Music and Dance

The Department of Music and the Christ Chapel staff collaborate closely to bring excellent music to the Chapel. Student and faculty musicians help lead worship regularly. This page includes descriptions of the main ensembles associated with the Chapel program, but in addition to those listed, regular performers include the Gustavus Choir, Lucia Singers, woodwind ensembles, string quartets, flute choirs, and Taizé musicians. Faculty musicians also perform in Chapel.

Choir of Christ Chapel

The Choir of Christ Chapel is a large mixed ensemble comprised of 66-72 singers. It draws its repertoire primarily from the fine sacred literature of the mid-18th to 21st centuries. In addition to singing for Holy Communion and Daily Celebrations, this Choir participates in Christmas in Christ Chapel and other major choral events on campus. Off campus, this ensemble presents concerts, sings for worship services, and makes an annual spring tour. In 2002, the choir traveled to Texas presenting concerts in Austin and New Braunfels, touring San Antonio, and participating in worship services at sister institution Texas Lutheran University and in Marble Falls. The Choir of Christ Chapel is conducted by Dr. Patricia Kazarow.

Christ Chapel Brass

The Christ Chapel Brass, part of the brass chamber music program at Gustavus, consists of the finest student brass musicians on campus. This ensemble, conducted by D. Scott Moore, performs on Fridays in Christ Chapel, Christmas in Christ Chapel, and has a number of off-campus commitments, including full-length recitals throughout the area.

Christ Chapel Dancers

Established in 1999, this auditioned group of dancers prepares pieces for the daily and Sunday liturgies at Christ Chapel. Their director, Sue Gunnes, has taught liturgical dance in the Twin Cities and also serves on the faculty at Gustavus teaching beginning and intermediate ballet.

Christ Singers

Christ Singers, comprised of four or five mixed quartets, draws its repertoire primarily from the medieval era through the 18th century. In addition to singing for Holy Communion and Daily Celebration services on campus, it tours with the Choir of Christ Chapel and participates in worship services off campus. Christ Singers is conducted by Dr. Patricia Kazarow.

Handbell Choirs

There are three handbell choirs at Gustavus, which function as part of the music program of Christ Chapel. These ensembles are open to students by audition and carry .125 course credits per semester. The three groups are the Glockenchor, Christ Chapel Bells, and Christ Chapel Ringers. Conducted by Connie Liljengren, these ensembles rehearse on Tuesday evenings, and each plays for Chapel services 3-4 times per semester, usually on Wednesday mornings. In addition, the Christ Chapel Ringers perform as part of Christmas in Christ Chapel.