Bemidji State University Hosts Christmas in the Pines Concerts

Bemidji State University in Bemidji, Minnesota, is set to host its annual Christmas in the Pines concerts this weekend, featuring performances by the Bemidji Choir and the BSU Chamber Singers. The concerts will take place at 7:30 p.m. on December 1 and December 2, 2023, in the Beaux Arts Ballroom on campus.

Tickets are available for $11 for adults, $9 for seniors and veterans, and are free for college students with valid ID. Attendees can purchase tickets at the door or online at bsubeavers.com.

Collaborative Spirit Highlighted in Performances

Isaac Lovdahl, who directs both the Bemidji Choir and the Chamber Singers, emphasized the importance of collaboration in this year’s program. “I really wanted to make sure that this year we had more collaborative opportunities in our Christmas program,” he stated. “It’s going to be a more community-driven experience this year. I really pride myself on my variety of programming. We have a little bit of something for everybody.”

The Bemidji Choir consists of 39 auditioned singers, with 14 of those forming the Chamber Singers, which Lovdahl describes as the premier ensemble. The concert program promises a diverse array of performances, showcasing both individual talent and collaborative efforts.

One of the highlights will be “Fantasia on Christmas Carols,” featuring BSU music professor Cory Renbarger as a baritone soloist. He will be accompanied by Sarah Carlson, the music director at First Lutheran Church, on organ, and Seth Freundschuh, the orchestra director at Bemidji High School, 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 performance, “Fanfare for Christmas Day,” will feature Carlson on organ, along with BSU music majors Dylon Hanson and Aleckse Mikeuchev on trumpets. Senior Hannah Lewis, who is studying choral conducting with Lovdahl this semester, will conduct the Bemidji Choir in “My Lord has Come.” According to Lovdahl, these concerts will serve as her final exam for her conducting lessons.

A Showcase of Talent and Community Engagement

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

“We’re so fortunate to have such a strong class of seniors this year,” Lovdahl remarked. “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.”

With its focus on collaboration and community, the Christmas in the Pines concerts promise to be a memorable celebration of talent and holiday spirit at Bemidji State University.