E-newsletter

October 2010

Many people make Choral Arts Ensemble - Michael and the singers, of course, make music; Carolyn, the office staff and a host of volunteers raise money, sell tickets, and handle a myriad of other details to support the music; and our Board of Directors oversees policy and procedures, engages in strategic planning for the future, and advocates in the community for Choral Arts Ensemble. Enjoy this special Q&A issue of Cantabile where we introduce some of these fine people.

But first: Music of the Masters October 9-10
Colin Aldis, President of the Board of Directors
Scott Kruse, House Manager
Naomi Kvittem, soprano section leader

« Click here for Michael Culloton's program notes. »

« Next issue we'll meet the recipients of the 2010 Kvam Choral Advocacy Award, which will be awarded at the Opening Night dinner October 9. »

But first: Music of the Masters October 9-10

Music of the Masters is the opening concert of our 2010-2011 season. It features the debut of the Choral Arts Symphonic Chorus in our presentation of Beethoven's Mass in C. This auditioned group of 75 singers has been rehearsing since August 31 and is looking forward to live rehearsals with orchestra and soloists next week.

We do have a fine orchestra of regional players lined up to accompany us, as well as superb soloists Carla Thelen Hanson, Hyounsoo Sohn, Brian Pfaltzgraff and Bill Schmidt. Besides the Beethoven with the Symphonic Chorus, Choral Arts Ensemble will perform Mozart's Regina Coeli and Handel's Coronation Anthem No. 4-Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened, Locus Iste by Anton Bruckner and Verleih uns Frieden by Felix Mendelssohn.

Tickets are still available for both performances. You can buy them online or by calling the office at (507) 252-8427.
Colin Aldis, President of the Board of Directors

We have a fabulous and dedicated Board, and this year Colin Aldis has taken on the task of being the face of that assembly. We talked to Colin to learn a little more about him.

How did you hear about Choral Arts Ensemble?

About 5-6 years ago, Todd Jacobson who was a great singer [he was a part of the CAE tenor section and the Board of Directors for a while] asked me to take a look at the board and the music of CAE.

Why did you join the Board of Directors?

I love the music, I enjoy working with people and knew the organization was first class.

Do you sing or have you sung in a choir? Are you involved in other musical endeavors?

I sang in the choir in middle school about 37 years ago, that was my last formal singing event. My wife and I listen to a large variety of music. I did take piano lessons when I was a kid but of course dropped it when I was a teenager.

What do you do professionally?

My day job is a financial advisor with Thrivent Financial. Our team gives guidance to people who want to get a better understanding of their financial lives.

What else should we know about you?

I am originally from New Zealand and came here as a foreign exchange student with the U of MN in 1982 and fell in love with an American- Pat, my lovely wife of 26 years. She and I like to garden and are both are heavily involved with our 2 adult children and 3 grandchildren. My other love is sailing. I recently bought a very small 26 year old sail boat so you will now find me on Lake Pepin most weekends or whenever the wind blows and I can get away.

Thanks for your support of Choral Arts Ensemble, Colin!
Scott Kruse, House Manager

Scott Kruse joined the crew of concert volunteers last year as our house manager. He organizes the ushers and is the go-to guy for Carolyn and Rhonda on concert nights to help with any number of tasks. Tell us about yourself, Scott.

How did you learn about CAE?

My first exposure to CAE was a Harmony for Mayo concert in 1998.

Why did you decide to join the ranks of volunteers?

I enjoy the music and wanted to increase my support of CAE. In my role as house manager I get to attend all the concerts and hear how the performance evolves over time.

Do you sing or have you sung in a choir? Are you involved in other musical endeavors?

I do not sing in a choir. I play bass trombone in Swing Street, Rochester Community Band and the Minneapolis Trombone Choir. I am also a freelance performer around the area.

What do you do professionally?

I am an MRI Research Scientist at the Mayo Clinic.

What else should we know about you?

My wife Jenny is a CAE alto, and we have a 2 month old son and big brother Ari the golden retriever. I enjoy traveling, outdoor activities, cooking, and brewing my own beer.

Thanks for helping the concerts run smoothly, Scott!
Naomi Kvittem, soprano section leader

Anyone who has come to our concerts with any regularity or listened to our cds has heard the dulcet sounds of Naomi Kvittem, soprano section leader and frequent soloist. She has been a part of Choral Arts Ensemble for 15 years and watches over her section like a mother hen. Let's meet Naomi.

How did you learn about CAE?

I knew nothing about Choral Arts when I tried out. I only came across the little itty bitty 1/2" ad in the Zumbrota shopper, saying Audition for Choral Arts, call this such-and-such number. I figured if it said "choral" and it was auditioned, it might be intriguing. I remember specifically, after I finished my audition, saying to Rick Kvam, "So what exactly do you do in Choral Arts?" I was so young and naive then!

Have you or do you participate in other musical endeavors?

I used to do a lot of community theater in Kenyon. Now Dean, daughter Grace, and I all sing in our church choir, which is eptly directed by Dean's brother.

What do you do professionally?

I am a grain farmer. Started that in 1985, when my father retired from farming. He had to rent it to my boyfriend at the time, who sub-let it back to me, because the Social Security administration would not allow my dad to lease his land to a daughter, and still collect retirement benefits. I had to be his son instead... Unwilling to comply with that, we circumvented the process for that one year, and well, I'm still farming.

What else should we know about you? Other interests?

Many! Not enough time! But the two things that seem to usurp the dining room table most often these days are banners for church and wrapping boxes. I just crave color and variety in the worship setting and can't seem to keep away from making quick changes for the sanctuary. As for wrapping boxes, it came about, I suppose, because I just love beautiful wrapping paper, and the idea of ripping it off and just throwing it away offends and grieves me! So I wrap a bottom and a top separately, tie them together with beautiful ribbon and then you can keep using them for years...Christmas clean-up is a breeze.

Thanks for your dedication to the choir, Naomi!

Choral Arts Ensemble • Assisi Heights, Suite 900 • 1001 14th St. NW • Rochester, MN 55901

(507) 252-8427 • www.ChoralArtsEnsemble.org