Christopher Aspaas Appointed Magnum Chorum Music Director
Minneapolis, MN, September 15, 2008—Twin Cities chamber choir Magnum Chorum announced today the appointment of Dr. Christopher Aspaas as its new Music Director. Aspaas assumed the position for the choir’s 2008-2009 season, after serving as the choir’s Guest Director this past spring.
“We are absolutely delighted that Dr. Aspaas will be directing Magnum Chorum in the years ahead,” said Board Member and composer, Ralph Johnson. “He offers an outstanding combination of musicality, conducting and programming skills that are perfect for our chamber choir at this time. We welcome his energy and vision to the organization.”
In 2005, Dr. Aspaas joined the music faculty at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, teaching choral literature, choral conducting, and voice, and conducting the Viking Chorus and Chapel Choir. He is also active as a clinician and adjudicator, and makes frequent appearances as a tenor soloist.
Said Aspaas, “I am truly thrilled to become a part of this ensemble. Magnum Chorum has a great tradition of musical excellence, and a bright future, and I am eager to share with audiences the beautiful synthesis of artistry and spirituality that distinguishes this choir.” Aspaas also looks forward to introducing more 20th and 21st century music and chamber literature to the choir’s repertoire.
Aspaas earned his B.M. in Voice Performance from St. Olaf College, his M.M. in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University, and his Ph.D. in Choral Music Education at Florida State University.
Currently in its 18th season, Magnum Chorum presents concert performances and provides sacred music for church congregations. The choir commissions new sacred music and has released five recordings, including the critically acclaimed, Wonder Tidings: Christmas Music of Stephen Paulus. The 40-voice chamber choir also serves as Ensemble in Residence at Westwood Lutheran Church in St. Louis Park.
Dr. Aspaas opens Magnum Chorum’s 2008-2009 concert season with Lay A Garland on Saturday, October 25th at the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. Music of Tavener, Howells and Corigliano will be featured. The season continues with Love Divine, To Us Come Down Christmas concerts in December, Requiem in February 2009, and Love of My Soul in May 2009. Magnum Chorum will also collaborate with VocalEssence and several Twin Cities choral organizations in May 2009 for Everybody Sing.
Media Contact: Martha Kunau, Executive Director, (612) 924-4111 or kunau@magnumchorum.org.
