Mayo Clinic Announces December "Harmony for Mayo" Concerts

Friday, November 28, 2003

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Mayo Clinic will sponsor five December "Harmony for Mayo" concerts that will be held Mondays from 12:10 to 1 p.m. in various locations on the clinic's campus. All "Harmony for Mayo" concerts are free and open to the public.

Dec. 1: The Honors Concert Choir, performing works from the classical choral tradition and seasonal favorites, will perform in Hage Atrium, subway level, Siebens Medical Education Building, 100 Second Ave. S.W.

The Honors Concert Choir is one of five ensembles that make up the Honors Choirs of Southeast Minnesota. Directed by Michael Culloton, its 53 singers are in grades 10 through 12 and come from throughout the region. The choir has traveled to Europe twice and has performed at national choral conferences.

Dec. 8: Becky Schlegel, bluegrass singer and songwriter, will perform in Barbara Woodward Lips Atrium, subway level, Rochester Methodist Hospital, Charlton Building, 10 Third Ave. N.W.

Schlegel's songs consist of a unique blend of bluegrass, country, blues and folk music. She was awarded Bluegrass/Old-Time Artist of the Year at the Minnesota Music Awards in 2001, 2002 and 2003. Schlegel resides in Farmington, Minn., and has been featured on Garrison Keillor's radio program, "A Prairie Home Companion." Brian Fesler will accompany her on banjo.

Dec. 15: Choral Arts Ensemble of Rochester, will perform music from two Christmas recordings in Hage Atrium, subway level, Siebens Medical Education Building, 100 Second Ave. S.W.

Its discography includes Christmas at Assisi and Make We Joy: Christmas at Assisi II; critically acclaimed album of works by Minnesota composers, Minnesota Voices; and its new release, Simple Gifts.

Dedicated to commissioning and performing new works, and presenting superb choral repertoire, Choral Arts Ensemble of Rochester has established itself as one of southeastern Minnesota's most vital arts organizations. The Ensemble performs five programs each season in the Rochester area with a repertoire that encompass all periods and styles.

Dec. 22: Swing Street Combo, a music ensemble, will be featured in Barbara Woodward Lips Atrium, subway level, Rochester Methodist Hospital, Charlton Building, 10 Third Ave. N.W.

This group was formed in 2002 when several members of the 17-piece group, Swing Street, sought to perform with a smaller jazz group to accommodate requests for a more intimate jazz ensemble. All members play in the combo and the big band. Both groups play for special occasions, private parties and community events.

Dec. 29: Ben Woolman, finger style guitarist, will perform in Hage Atrium, subway level, Siebens Medical Education Building, 100 Second Ave. S.W.

Influenced by artists such as Leo Kottke and Michael Hedges, Woolman's finger style presents a uniquely pure sound that has something for every listener. His music can be heard around the world, on National Public Radio and Minnesota Public Radio.

Harmony for Mayo, a music series for Mayo patients, visitors and staff, is sponsored by Mayo Clinic Center for Humanities in Medicine. The series is presented in cooperation with Chorale Arts Ensemble of Rochester, and is made possible by a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Tomas Furth of Caracas, Venezuela, and New York City.

Nicole Bennett
John Murphy
507- 284-5005 (days)
507-284-2511 (evenings)
e-mail: newsbureau@mayo.edu

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