You reached this page through the archive. Click here to return to the archive.

Note: This article is over a year old and information contained in it may no longer be accurate. Please use the contact information in the lower-left corner to verify any information in this article.

'Sing For Joy,' produced by Classical 89.3, to present hymn festival in downtown Minneapolis

by Elizabeth Child
July 24, 2003

NORTHFIELD, Minn. ? Every week, thousands of listeners across the country tune into the radio program "Sing For Joy," which St. Olaf College produces and distributes nationally through its public radio service, Classical 89.3 WCAL. For the first time, on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2003, "Sing For Joy" invites the public to participate in its program by attending "Home, Harvest & Healing: A Sing For Joy Hymn Festival," at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 215 S. Eighth St., in Minneapolis at 7:30 p.m.

Admission to the ecumenical event is free. It will be recorded for later broadcast nationwide.

All those attending will have an opportunity to raise their voices in song. Two notable Twin Cities choral ensembles will participate: the St. Olaf Catholic Church Festival Choir and Magnum Chorum, a professional choir of St. Olaf College alumni. Magnum Chorum will also perform the premiere of "Psalm 126," a new work by Minneapolis composer and 2001 St. Olaf College graduate Abbie Betinis.

Dr. Lynn Trapp, organist and director of worship and music at St. Olaf Catholic Church, will perform the organ prelude and postlude.

"A hymn in the ear is good for the heart; a hymn on the tongue is even better, especially when a few hundred tongues all sing together," says Bruce Benson, host of "Sing For Joy" and St. Olaf College Pastor. "This is an ecumenical program, and everyone is welcome regardless of religious denomination or faith."

"Sing For Joy" offers audiences some of the world?s most beautiful sacred choral music interspersed with commentary from Benson. The music in any given "Sing For Joy" program is chosen to express the biblical themes that are the basis of Christian worship for each week in the church year.

The festival will follow the radio program format, with Benson offering insights on the music in the context of the readings for the appointed Sunday in the church year. "Sing For Joy" Music Director John Ferguson, who is also organist and cantor to the St. Olaf College student congregation, will plan the program and accompany on organ.

The festival will be recorded for upcoming broadcasts on public radio stations nationwide, including "Sing for Joy" on Oct. 26, 2003, and a special Thanksgiving program. In addition, St. Olaf Records will release a CD based on the festival.

"Sing For Joy" can be heard on Classical 89.3 WCAL in the Twin Cities area each week on Sundays at 10 a.m. and at 9:30 p.m. For more information on "Sing For Joy" click here.

St. Olaf College is a liberal arts institution that fosters the development of mind, body and spirit. It is a residential college in Northfield, Minn., and affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The college provides personalized instruction and diverse learning environments, with nearly two-thirds of its students participating in international studies.

Contact David Gonnerman at 507-786-3315 or gonnermd@stolaf.edu.