For the Tribune

The Apollo Male Chorus from Minneapolis will be presented in concert at the Albert Lea United Methodist Church at 4 p.

Saturday, April 13, 2002

The Apollo Male Chorus from Minneapolis will be presented in concert at the Albert Lea United Methodist Church at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 21. The community is invited to attend. Admission is not charged, however, a free will offering will be received.

The Apollo Male Chorus has been producing harmonious blendings continuously since 1895. The group of 60 men has a rich tradition. Members are no longer required to wear high silk hats to performances, nor are they fined for absences from rehearsals. What has not changed is the love of singing, strong bonds of friendship and a dedication to quality. From its early days the chorus has memorized its music and demanded a commitment to excellence from each member. Participation in choral competitions has helped maintain the high standard. Recent highlights of the chorus’ history include participating in the International Eisteddfod in Langollen, Wales in 1982 and again in 2000 when they placed 10th among competitors from around the world.

Dr. Roger Satrang Hoel is music director and principal conductor of The Apollo Male Chorus, as well as music director, principal conductor, and founder of the Music Association of Minnetonka. Under his direction, Hoel’s choir and orchestral ensembles have performed worldwide.

Assistant conductor and accompanist is Nadia Johnson. She is also the director of music, drama, and worship at Eden Prairie United Methodist Church, and also privately teaches voice and piano.

While Minnesota is no stranger to the musical arts (Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida recently premiered in Minneapolis), the chorus is proud to call Minnesota its home. Chorus members are not professional singers. They are doctors, lawyers, computer analysts, truck drivers and postal workers who come together just for their love of music.

The chorus itself is believed to be the longest continuously performing male choral group in the United States and also enjoys a fine standing in the international music community as well.

The Apollo Club was founded in 1895. But even back then the birth of a new musical association wasn’t news in Minneapolis.

Way back in 1853, some early settlers were already bringing culture to the &uot;Great Northwest,&uot; as the area was then known. In that year the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul were treated to a choral concert (programme unknown). One can picture a small but no doubt appreciative audience tethering horses and wagons, and checking the contentment of their transportation during intermission.