St. John’s Men’s Choir to travel to Willmar

Willmar, MN - The Men's Chorus of St. John's University, Collegeville, MN, will appear in concert at the Church of St. Mary, 713 12th St. in Willmar, MN, on Thursday, February 23, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. There is no admission charge, but donations are welcome to help defray travel costs for the spring 2006 tour.

St. Mary’s in Willmar is one of the many appearances of the 2006 spring tour. Besides Minnesota, the choir will appear in concert in Nebraska, Colorado and South Dakota.

Under the direction of Axel Theimer, the concert will include music of church and worship, songs of the Soldier's Fate - Strive for Freedom, world class literature and traditional folk music from around the world. The men's chorus was organized in 1948 by one of the brothers of St. John's Abbey. Until 1960 annual tours concentrated mainly on Minnesota and the surrounding states. In 1960 the choir traveled for the first time to Europe and returned in 1962, 1965, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1992, 1997 and 2001. The majority of the performances are still scheduled in the North Central States.

Throughout its history the SJU Men's Chorus has received numerous international prizes and awards and has appeared regularly on regional and national broadcasts, such as Great Choirs of America, Voice of America and at local and regional music conventions.

For further information contact the Church of St. Mary in Willmar, (320) 235-0118; email: stmarychurch@willmar.com