About Magnum Chorum

Magnum Chorum performs a cappella choral music in cathedrals and sanctuaries throughout the Midwest. Rooted in superior artistry and faith, this chamber choir is recognized throughout the region for its distinctive sound, inspired programming, and colorful collaborations. The choir presents concerts, commissions new sacred works, and provides music for worship. Founded in the great choral tradition of St. Olaf College, the choir welcomes singers devoted to musical excellence in choral music.

Magnum Chorum has collaborated with prominent composers including Stephen Paulus, Frank Ferko and J. Aaron McDermid, and performed with distinguished conductors including Osmo Vänskä, Anton Armstrong, René Clausen, Kenneth Jennings, Weston Noble and Dale Warland. Broadcasts of the choir’s five recordings have been heard nationally and locally on public radio and classical music stations. Magnum Chorum’s name is intended to convey the importance of the choir in expressing the divine and infinite through voice, music, and text.

Inquiries about Magnum Chorum are welcomed by Martha Kunau, Executive Director, at (612) 924-4111 or by email: kunau@magnumchorum.org.

Ralph Johnson, Interim Music Director

Ralph Johnson is serving as Interim Music Director for the 2007-2008 concert season. A Minnesota native, Johnson earned his B. Mus. from St. Olaf College and his M.A. from the University of Minnesota. He recently was named Music Director and Choir Director at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in St. Paul, after 20 years as Director of Music at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Bloomington. Johnson is an active composer and his music has been commissioned and performed by churches, college choirs, and community organizations both locally and nationally.

Christopher Aspaas, Guest Director

Christopher Aspaas is serving as Guest Director for the second half of the 2007-2008 season. Aspaas serves on the music faculty at St. Olaf College in Northfield, teaching choral literature, choral conducting, and voice, and conducting the Viking Chorus and Chapel Choir. Dr. Aspaas holds a B. Mus. in Voice Performance from St. Olaf, his M.M. in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University, and earned his Ph.D. in Choral Music Education at Florida State University. He is active as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator, and makes frequent appearances as a tenor soloist.