The Chorale à NouvEAU choir had the majority of their performances in 2020 canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the group is back on track and better than ever heading into 2022.  (Submitted photo)

When Chorale á NovEAU – an auditioned community choir – first formed in fall 2019, they had no idea what was going to hit. “The world was a different place,” said Choir Director Kate Larson.

With 18 members performing at their first concert in January 2020, this passion project was soon cut off. But, their first concert since the pandemic, slated for Jan. 22 at Christ Church Cathedral in Eau Claire, aims to bring passion back to their project. 

“After all these years of disconnection, (Chorale á NovEAU) provides a lot to the singers to gain something that they were missing,” Larson said, “musically and socially.” 

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"Many days are exhausting ... but (Chorale à Nouveau) always brightens my mood."

Andy Brown

chorale a noveau singer

After the pandemic canceled most of their practices and performances throughout the past year, this choir now supports 24 singers filled with desire to create beautiful music together. 

“Other things can drag you down,” said singer Andy Brown. “Many days are exhausting … but (Chorale a NovEAU) always brightens my mood.” 

The program for their upcoming concert features music from Iceland, the Philippines, and Haiti. Many of the songs they’re performing were planned for performance at their spring 2020 concert. But the rest of the pieces Chorale á NovEAU will be performing reflect those emotionally dark times while also looking toward hope in the future: starting with an uplifting arrangement by Troy D. Robertson titled “In Meeting We Are Blessed.”

“Everyone has come back to singing with a different perspective,” Larson said. “It is a powerful experience to be together again singing, when something meaningful like that is taken away from you.”

Chorale á NovEAU is dedicated to giving back to the Chippewa Valley community as well. Each concert, alongside a diverse repertoire with singers of all voice types and abilities, hosts speakers from a charity of choice. Their 2022 concert will raise funds through a $10 optional ticket fee, split between Chorale á NovEAU and the Family Promise of Chippewa Valley to help combat homelessness. 

The group’s winter concert is scheduled for 7pm on Jan. 22 at Christ Church Cathedral. Singers will be masked, and they kindly ask for the audience to wear a face covering as well. Check out more information about the choir at facebook.com/ChoraleaNouveau.