St. John's Boys' Choir
The St. John's Boys' Choir is a MusicAL organization based out of the St. John's Abbey and University in Collegeville, Minnesota dedicated to giving young boys in Central Minnesota music education and performance experience. Originally founded in 1981 by Brother Paul Richards, the choir has expanded to four different ensembles separated by age group, and is now under the artistic direction of André Heywood.
International Tours
The choir will be going on tour to France and Spain (2018), but has been to Ireland (2016), • (2015), Washington, D.C. • (2014), Costa Rica• (2013), Canada (ON+QC)• (2011), Italy • (2009), Czech Republic • (2006), Germany, Austria, Czech Republic • (2004), Italy • (2002), Mexico • (2000), England • (1998), Bahamas • (1996), Germany, Austria • (1995), Puerto Rico • (1993), Japan • (1992), Bahamas • (1990), Germany, Austria • (1985), Germany, Austria
Notable Performances
The choir has been featured on Garrison Keillor's A Prairie Home Companion (35th anniversary special), performed at the North Central regional American Choral Directors Association conference, the World Festival of Singing for Men and Boys in the Czech Republic, the Pacific International Children's Choir Festival, and the Oregon Bach Festival.
For their 25th anniversary, the choir commissioned a one-act opera from Stephen Paulus which became The Star Gatherer and was premiered on October 21, 2006.
Along with numerous choral recordings, the choir is also featured on the Grammy-nominated Gungor album Ghosts Upon the Earth.