Did you know that at one point in our history, more than 22% of the states in the USA had state bands? Today, the Minnesota State Band is the only remaining state band in the nation and Chorus Polaris is proud to collaborate with them on “Music for Life’s Journey.” The concert will be at 3:00 p.m. on November 3, 2024, at First Lutheran Church in Columbia Heights.
Among the 14 musical selections offered, the program will premiere performances of two works. Twin Cities composer Robert J. Maderich, II drew lyrics from poems by Herman Melville and Thomas Merton for “My People Shall Be One” - a short cantata written for the two ensembles. Chorus Polaris will also premiere “Sing Me to Heaven,” by Ken Medema and Cathy Chamblee.
About the Minnesota State Band
The Minnesota State Band is the Official Band of the State of Minnesota and has been in existence for over 125 years. The Band has represented the State of Minnesota on six International Goodwill Tours since 1986. While international travel is important, the band sees its primary mission as providing high quality music to the residents of Minnesota. Although at one time the band received funding from the State of Minnesota, it is now operated as a non-profit organization with an all-volunteer membership.
Chorus Polaris tenor Keith Liuzzi has been the principal conductor of the Minnesota state band since 2016. Before retiring as a full-time music educator, he was the instrumental music Director (band, orchestra, and jazz) for 19 years at Southwest high school in Minneapolis (1995-2014). Besides singing with Chorus Polaris as a tenor section leader, Keith sings with and manages the cappella quartet, Merrie Olde Christmas Carolers.
Music for Life’s Journey
Life – with its many twists and turns, ups and downs, starts and stops – is a "long and winding road" to borrow a phrase from Lennon and McCartney. As we navigate our lives, we do our best to live healthy and productive lives, caring for those within our communities. We give and receive support to and from one another as circumstances demand or allow. Life is wonderful to behold, with all its challenges, surprises, disappointments, and thrills, and music captures and reflects it all.
Make plans now to join us on this exquisite musical journey through life! Tickets are available here.