“Ten years ago, I returned to St. George after living in larger cities, where there were opportunities to sing with advanced vocal chamber ensembles,” says co-founder and Executive Director of St. George Chamber Singers, Rachel Cox. “I recognized the need in our southern Utah community for such a group. Coincidentally, that same year I met Dr. Paul Wiens. I watched his workshop with a choir and was impressed with his attention to every detail. I approached him after the rehearsal: ‘Please tell me where you conduct. I’d like to sing for you.’”
Dr. Wiens replied he was new to the area. Rachel and co-founder Mark Robertson asked him, “If we find a choir for you, would you conduct us?”
Dr. Wiens agreed.
The St. George Chamber Singers has grown, adding the classical St George Children’s Choir. This year both groups will present “Christmas at the Tabernacle” on December 6 at 7 p.m., showcasing traditional carols, including two newly commissioned pieces, one by local composer Tami Creamer.
Further, the group will present Handel’s "Messiah" this season with concerts on December 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m.in the Delores Dore Eccles Fine Arts Center.
None of this would be possible without the leadership of Conductor and Artistic Director, Paul Wiens, who holds a DMA from the University of Iowa, and sang with the Atlanta Symphony Chamber Choir under the legendary Robert Shaw. He taught at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Wiens has had a 44-year career in music education, with 30 years at Wheaton Conservatory. He has conducted the Chamber Singers since their founding in 2015.
Of his work with the Chamber Singers, Dr. Wiens says, “The musical challenge and aesthetic rewards have made the effort worthwhile. My 44-year professional career as a choral conductor has now been extended by ten years—an unexpected personal blessing.”
As the St. George Chamber Singers celebrates its 10-year anniversary, it continuies to raise the bar as the premiere chamber choir in southern Utah.
For more information, visit the Chamber Singers website at stgeorgechambersingers.org. To purchase "Messiah" tickets, visit utahtech.evenue.net
"My 44-year professional career ... has now been extended by ten years—an unexpected personal blessing.” -Dr. Paul Wiens