After a nine-year hiatus, Rick Kvam is returning to the Rochester music scene as artistic director of two organizations he helped create. Kvam has been appointed by Choral Arts Ensemble and Honors Choirs of Southeast Minnesota to succeed Michael Culloton, effective July 1. Culloton recently announced that he has accepted a position at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rick back to a leadership position in our organization,” says Colin Aldis, president of Choral Arts Ensemble. “He is a highly qualified, passionate musical director, who will bring vibrancy and diversity to our groups.”
Kvam studied music at Harvard College, spent a year as assistant conductor of the Harvard Glee Club, and then earned his medical degree from Mayo Medical School. During medical school he founded the Rochester Men’s Capella in 1982, which grew into Choral Arts Ensemble. Kvam left Rochester to pursue a masters degree in choral conducting from the University of Cincinnati’s Conservatory of Music, after which he returned to CAE. Working as an emergency room physician at Olmsted Medical Center and musical director of CAE, Kvam wanted more opportunities to conduct and founded an auditioned regional high school choir, which became the Honors Choirs of Southeast Minnesota. Both organizations flourished and attained many honors and outstanding musical accomplishments during his tenure. Kvam stepped down in 2003 to spend more time with his wife, pre-teen daughters and friends.
Judi Wilson, President of the Honors Choirs Board of Directors says, “We are honored that the founder of Honors Choirs will be returning. Dr. Kvam’s skill, energy and vision will be tremendously beneficial to Honors Choirs. He will continue to emphasize the educational aspect of our mission, while leading our singers to greater heights in artistic excellence. Our audience members are in for a real treat as we watch our singers continue to soar.” Tim Gangl, Vice President of the Honors Choirs Board of Directors adds, “To find someone in the area with Rick’s artistic credentials is remarkable.”
The Honors Choirs of Southeast Minnesota is a nonprofit organization of four youth choirs for grades 3-12. Founded in 1992, its mission is to promote the highest standard of excellence in the preparation and performance of choral music, seeking to provide artistic challenge and growth opportunities for youth throughout the region and enjoyment for the community at large. Membership is by audition and is open to all students who live in southeast Minnesota.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to rejoin the Honors Choirs and Choral Arts Ensemble,” says Kvam. “The Honors Choirs are blessed with dynamic and talented conductors and 250 of the best young singers in the region; their concert last weekend was electrifying. I can’t wait to work with such gifted and enthusiastic musicians!” He goes on, “Similarly, under Michael Culloton’s direction, Choral Arts Ensemble has given breathtaking performances of imaginative and challenging programs. It will be a joy to collaborate with the highly skilled singers in that choir! Both groups are precious cultural assets for our region; I look forward to the privilege and responsibility of directing such superb ensembles in the years ahead. “
In its 27th season, the 40-voice, nonprofit Choral Arts Ensemble’s mission is to inspire, educate and enrich the community at large through outstanding choral performance.
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