Woodbury singers in the Minnesota Chorale

The Minnesota Chorale, known throughout the country for its level of excellence, is the professional singing home to seven Woodbury residents. Each of the chorale’s 220 members go through a rigorous audition process to earn their position in the group, which serves as the principal chorus of the Minnesota Orchestra. Projects are assigned to individual singers based on vocal type, experience and fit. Each year as the orchestra’s concerts are broadcast on Minnesota Public Radio, literally millions of people around the world hear the music of the chorale. “This is one of the top echelon symphonic choruses in the country and it just happens to be in Minnesota,” says Bob Peskin, executive director of the chorale. As projects cycle, member singers spend at least three hours a week rehearsing for the project with four to eight three-hour rehearsals leading up to production week. Here’s a brief look at the local residents who are members of the Minnesota Chorale:   Chris Crosby-Schmidt, tenor Occupation: Programmer at the University of Minnesota Highlights: Singing the Brahms Requiem with Robert Shaw; performing with Doc Severinsen; performing Amahl and the Night Visitors with the SPCO and the James Sewell Ballet, recording Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 with Osmo Vanska, recording Sir John Tavener's Ikon of Eros at St. Paul Cathedral. Education: He holds a computer science degree.   Elisabeth “Lisa” M. Drost, alto Occupation: Section leader at St. John the Evangelist Episcopal in St. Paul; voice/piano teacher; writer and editor of Kids' MusicRound parent newsletter, Good Vibrations! Highlights: Singing with Dale Warland during the MN Beethoven Festival; performing with Pastor Shirley Caesar; performing with The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall; singing with the Westminster Symphonic Choir at Westminster Choir College, New York Philharmonic and Philadelphia Orchestra. Education: Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Master’s degree in arts administration from New York University, Master’s degree in sacred music from the Westminster Choir College of Rider University.   Seth Flatten, tenor Occupation: Member services representative at HealthPartners, Inc. Highlights: Performing with From Age to Age for two years, a professional nonprofit chorus that travels to out-state Minnesota communities that don’t often have the opportunity to hear professional choirs. Education: Bachelor of Science in music industry with a minor in business law from Minnesota State University, Mankato.   Kevin Gus, tenor Occupation: IT project manager at mindSHIFT Technologies Highlights: Singing in a choir every year of his life since the sixth grade; performing in high school musicals and college operas; serving as a cantor at various churches; singing at weddings and funerals; teaching some voice and piano lessons; choir tours all over the U.S. and a three-week tour/trip to Japan, South Korea, China and Hong Kong. Education: Double major in computer science and vocal performance from St. John’s University.   Barbara Temme Lundervold, soprano Occupation: Taught in three school districts; currently serves as the chorus personnel manager of the Minnesota Chorale and as a Wellness Coach with Melaleuca Highlights: Singing in the Minnesota Chorale for 35 years and taking trips with the chorale to Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Aspen Music Festival and Mexico City; traveling to Ireland with the Woodbury Chorale; singing in college in the concert choir, Madrigal Singers, Oratorio Society and Pro Music Antiqua; singing the soprano solo in Handel’s Messiah with the Mankato Symphony Orchestra. Education: Earned a music degree from Minnesota State University-Mankato and also has a degree in physical education, health and coaching.   Ryan McEnaney, tenor Occupation: Partner and president, RMH Partners (public relations) Highlights: Performing the role of Marius in Les Miserables; solo performances throughout Italy, singing with the University of St. Thomas Alumni Choir, collegiate solo performances at St. Louis University (Mastersingers) and the University of St. Thomas (Chamber Singers). Education: Bachelor of Arts in communication studies from the University of St. Thomas.   Jason Nicholson, tenor Occupation: Assistant pastor at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Cottage Grove Highlights: Some Masterclass experience and judging singing competitions this year; singing with the Greenville Chorale and Deo Cantamus as well as with friends at Blaine High School under the direction of Sue Zemlin. Education: Bachelor of sciences in Sacred Music and Bible from what was Pillsbury Baptist Bible College, in Owatonna and a Master’s in church music from Bob Jones University.