Notes and Phrases

Did you know that MN was ranked as the Most Charitable State in 2018 according to the annual study by Wallethub?   The state ranked 1st overall in the "Volunteer and Service" category, and 4th in "Charitable Giving".  Choral Arts Ensemble appreciates bot...

A new piece by Carol Barnett will be premiered this weekend! Commissioned for Choral Arts by Noel and Ann Peterson in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary, the text is from a letter written by St. Clare of Assisi and encourages us to "go forward securely, joyf...

Sister Mary Joseph Dempsey, born Julia Dempsey in Salamanca, NY, in 1856, was a formidable woman.  Given “on the job” training, she displayed superlative technical skill and judgment in surgery and was for many years, Dr. Will Mayo’s first assistant, preferred over all...

In Giving We Receive, our concert to honor the Sisters of Saint Francis, will include a piece to celebrate the visionary founder, Mother Alfred Moes, who proposed building a hospital after the 1883 tornado, convinced the Mayo surgeons to staff it, raised the money, and...

Yes, there's a Gregorian Chant and some Brahms - but also pieces that will get your toes tapping and which speak directly to the inspirational and evolving work of the Rochester Sisters of St. Francis.

 We asked the singers this question at rehearsal last night

First up - Andy Johnsrud!

After nearly three years as Executive Director for Choral Arts Ensemble in Rochester, Minnesota, Bob Giere will retire from the role in October.

“Choral Arts Ensemble is a wonderful organization, and it has been a privilege to help lead it through several important chan...

Rick, our artistic director, has a fantastic season planned, and we're happy to offer three unique ticket package options this year. 

Just a small heads up, though for our past customers. We’re using a new ticketing software this year.  With this new software, you can n...

Just because something is light-hearted doesn’t make it light.  That’s the lesson learned by Rick Kvam and his singers in Rochester’s Choral Arts Ensemble as they prepare for concerts of humorous music this weekend in Rochester and Winona.  “It’s very challenging but f...