Submitted Photo The Minot Chamber Chorale, directed by Ben Eder will present its first concert of the season Friday, Oct. 10.

The Minot Chamber Chorale is beginning its 53rd season with new leadership and a renewed sense of purpose under the direction of Ben Eder, a familiar face in Minot’s music and theater community.

Eder, a Williston native, has deep roots in regional performing arts. Before stepping into the role of director, he performed with the Minot City Band, Brass Band, Heritage Singers and the Chamber Chorale. He has also served as musical director for the Mouse River Players for the past three seasons and for Minot State University Summer Theatre this past summer. Alongside his work in performance, Eder teaches band and choir at South Prairie School, where he is known for writing and arranging music for his students.

Founded in 1972, the Minot Chamber Chorale is a volunteer mixed chorus of community members, students, Minot Air Force Base personnel and regional musicians. The group presents a wide range of choral music — from Renaissance and sacred works to contemporary and popular selections. Supported in part by the North Dakota Council on the Arts, the Chorale performs four major concerts each season, frequently collaborating with other local ensembles and MSU, according to Chorale history.

Focused on purpose, people

Eder said his first priority in programming each concert is to choose music that resonates with the performers and the audience alike. “I try to think about choosing music based off what type of performers I have to work with,” he said. “I also think about what might be relevant with what’s currently happening in our world, but mostly, I pick music that I enjoy listening to and performing. I’ve found that if I enjoy the music, that joy and passion rubs off on my performers.”

His enthusiasm extends to how he blends traditional and modern pieces within a single program. “Certain works are meant to be performed at a certain time because of what they were written for,” he said. “Others that weren’t written for a specific time can be thrown in wherever if they match the chosen theme. Whether it’s traditional or contemporary, the music has to have a purpose.”

Leadership rooted in respect

When it comes to rehearsal preparation, Eder said he strives for a balance of structure and collaboration. “Rehearsals all start with reading through the music as written before working through harder sections sometimes individually,” he said. “Readiness is felt when everyone is blending and singing with confidence.”

To create an efficient rehearsal space, Eder focuses on communication and consistency. “I try to be clear and consistent with everything I say and do,” he said. “This can come from leading by example, but also being honest and respectful with each and every member in the group, treating them as I would like them to treat me.”

Eder said he believes in treating every singer as an essential part of the ensemble’s success. “I look at everyone as a valued member of the choir no matter their background or skill level,” he said. “Every voice is unique and provides depth and color that benefits the choir’s overall sound.”

Continuing proud legacy

Looking ahead, Eder said he intends to build on the Minot Chamber Chorale’s legacy of excellence. “I would like to continue the tradition of great performances and concerts that the Chorale has been known for over the decades it’s been around,” he said. “The previous directors have held the Chorale to very high standards which I plan to do as well.”

Pops Concert opens Minot Chamber Chorale season

The 2025-2026 season of the Minot Chamber Chorale marks a blend of tradition and innovation for the group.

The Pops Concert titled “From Pixels to Pictures: A Musical Journey” on Friday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. will kick off the season.

The Renaissance Feast follows on Dec. 5-6, the Majestic Voices concert on March 1, 2026, and the Spring Celebration on April 26, 2026.

Each program will feature its own theme, offering audiences both familiar favorites and new discoveries.

Tickets for the Renaissance Feast are available as of Wednesday, Oct. 1, by contacting the Minot Chamber Chorale. The event, a community favorite, combines music, food and atmosphere in a performance described by the group as “a feast of music, merriment and madrigals.”