Grinnell Singers Reunite with Lyra Baroque Orchestra for Upcoming Performances
Celebrated partnership returns for concerts in Grinnell and Minnesota
The Grinnell Singers will join once again this February with the Lyra Baroque Orchestra for three special performances, continuing a decade-long artistic collaboration.
The first concert will take place Sunday, February 22, in Grinnell. The following weekend, the Singers will travel to Minnesota for performances in Rochester and St. Paul alongside the professional period-instrument orchestra. This marks the fifth collaboration between the two ensembles, who have partnered roughly every other year since the relationship began ten years ago.
The collaboration has earned national praise. In 2017, the Rochester Post-Bulletin described the Grinnell Singers as “superbly nimble and confident” in performance with Lyra.
Working closely with professional specialists in Baroque performance practice offers students an immersive experience in 18th-century repertoire, blending scholarship with high-level artistry. The Lyra Baroque Orchestra is led by Croatian-born violinist Bojan Çičić, who also serves as leader of London’s renowned Academy of Ancient Music.
This year’s program centers on a lesser-known 18th-century gem: Jan Dismas Zelenka’s Missa Votiva (“Mass of the Vow”). Zelenka, a Czech composer and contemporary of J.S. Bach, wrote music comparable to Bach’s in its contrapuntal brilliance. His compositions are known for adventurous harmonies, beguiling melodies, compelling rhythms, and dramatic surprises — all infused with deep spiritual intensity.
Missa Votiva was composed in fulfillment of a vow Zelenka made during a life-threatening illness. He promised that, if he survived, he would write a mass in gratitude. The resulting work radiates devotion, gratitude, and emotional power.
Together, the ensembles bring historical performance to life — offering audiences vibrant interpretations while providing students the opportunity to make music at the highest level.
Upcoming Concerts: Missa Votiva by Jan Dismas Zelenka, with the Lyra Baroque Orchestra
Sunday, February 22, 2:00 pm
Grinnell College, Sebring-Lewis Hall
Saturday, February 28, 7:30 p.m.
Sundin Music Hall , Hamline University
1531 Hewitt Ave, Saint Paul, MN, 55104
Sunday, March 1, 2:30 pm
Zumbro Lutheran Church
624 3rd Ave SW, Rochester, MN 55902