About Us

The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists

Matthew Culloton, Founder & Artistic Director

Founded in 2004, The Singers organization is dedicated to giving world-class performances of the finest choral literature. The Singers, a professional choir of 40 members, exists to serve as artists, educators, and advocates of the choral art. Recognized nationally for their innovative programming, commitment to new music, and peerless artistic quality, The Singers made their debut at the renowned Ravinia Festival in June 2013, and have made subsequent returns in 2014, 2015, and 2016.

The Singers and Matthew Culloton are very engaged in educational collaborations that pair the choir with school choirs around Minnesota. Singing “shoulder to shoulder” with high school students in concert settings has inspired thousands of young musicians who have never experienced music making at a professional level. Dr. Culloton leads conducting masterclasses with public school educators, and conducts the organization’s Community Sing programs. In March 2016, 300 people participated and joined The Singers for a performance of Faure’s REQUIEM.

The Singers have premiered and commissioned nearly 80 new works by composers including Stephen Paulus, Tesfa Wondemagegnehu, Timothy Takach, Linda Kachelmeier, Abbie Betinis, Jocelyn Hagen, Joshua Shank, Craig Carnahan, and conductor Matthew Culloton. From 2004-2014, Betinis, Hagen, and Shank served as Composers-in-Residence with the ensemble.

Nine CD recordings have been released in The Singers’ first ten seasons. The 2010 release, Lauridsen: Mid-Winter Songs is featured prominently in a documentary film, Shining Night, about the life and works of internationally recognized composer Morten Lauridsen. Splendid Jewel: Choral Music of Stephen Paulus contains the world premiere recordings of ten works written by one of Minnesota’s leading composers.

The Singers have performed at national conferences of Chorus America (2012), the American Choral Directors Association (2011), the American Guild of Organists (2008), and the National Federation of Music Clubs (2006). The choir has performed at regional and state conferences of the American Choral Directors Association in 2014, 2012, 2010, 2008, and 2006.

Matthew Culloton

Founder & Artistic Director

Matthew Culloton is the Founding Artistic Director of The Singers.  He holds degrees from Concordia College (B.M.) and the University of Minnesota (M.M. and D.M.A.).  Aside from his duties with The Singers, Matthew is Choirmaster at House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Paul. He is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of Saint Thomas, teaching in the Graduate Music Program.

In 2004, Matthew received the MN ACDA Outstanding Young Choral Conductor of the Year Award. In 2003, he received the VocalEssence/ACDA of Minnesota Creative Programming Award.   He has been commissioned to compose for the Dale Warland Singers, Choral Arts Ensemble of Rochester, and the MMEA All-State Choir.

He is co-editor of the Matthew and Michael Culloton Choral Series with Santa Barbara Publishing Company. He is also the editor of the Christmas with The Singers Choral Series published by MorningStar Music Publishers.