Introducing our Musical Guests at this Sunday’s Service – The Carleton College Choir and Chamber Choir, directed by Dr. Matthew J. Olson.

Matthew J. Olson is Director of Choral Activities at Carleton College, Artistic Director of Bach Roots Festival, and Assistant Conductor The Singers – MN Choral Artists. At Carleton, he leads the choral program and teaches courses in conducting, a cappella choral arranging, and voice. His performances of all of Bach’s major choral-orchestral works with Bach Roots Festival have been acclaimed by the Star Tribune as “masterful”. He led The Singers in performances of Joby Talbot’s 17-voice Path of Miracles, and also served as Chorusmaster for the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra with the same chorus in performances of Bach’s St. John Passion. He is also an award-winning composer and choral arranger with works published by Colla Voce, Santa Barbara, and SMP.

The Carleton Choir is Carleton College’s flagship vocal ensemble consisting of 60 mixed voices striving to create beautiful music within an inclusive community. The choir tours regularly, explores diverse repertoire ranging from classical music to a cappella covers, and recently collaborated with singers and songwriters including Chris Koza of Rogue Valley and GRAMMY award-winner, Carrie Newcomer. Recent performances also include Orff’s Carmina Burana, Handel’s Messiah, and excerpts of Considering Matthew Shepard by Craig Hella Johnson performed alongside The Singers- MN Choral Artists.

Carleton’s Chamber Choir is a select ensemble of 24 singers who pursue musical excellence within repertoire ranging from the Renaissance era to newly commissioned compositions. In addition to concerts and tours together with the Carleton Choir, the Chamber Choir collaborates with college and professional choirs from around the region including annual concerts with the St. Olaf College Chamber Singers.