Date: Sunday, August 22, 2010
Target Field - Minneapolis, MN
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Date: Saturday, September 25, 2010
St Michael's Lutheran Church - Bloomington MN
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Date: Thursday, August 05, 2010
Saint Olaf College, Northfield, MN
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Date: Friday, April 09, 2010
The GNU will perform at the 2010 American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Summer Dialogue at Saint Olaf College in Northfield, MN on August 5.
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History
The Great Northern Union is a premier a cappella male chorus in the upper Midwest region dedicated to the performance, education, promotion, encouragement and preservation of high quality vocal music, primarily in the barbershop style. Founded in 1985, the Great Northern Union was founded with the motto: Fun Through Musical Excellence.
The GNU has performed all over the US and Canada as well as an annual concert tour. Historical performances include: The North Central American Choral Directors Convention, Minnesota Music Educators Convention, National Anthems; Minnesota Vikings, Twins and Timberwolves and many Midwest guest performances. The GNU has competed in the BHS competition 20 times in its history and placed in the top 10 each time, with seven trips to the medalist circle.
75 members strong and growing, the GNU over its history has been recognized for its precise harmonies and high impact message. A chapter member of the Barbershop Harmony Society (Hilltop, MN Chapter), the GNU has had the opportunity to entertain in cities all over North America, Nashville, Louisville, Miami, Kansas City, Anaheim, Portland, Atlanta, Calgary, Montreal, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, San Antonio, Madison, Appleton, Green Bay and Fargo. In Minnesota, the GNU has performed in Duluth, Appleton, Faribault, Fairmont, Moorhead, Stillwater, St Cloud, Rochester, Waconia, Minneapolis, St Paul, Lakeville, Brooklyn Center, Mahtomedi, St Louis Park, Hopkins, Plymouth, Bloomington, Richfield and Eden Prairie.
GNU has produced five CDs during its tenure. The last two CDs have been recognized and received nominations by the Contemporary A cappella Recording Awards under the categories of best Barbershop Song (It's a Grand Night for Singing), best Barbershop Album (It's a Grand Night for Singing), best Religious Album (Bound for Glory) and best Religious Song (Bound for Glory).
Most recently GNU has developed an annual concert season featuring four collaboration concerts with other area choral and International recognized ensembles that are performed throughout our calendar season. Past seasons collaborations include:
2004: 4 Voices Quartet
2005: Luther College Norsemen, Cantus, Real Time Quartet
2006: Luther College Norsemen, Metropolitan Boys Choir, Cantus, Vocal Spectrum Quartet
2007: Iowa Statesmen from Iowa State University, The Limestones, Land of Lakes Choirboys, OC Times Quartet
2008: Luther College Norsemen, St. Olaf Viking Chorus, Men In Black Quartet, Marcoux Corner, Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir w/ Robert Robinson, 4Given, Hot Air Buffoons Quartet
In 2009 the GNU will collaborate with the St. John's University Men's Chorus from Saint John's University, The Wissota Singers of UW River Falls, Minneapolis Commodores, The Singers, and BHS medalists Quartet Crossroads. In July, GNU will return to the BHS International Chorus Competition in Anaheim CA, and compete against other chorus' from around the world.
GNU has been under the direction of three directors over its 23 years including Roger Williams, Dean Haagenson and Peter Benson (our current director).
If you would like to make your mark in GNU history, please click here.
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A Chorus of Champions
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