Borealis Chorale and Orchestra

The Borealis Chorale and Orchestra will present its annual winter concerts on Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13 at 7 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais. Admission is free to the public, with a suggested donation of $10–$20 to support the Chorale’s continued work in the community.

Now in its 65th year, the Borealis Chorale and Orchestra is one of Cook County’s longest-running community arts traditions. Founded in the late 1950s by pianist and educator Ora Wilcox, the ensemble has evolved through generations of local directors, musicians, and singers, remaining a beloved place where youth and adults perform side by side.

This year’s program, themed “Angels,” features works by several acclaimed local composers, including Bill Beckstrand, Abbie Betinis, and Linda Kachelmeier. Under the direction of Karina Roth, the ensemble blends the voices and talents of longtime community members with those of new and younger participants, creating a rich musical experience that resonates across ages.

Roth, a pianist, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist, is passionate about fostering intergenerational music-making. Many performers return year after year, including musicians with decades of experience as well as students who are discovering choral and orchestral performance for the first time.

For more than six decades, the Borealis Chorale and Orchestra has provided Cook County audiences with soul-stirring winter performances that celebrate both musical excellence and the strength of community. This year’s concerts promise the same spirit of connection and wonder.