Submitted Photo The Renaissance Christmas Feast is one of the best known and most popular of events conducted by the Chamber Chorale of Minot.

It is not surprising that Minot’s Chamber Chorale has become one of the most recognized organizations in the city. They’ve been polishing their special method of singing entertainment for 45 years.

“We started in 1972 in Erdina Fiedler’s house,” said Sandy Starr, former director and current member of the Minot Chamber Chorale board of directors.

What became the Chamber Chorale actually had its beginnings as early as 1968.

“We got together and sang a couple concerts and were at various events,” recalled Starr.

In 1972 the Chamber Chorale became incorporated and has since become a solid centerpiece of Minot’s musical history. Bob Demke has been serving as the Chamber Chorale director for the past 11 years.

“The big thing is, this group has a long tradition and place in the community in particular,” said Demke. “It’s obviously a community group with members from all walks of life. That’s an important factor. It’s people who like to sing and like chorale music in general, and like to get together from a music aspect and socially.”

It has been a winning combination with Minot’s music lovers reaping the benefits. While the Chamber Chorale generally has four presentations a year, it is the Renaissance feast that has grown into a trademark performance for the group numbering about 40 voices.

“That’s the one that is known most throughout the region, the Renaissance feast, our Christmas theater,” said Demke. “We’ll be doing our 45th this fall. That in itself is quite commendable. It is basically a great opportunity for our members but also for the community. It kick starts the Christmas season.”

While the colorful Renaissance feast has become a must for admirers of chorale music, it is just one of four vibrant performances conducted by the Chamber Chorale each year.

“We started with the feast and a spring concert. Then we started the fall pops concert,” said Starr. “That’s a well received concert, pops and Broadway music that people really like.”

There’s also a master works concert held in February. It helps balance out a wonderfully entertaining schedule.

“We feel that variety is important,” explained Demke. “We do create concerts that give the community a chance to experience the emotional experience for people. Our singers are really committed to music and bringing that gift of music to the community. It’s important to be part of the community’s fiber.”

Starr says a “bunch of new singers” she refers to as “twenty-somethings” have greatly added to the chorale.

“We have a couple of new tenors and basses but can always use more,” said Starr.

According to the organization’s website, the Chamber Chorale, a mixed chorus that presents quality chorale literature, remains the only mixed community choir in Minot. A testament to the appeal of the chorale is that those who attend a performance walk away with a feeling of satisfaction and look forward to future Chamber Chorale events.

2017 Minot Chamber Chorale remaining schedule

April 30 – Spring concert and ice cream social/Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

Oct. 6 – Pops and Broadway Concert/ Grand Hotel

Nov. 30-Dec. 2 – Renaissance Feast/All Seasons Arena