America’s Land of Lakes Choir Boys win Silver in 5th World Choir Games in Graz, Austria

Jul.13.2008
4:09 pm
by Chad T. (Teddy Bear) Everson (GGR-MN)

America’s Land of Lakes Choir Boys win Silver in 5th World Choir Games in Graz, Austria

SILVER MEDALS FOR MINNESOTA’S LAND OF LAKES CHOIRBOYS IN WORLD CHOIR GAMES
THE LAND OF LAKES CHOIRBOYS’ VIKING CHOIR IS AWARDED SILVER MEDALS IN THE CHILDREN’S CHOIR AND SACRA MUSICA (SACRED MUSIC) CATEGORIES OF THE 5TH WORLD CHOIR GAMES IN GRAZ, AUSTRIA.

To have earned medals in both of the two categories in which they competed is an extremely high achievement during this rigorously judged, biannual event. The World Choir Games is the largest choir competition in the world for lay and amateur choirs. The Viking Choir was among more than 20,000 participants from 93 nations, with more than 600 performances taking place in 28 different categories.

During the Children’s Choir category qualifying round, the Land of Lakes Choirboys Viking Choir was one of 18 choirs from a field of 42 to advance to the medal round. They beat even greater odds during the qualifying round of the Sacred Music category - when competing against adult and children’s ensembles, they and 6 other choirs advanced to Saturday’s medal round of competition, from among a field of 36 contenders.

A panel of seven elite, internationally renowned judges, who evaluated the competitors’ intonation, sound quality, fidelity to the score, and overall artistic impression, scored the medal rounds.

For the Viking Choir to realize their goal of earning a medal in this extremely arduous competition is what this particular group of boys has been working toward since they began the journey as an ensemble early last fall. These 34 boys from the northwest sector of the Twin Cities area have fully gelled as the Land of Lakes Choirboys’ “top tier” of six choirs. They dedicate themselves to not only a rigorous rehearsal schedule throughout their regular season but a demanding performance schedule as well. Their director, Mr. Francis Stockwell, has shaped these 10-15 year old boys into a choir on par with the best the world over, as is demonstrated by their medal placement in Graz.

Among the eight U.S. choirs participating in the World Choir Games, they have the distinction of being the only boy choir on the roster. While official results of the U.S. medal tally are still being compiled, the Land of Lakes Choirboys wishes to extend their enthusiastic congratulations to the other winners who represented our country!
This international touring choir has been performing throughout France, Germany, Luxembourg and Austria since June 12th. Upon arriving in Graz on July 9th, they have taken part in the Parade of Choirs and Formal Opening ceremonies, performed in a Friendship (exhibition) concert, became entrenched in the World Choir Games community, advanced from their July 10th and 11th qualifying rounds, and competed for medals on July 12th and 13th. They were awarded their silver medals during the Award Ceremony held today.

You are invited to attend the Land of Lakes Choirboys Viking Choir’s Homecoming Concert and Celebration at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday evening, July 17th, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 11300 Frankfort Parkway, St. Michael, Minnesota where you will be witness to the superior quality of this choir.

www.lolcb.org and http://www.vikingtoday.blogspot.com