Minot Chamber Chorale to present North Dakota premiere of ‘Requiem for Solace’
MINOT, N.D. – Under the direction of Emerson Eads, Minot State University director of choral activities, the Minot Chamber Chorale will present the North Dakota premiere of Norwegian composer Kim André Arnesen’s “Requiem for Solace.”
This deeply moving work, for mixed choir, mezzo-soprano, and boy soprano soloists, combines the traditional text of the Requiem Mass with poetry by Emily Dickinson.
This special performance is set for Feb. 23 at 3 p.m. in Ann Nicole Nelson Hall and is free to the public, with a free-will offering supporting the arts in the Minot area will be accepted.
Joining the Minot Chamber Chorale for this special performance are mezzo-soprano Hannah Penn, who will make her North Dakota debut, and Minot native, boy soprano Declan Bourquin, who will perform as the child soprano soloist.
“We are honored to have the Scandinavian Heritage Association as our season sponsor for this poignant concert, which marks the 200th anniversary of the first Norwegian immigrants arriving in the United States in search of new opportunities and a place to call home,” said Eads.
In the words of the composer, “Requiem for Solace” is intended to offer “solace to those in pain and grieving, or to provide comfort in moments of remembrance and honor.” With its powerful themes of loss, comfort, and resilience, the piece aligns beautifully with the Minot Chamber Chorale’s year-long celebration, Crossings: A Choral Celebration of 200 Years of Scandinavian Immigration to the United States.
“It stands as a tribute to the enduring legacy of immigrants who, despite tremendous hardships, helped shape this nation and contribute to its flourishing,” Eads added.
The concert will feature musicians from both the Minot Symphony Orchestra and the Bismarck Symphony Orchestra, including a percussion ensemble led by MSU professor Mariah Taller and a solo trumpet performance by Kennedy Cowart, trumpeter with the Bismarck Symphony.
The Minot Chamber Chorale has expanded to include nearly 70 voices, bringing together a diverse group of singers from the Minot community. This vibrant ensemble is composed of Minot State University students and faculty, members of the United States Air Force, and dedicated members of the local community.
For more information, see the attached FLYER.
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Published: 02/14/25
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