The Norwegian Glee Club of Minneapolis
The Norwegian Glee Club of Minneapolis is a Member Chorus of the Norwegian Singers Association of America. Our purpose shall be to bring together men of Norwegian birth or ancestry, or others who are interested in choral singing, for their enjoyment and the enjoyment of others; To provide concerts when and where requested, bringing Scandinavian musical treasures to the public; And to promote a feeling of good-will among its members.
The Norwegian Glee Club was formed on August 7, 1912, by the remaining members of two other choruses: the Norwegian Good Templar Singing Society and the Hugnad Male Chorus. The original roster consisted of 26 members, rehearsals began the next week and the first public appearance of the Glee Club was on November 10, 1912.

The Club’s first director was Carl G.O. Hansen who, except for an 18 month absence, served as director until 1944. Other notable directors include Robert Anderson (1948-1953), who was also a concert violinist with the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, Fred Wick (1953-1964), who was also Director-in-Chief of the Norwegian Singers Association of America for many years, and Rolf Graning (1964-1980). Arden Haug became director in September until he left on a missionary call to Latvia, at which time John Sorlien directed the club. Upon his return to the United States, Arden resumed directorship. The current director is Carsten Slostad.

Since both prior choruses had been members of the Norwegian Singers Society and had attended the 1912 National Sangerfest in Fargo, ND, the Glee Club immediately joined the Society and attended the next Sangerfest in 1914. The Club has been active in every Sangerfest since then. National Sangerfests have been held in Salt Lake City, New York, Chicago, Madison, Rapid City, Decorah, and many other cities. The Glee Club has been the host city at several of these events and recently was the host in 2014.

In addition to the many singing engagements at lodges, retirement homes, dinner meetings, and patriotic celebrations (both Norwegian and American), the Club has sung at many spring and advent concerts with other Minneapolis Scandinavian choruses. It has also attended all national and local sangerfests sponsored by the Twin City Scandinavian Center at Augsburg College.

The Norwegian Glee Club of Minneapolis plans to bring the musical treasures of Norway to the American public for many years to come, reminding us of our great Scandinavian heritage.

© 2023 Norwegian Glee Club of Minneapolis