supporters at the home of Alan and Jolene Hansen. The date for this year's soiree, which is held poolside and features live music and delectable hors d'oeurve, is Saturday, July 23 (rain date July 24).

Make your reservation ($50 per person) by calling the Choral Arts Ensemble office at (507) 252-8427 or emailing Rhonda at info@ChoralArtsEnsemble.org.

Call for scores for our 4th annual Commissioning Contest is underway. Previous winners include Kentaro Sato (Misericordias Domini, premiere October 2009), Timothy C. Takach (A Worshipper and a Man, premiere March 2011), and Brian W. Holmes (scheduled premiere May 2012). The winner of the 2011 contest will have a premiere in our 2012-2013 season. Information here.