Celebrating Minnesota's Sesquicentennial in song

St. Paul, Minn. — The Singers - Minnesota Choral Artists are commemorating the state's 150th birthday by exploring the rich Minnesota choral tradition.

In a series of concerts through this weekend, conductor Matthew Culloton and his vocal ensemble are performing music from the Lutheran heritage, folk songs, and works by contemporary Minnesota composers Dominick Argento, Stephen Paulus, Edie Hill and others.

Founded in 2004, The Singers - Minnesota Choral Artists perform a wide range of choral music from the great masterpieces to newly commissioned works.

Conductor Matthew Culloton and the Singers stopped by Minnesota Public Radio's Maud Moon Weyerhaeuser studio for a chat with host Steve Staruch. They also performed a few selections from the sesquicentennial concerts, including a new work by composer and choir member Joshua Shank and a rousing rendition of the state song, "Hail! Minnesota."