The Singers Celebrate Choral Icon Dale Warland with 90th Birthday Concert, Alumni Choir, and World Premiere Work in His Honor

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Choral works championed by Maestro Warland during his illustrious career are presented alongside “Changed by Beauty,” a world premiere from composer Timothy Takach and poet Brian Newhouse. - Sunday, March 13, 3 pm, Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, MN. Tickets $5-$45 www.singersmca.org or 651-917-1948.

SAINT PAUL—January 19, 2022—The Singers and Artistic Director Matthew Culloton present ‘Dale Warland at 90: A Legacy Celebration’ to honor choral icon Dale Warland’s impact on artists and the Twin Cities community at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis on Sunday, March 13 at 3 PM.

For 32 seasons, Dale Warland led his internationally acclaimed ensemble, the Dale Warland Singers, leaving an indelible mark on professional choral music making in this country. The organization commissioned 270 works and made 29 recordings while providing an artistic home for singers here in the Twin Cities. After disbanding the choir in 2004, he went on to conduct the SPCO Chorale, the Minnesota Beethoven Festival Chorale, and continued composing for choirs around the country. 

“Dale is one of the most influential people in my life, personally and professionally,” says Artistic Director Matthew Culloton. “I wanted to have a chance to celebrate Dale’s long-lasting legacy of musical excellence and his impact on choral music in Minnesota and far beyond our borders. I realized a 90th birthday celebration was the perfect opportunity to thank and honor him.”  

At the heart of this concert, The Singers and Matthew Culloton will perform works championed by Warland, including Dominick Argento’s I Hate and I Love (commissioned by the DWS), folk music arrangements by Carol Barnett, Alf Houkom, and William Hawley, an eclectic Mass by composers around the globe, and the world premiere of Timothy Takach’s Changed by Beauty. The commission was supported by 150 donors who chose to honor Dale with this very personal gift.

“To be asked to write this piece in honor of Dale’s life work and his musical legacy is a true compliment, says composer Timothy Takach. “Today, I feel privileged to call Dale a colleague and a friend. He is kind and warm-hearted, but always so purposeful in his work.” Librettist Brian Newhouse, himself a DWS alum, offers: “As Dale’s 90th birthday approached, I wanted to somehow celebrate this artist who has created so much beauty in this world.”

Joining The Singers on stage at Orchestra Hall will be alumni members of the Dale Warland Singers performing music of Stephen Paulus and Morten Lauridsen. Other tributes and special guests will take part in the program, remaining a surprise until then.

Dale Warland at 90: A Legacy Celebration” will be presented at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis on Sunday, March 13, 2022 at 3 PM. This concert is part of The Singers’ 18th season, and will be broadcast live on Minnesota Public Radio (YourClassical). 

This concert will be performed under the health controls in place as set by Orchestra Hall. Patrons are asked to visit https://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/fo-footer-holder/safety/ for the most current information.