Bemidji State University Hosts Christmas in the Pines Concerts

Bemidji State University (BSU) will host its annual Christmas in the Pines concerts this weekend, showcasing the talents of the Bemidji Choir and the BSU Chamber Singers. The performances will take place on December 1 and 2, 2023, at 19:30 in the Beaux Arts Ballroom on campus. Tickets are priced at $11 for adults, $9 for seniors and veterans, and are free for college students with a valid ID. They can be purchased at the door or online at bsubeavers.com.

This year’s concerts emphasize collaboration and variety, according to Isaac Lovdahl, director of both ensembles. “I really wanted to make sure that this year we had more collaborative opportunities in our Christmas program,” he stated. Lovdahl is excited about the community-driven experience the concerts will offer, highlighting the diverse programming that aims to cater to a wide audience.

The Bemidji Choir consists of 39 auditioned singers, with 14 forming the Chamber Singers, which Lovdahl describes as the premier ensemble. The concert program includes several collaborative pieces, enhancing the musical experience through the inclusion of various talents.

One of the featured works, “Fantasia on Christmas Carols,” will showcase BSU music professor Cory Renbarger performing a baritone solo. He will be accompanied by Sarah Carlson, music director at First Lutheran Church, on organ, and Seth Freundschuh, director of the Bemidji High School orchestra, on cello. Lovdahl praised Renbarger, stating, “Cory is a world-class baritone, and we are really happy that we can not only collaborate with him to show off one of our wonderful faculty members here.”

Another highlight will be “Fanfare for Christmas Day,” where the choir will once again feature Carlson on organ, alongside BSU music majors Dylon Hanson and Aleckse Mikeuchev on trumpets. Senior Hannah Lewis, who is studying choral conducting under Lovdahl this semester, will conduct the Bemidji Choir during “My Lord has Come.” Lovdahl noted that these concerts will serve as her final exam for conducting lessons.

The program will also include various solo performances. Notable soloists include Zhicheng He on “A Spotless Rose,” and Merideth Klingbeil and Wyatt Parthun on “We Toast the Days.” Additionally, the carol “Gaudete” will feature singers Helen Bartlett, Hailee Colgrove, Josh Grosvold, and Parthun.

Reflecting on the current class of seniors, Lovdahl expressed pride, saying, “We’re so fortunate to have such a strong class of seniors this year. We’re really going to miss them when they go, but we’re just so happy to get to put our Bemidji State stamp on them as they go out and take on the world.”

This weekend’s Christmas in the Pines concerts promise a rich tapestry of music and collaboration, making it an event for the community to enjoy.