Calliope Women’s Chorus will be joined on Nov. 14 by singers of Lumina Women’s Ensemble to present “Under One Sky.” Read on to learn about this exciting vocal group and what they bring to this collaborative performance!

Founder, composer

Lumina may be new, but they have already made an impression on the Twin Cities choral landscape. The group was founded by alto Linda Kachelmeier, a two-time recipient of both the Jerome Composers Commissioning Program for Emerging Composers and the Faith Partners residency through the American Composers Forum. Linda performs around the Twin Cities with groups such as VocalEssence and is director of music at First Presbyterian Church in South St. Paul.

In addition, Linda is currently working on a dynamic new composition for Calliope to perform in spring 2016 to celebrate our 40th anniversary.

Collaborating singers

For the upcoming performance, Linda is joined by fellow Lumina members soprano Kim Sueoka and alto Clara Osowski. Kim, originally from Kaua’i, teaches with Lau Hawaiian Collective, is a staff singer at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and sings with The Rose Ensemble. Clara is an adjunct professor of voice at the University of Minnesota, Morris and performs across the Midwest. Recently Clara was the only American singer accepted to the Académie Francis Poulenc in Tours, France. You may remember Clara’s name from the program of Calliope’s spring 2015 concert, “Revolutionary Women.”

This talented ensemble dedicates themselves to “the beauty, mystery, and hope inherent in music.”  The Lumina sound draws inspiration from medieval chants, folk song traditions, Renaissance motets, and local composers to bring in audiences.

MPR love

Recently Minnesota Public Radio chose Lumina as a 2015-2016 Class Notes Artists. This honor involves collaborating with Classical MPR to enrich the music curriculum and engage elementary school students in Saint Paul, Fridley, and Brooklyn Park.  The ensemble can also be heard on MPR’s Taste of the Holidays CD Volume VI.

Calliope Women’s Choral is excited and honored to be working with this innovative group for “Under One Sky.” Be sure to check out Lumina’s Facebook page for future concerts and events.

We’ll see you November 14 at St. Catherine University’s Jeanne D’Arc Auditorium!  Online ticket sales are closed for “Under One Sky.” Tickets will be available at the door for purchase.