The Menomonie Singers explore “Wonder” in November 21 and 22 concerts

For its November concerts, The Menomonie Singers will delve into the subject of

“Wonder” via the music of choral composers such as Elaine Hagenberg, Anton Armstrong, David Dickau, Dan Davison, Moses Hogan, Glenn McClure, and Kim Arneson. The choir will perform at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Eau Claire on November 21 and at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Menomonie on November 22, 2026. Both performances are at 2 pm.

The concerts are free with a suggested donation of $15 to defray expenses.

In addition, The Menomonie Singers will participate in the choral festival, UWEC Choirs

Present: Chippewa Valley Festival of Voices, on November 15, 2026, at 2 pm in the RCU theater of the Pablo Center at the Confluence in Eau Claire. The Menomonie ensemble is a member of Chippewa Valley Voices, a coalition of more than nine local choirs. Nine ensembles will participate. Tickets can be found by going to the Pablo Center at the Confluence website.

For the November 21 and 22 concerts, the following is a description of just some of the works on the program that conjure the theme of “Wonder”.

The program begins with a Kyrie from Saint Francis in the Americas: A Caribbean Mass by Glenn McClure, this piece evokes the sense of wonder, awe, and mystery of the Catholic Mass. It contains, unlike most Kyries from choral masses, additional text by St. Francis of Assisi, coming from a concert Mass which sets several of St. Francis’ writings into languages and musical styles of the New World.

Laughing Song by David Dickau, renowned composer and conductor, set to a poem by William Blake, suggests playful innocence and wonder. The composer's skillful use of rhythm changes not only propels the music but it makes the text sound like real laughter.

¡Bailará (translated as “she will dance”) is an original composition by Dan Davison inspired by the flamenco tango style of Andalusia, Spain. This lively choral work reflects on a stereotypical female dancer, in a long red dress, dancing with emotion, precision, compassion and imagination. Those who watch her are awestruck. Appropriate to the style, it will be accompanied by guitar.

The concerts will end with Moses Hogan’s Music Down in My Soul. This rousing, joyful take on a Black spiritual begins with an angelic, marvelous, “Over my head, I hear music in the air...there must be a God somewhere.” In usual African-American spiritual fashion, the music bursts into a full-throated praise number.

The Menomonie Singers is a non-profit music organization started in 1989. This adult

community choir, numbering 40 singers, performs at various venues in Menomonie and western Wisconsin. Singers are a mix of many professions, including UW-Stout faculty members. The group frequently sings four-part, a cappella music.

Auditions for The Menomonie Singers will be held again January 18 and 19, 2027, with

rehearsals beginning again on January 26 for spring concerts which happen April 24 and 25, 2027. Interested singers should contact Juliana Schmidt, Executive Director and founder, at admin@themenomoniesingers.org.

Check out the website at www.themenomoniesingers.org. The Menomonie Singers can also be found on Facebook.

Submitted article.