About the Chorale
Vox Nova Chorale is a non-profit, unique summer choir based in St. Paul, MN, founded in 2013 by Vicki Peters, Benjamin Cramer, and William Haugen. With the goal of encouraging emerging conductors, composers, and singers, Vox Nova Chorale empowers and provides opportunity for musicians of diverse backgrounds to perform excellent choral music at the highest degree of artistry that enriches their lives and community.
Learning and singing together, with the help of nationally known clinicians, is the goal of the musicians joining Vox Nova Chorale. The diverse musical and educational backgrounds of each member from undergraduate students to community and professional singers create an environment in which ideas converge into a shared expression of artistry.
As of August 2026, there have been 48 college students, 32 premiers, 36 conductors, with 11 clinicians over 11 seasons! We are very proud that many of them have gone on to sing in professional choirs, and have become successful composers and conductors!
Vox Nova Chorale has made two albums - A Minnesota Christmas, and Folk Songs Near & Far, and is regularly featured on Classical Minnesota Public Radio and has been choseen for five MPR Regional Spotlights. Also, from 2015 - 2019 Vox Nova Chorale was one of a few regional ensembles selected to be on MPR's "Taste of the Holiday's" its annual holiday album distributed nationally.
Vox Nova Chorale is regularly featured on Classical Minnesota Public Radio and has been chosen for five MPR Regional Spotlights. From 2025-2019 Vox Nova Chorale was one of a few regional ensembles selected to be on MPR’s “Taste of the Holiday’s,” its annual holiday album distributed nationally. Also, in 2023, the Star Tribune selected VNC for their Best of the Week award and in 2024 Best Free concert to attend.
Vox Nova Chorale is regularly featured on Classical Minnesota Public Radio and has been chosen for five MPR Regional Spotlights. From 2025-2019 Vox Nova Chorale was one of a few regional ensembles selected to be on MPR’s “Taste of the Holiday’s,” its annual holiday album distributed nationally. Also, in 2023, the Star Tribune selected VNC for their Best of the Week award and in 2024 Best Free concert to attend.
What People are Saying
"I heard Vox Nova Chorale perform for the first time on Sunday, and it was absolutely wonderful--a stunning performance, a lovely repertoire, and in a gorgeous venue as well." Elena F., audience member
"The clarity of the choir's singing was truly remarkable and made the program truly remarkable!" David H., audience member
"You sold me after hearing just two notes. Bravo" Steve Staruch, MPR Host
"Very beautiful performance!! Wow!!!" Paul Mealor's response to our Facebook post of our rehearsal on his song, "She Walks in Beauty"
“I am deeply moved by the work of Vicki Peters and the mission of Vox Nova Chorale,” said Matthew Culloton, a three-time clinician. “What a rare and meaningful opportunity for young conductors and composers! Plus, the singing blows me away! Kudos to Vicki Peters and Vox Nova!”
A Work in Progress 2012 -- Vicki Peters, Benjamin Cramer and Bill Haugen brainstorm and work together to create Vox Nova Chorale. 2013 – Vox Nova completes its inaugural season with 24 singers representing six colleges and the community. Clinicians are Matthew Culloton, and David Cherwin. Minnesota Public Radio interviews Artistic Director Vicki Peters and plays two songs from a rehearsal. 2014 – The second season includes 27 singers. Eight colleges are represented. Clinicians are Matthew Culloton, Tesfa Wondemagegnehu, and Jake Runestad. Minnesota Public Radio includes Vox Nova in the Oct. 2 Regional Spotlight. 2015 – The number of singers grows to 31 in the third season. Eight colleges are represented. Clinicians are Matthew Culloton, Tesfa Wondemagegnehu, and Jocelyn Hagen. Minnesota Public Radio features Vox Nova in the Oct. 15 Regional Spotlight and on the 2015 Taste of the Holidays CD. 2016 -- Season 4, Celebrating Great Composers (Who Happen to Be Women), finds tremendous support from the choral community. More than 90 original compositions are submitted by women from all over the world. Four are selected. Clinicians include Dr. Angela Broeker from St. Thomas University, Dr. Therees Hibbard from St. Olaf College, and Abbie Betinis, composer. What People are Saying "I heard Vox Nova Chorale perform for the first time on Sunday, and it was absolutely wonderful--a stunning performance, a lovely repertoire, and in a gorgeous venue as well." Elena F., audience member "The clarity of the choir's singing was truly remarkable and made the program truly remarkable!" David H., audience member "You sold me after hearing just two notes. Bravo" Steve Staruch, MPR Host "Very beautiful performance!! Wow!!!" Paul Mealor's response to our Facebook post of our rehearsal on his song, "She Walks in Beauty" “I am deeply moved by the work of Vicki Peters and the mission of Vox Nova Chorale,” said Matthew Culloton, a three-time clinician. “What a rare and meaningful opportunity for young conductors and composers! Plus, the singing blows me away! Kudos to Vicki Peters and Vox Nova!”
A Work in Progress 2012 -- Vicki Peters, Benjamin Cramer and Bill Haugen brainstorm and work together to create Vox Nova Chorale. 2013 – Vox Nova completes its inaugural season with 24 singers representing six colleges and the community. Clinicians are Matthew Culloton, and David Cherwin. Minnesota Public Radio interviews Artistic Director Vicki Peters and plays two songs from a rehearsal. 2014 – The second season includes 27 singers. Eight colleges are represented. Clinicians are Matthew Culloton, Tesfa Wondemagegnehu, and Jake Runestad. Minnesota Public Radio includes Vox Nova in the Oct. 2 Regional Spotlight. 2015 – The number of singers grows to 31 in the third season. Eight colleges are represented. Clinicians are Matthew Culloton, Tesfa Wondemagegnehu, and Jocelyn Hagen. Minnesota Public Radio features Vox Nova in the Oct. 15 Regional Spotlight and on the 2015 Taste of the Holidays CD. 2016 -- Season 4, Celebrating Great Composers (Who Happen to Be Women), finds tremendous support from the choral community. More than 90 original compositions are submitted by women from all over the world. Four are selected. Clinicians include Dr. Angela Broeker from St. Thomas University, Dr. Therees Hibbard from St. Olaf College, and Abbie Betinis, composer. What People are Saying "I heard Vox Nova Chorale perform for the first time on Sunday, and it was absolutely wonderful--a stunning performance, a lovely repertoire, and in a gorgeous venue as well." Elena F., audience member "The clarity of the choir's singing was truly remarkable and made the program truly remarkable!" David H., audience member "You sold me after hearing just two notes. Bravo" Steve Staruch, MPR Host "Very beautiful performance!! Wow!!!" Paul Mealor's response to our Facebook post of our rehearsal on his song, "She Walks in Beauty" “I am deeply moved by the work of Vicki Peters and the mission of Vox Nova Chorale,” said Matthew Culloton, a three-time clinician. “What a rare and meaningful opportunity for young conductors and composers! Plus, the singing blows me away! Kudos to Vicki Peters and Vox Nova!”
