Singers from Larimer Chorale and pianist Alice Crawford will be performing the “Court of Love” from Carmina Burana at our Second Annual Ballet & Beer production on Thursday, October 11. We are so honored to partner with them! We sat down with Larimer Chorale Artistic Director, Michael Todd Krueger, to learn more about Carmina Burana, why it is a must experience, and some fun tidbits about him!
You have directed the Larimer Chorale in “Carmina Burana” quite a few times over the years. What makes Carmina a regular part of your repertoire?
Audiences love the energized, pulsating rhythms of the piece. Many of the movements slowly build to raucous conclusions and the audience is caught up in that inertia! It’s so exciting!
What does it feel like to stand in front of your 120 person chorus while you are directing Carmina?
It’s an amazing feeling … the power of all of those voices … each unique and wonderful in their own way. It’s one of the best jobs anyone could have!
What is your favorite section of Carmina – if you had to choose?
It’s hard to choose. Probably, No. 10 – Were diu werlt alle min: “If all the world were mine from the sea to the Rhine, I would do without it if the Queen of England would lie in my arms. Hey!” It’s so incredibly joyful and serves as the finale to Part I … I love it.
Aside from Carmina, what is your favorite piece to direct?
I have a real fondness for Brahms so I would answer Brahms Requiem.
What is your favorite restaurant in Fort Collins?
Coopersmith’s. I love their beer and their pub food AND their desserts! For a more traditional restaurant, I really like Blue Agave.
More about Michael Todd Krueger:
After a distinguished career teaching at the college and university levels, Michael Todd Krueger has dedicated himself to the cause of the adult, avocational singer. He currently serves as conductor and artistic director of the Larimer Chorale, music director of Voices West (formerly Littleton Chorale) and as minister of music at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Arvada. Through his work with these choruses, he is known for his healthy, inspiring and unique approach to singing for adults
Dr. Krueger earned the Bachelor of Arts degree in music education from Luther College and the Master of Music degree in trumpet performance and jazz studies from the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley (UNC). He subsequently earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in choral conducting and vocal studies from the University of Illinois. He has served on the music faculties of Ithaca College, Morningside College, Millikin University, and the University of Wyoming.
Dr. Krueger is a former resident member of the Grammy Award-winning Robert Shaw Festival Singers. He has also performed with the Grammy-nominated UNC Axidentals Vocal Jazz Sextet directed by the legendary jazz educator, Gene Aitken. He has conducted all-state, honor choir, and choral festival performances for singers of all ages throughout North and South America and Europe and has led numerous concert tours to the many cultural centers of Europe.
