Assumption Choir
The Assumption Choir, comprised entirely of volunteers, sings weekly at the 9:30 a.m. Sunday Mass from October through May and on the parish’s feast day The Assumption of Mary. The music draws from the rich history of sacred music in the Catholic tradition and from the German repertoire of the Gesangbuch, (People’s Hymnal) in the parish’s history music library.
Church history lists Josef Griehler as the first parish music director and organist, and he held that position from 1855 to 1867. Louis Sonnen served as director and organist from 1926 to 1997. Robert Kaiser was director of liturgy and music from 1997 to 2010.
Jerrad J. Fenske is director of music and liturgy. He welcomes new members to the choir and encourages people to contact him at the parish office to learn more. Rehearsals are held 6:45 p.m. Wednesdays in the choir room. For information about joining, please contact the parish music office at 651-224-7536.
The parish is privileged to have two music in residences. The Minnesota Compline Choir is marking its 20th Anniversary Season.
The choir is comprised of 20 male voices, selected by audition from a wide variety of congregations and denominations. In worship, the choir performs liturgy, hymns, anthems and psalms which create the office of Compline, or prayers at the close of the day. The power of these quiet and contemplative moments draws the diverse community of men that make up the Minnesota Compline Choir. Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ and a sleep we may rest in peace. The almighty and merciful Lord, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us, Amen.
The Ars Nova Brass Quintet (ANBQ) was was formed in 1980 when two of the original members, Dean Shea and Ehrich Koch, were attending St. John’s University. Ars Nova means “new art” or “new technique,” and is a phrase first used in 1322 to distinguish the new music of the Late Middle Ages (1310–1377). Ars Nova contrasted with the music of the immediately preceding age, known as Ars Anitiqua. Ars Antiqua was monophonic, with simple rhythms and accompaniment; Ars Nova introduced independence of rhythm and harmony to each musical line, leading to the development of greater musical expressiveness and variety. Engaging and entertaining its audience by presenting an innovative perspectives, ANBQ proves that brass instruments are not just for marches and fanfares. The quintet performs music of variety and expression from all time periods, styles and moods.
Members include: Ehrich Koch, trumpet; Nicole Young, trumpet; Melissa Kalal, French horn; Brent Rundquist, trombone; and Dean Shea, tuba.
To purchase either CD, please call 651-224-7536.
Christmas Assumption
Music sample: "The Angelus" (3.4MB .WAV file)
Music sample: "Heilig Heilig Heilig" (2.6MB .WAV file)
Music from Assumption
Music sample: "Linzer Tanz" (30 sec)