Rooted and Rising
Celebrating 40 Years of the National Lutheran Choir
Performance:
2PM - Saturday, May 2nd
Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis
In the turning of the season, we rise—rooted in memory, reaching toward the future. This program bursts forth in song, celebrating the sacred bonds of community. Joined by Anton Armstrong and the St. Olaf Choir at Central Lutheran Church, we honor the living legacy of the Lutheran choral tradition in the United States. Immediately following the performance, we invite you to join us for our 40th Anniversary Gala celebration (additional registration required).
Joined by Anton Armstrong and the St. Olaf Choir!
Former NLC Artistic Director David Cherwien joins us as guest organist as we mark 40 years of the National Lutheran Choir. Works by J.S. Bach, F. Melius Christiansen, Larry Fleming, and David Cherwien bloom alongside new pieces by Earlene Rentz and Jennaya Robison. The concert concludes with a festival chorus of alumni and friends—celebrating four decades of song and the promise of many more to come as we proclaim, "For all that has been, Thank you. For all that is to come, Yes!" (Dag Hammarskjöld)
You’re invited to our
Ruby Jubilee Gala
Celebrating 40 years of Rooted Harmony and Rising Song!
4PM - May 2nd, 2026
Minneapolis Convention Center
Immediately following our Spring Concert, Rooted and Rising
Ticket deadline: April 24th
Conducting, Leadership
& Vocational Institute
Registration is now open for our four-day immersive experience for high school students, college students, and graduate/emerging professionals.
Featured Clinicians
Marcela Molina
Lee Nelson
Jennaya Robison
Erin Gaffaney
Tim Takach
Jocelyn Hagen
June 14th - 18th, 2026
Augsburg University, Minneapolis MN
COMING HOME
Celebrating 40 years of the National Lutheran Choir
In a world ever shifting, we return home to what anchors us: music, memory, and the sacred ties that bind.
This season, the National Lutheran Choir invites you to celebrate our 40th anniversary on a journey through light and loss, wonder and welcome, growth and grace.
Who we are
The National Lutheran Choir, now in its 40th season, engages listeners of all faiths and traditions by singing the spirit of music familiar and new. The Choir’s artistry is rooted in its mission to celebrate, invigorate, and expand sacred choral music, bringing inspiration and meaning to all people. A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Choir is rostered for excellence and community, sustained through individual donations.
Under the direction of nationally-recognized conductor, composer, and vocalist Dr. Jennaya Robison, the 65+ member Choir gives voice to the full breadth of sacred music of our time and the past, grounding itself in the Lutheran choral tradition. Making our home in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, the National Lutheran Choir etches its place in the world of sacred choral music through concertizing, touring, and broadcasting art globally.
40 Years of the NLC
Music anywhere, anytime
The NLC has released 36 albums, 15 of which are available for streaming, and offers over 180 songs free to watch anytime, anywhere on our YouTube channel.
What listeners say
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“I was deeply moved by your beautiful performance! Thank you for sharing that gift with us all.”
~ Elizabeth
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“The music was absolutely stunning and far beyond what I expected.”
~Susan
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“As a church choral conductor, I use the National Lutheran Choir as a model for my singers to listen and emulate your beautiful sound, musical interpretation and wonderful repertoire.”
~ Robert
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“We thought that it was the best, most meaningful worship experience we have ever heard.”
~ Judy
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“This year, we brought a friend with us who had never been in the Basilica and had never heard the National Lutheran Choir. It all took her breath away.”
~ Christmas Festival attendee
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