Music

Choir

Since its founding in 1855 by the parish’s first music Director, Josef Griehler, The Assumption Choir has provided music for parish Masses for over 150 years. Throughout its history, the choir has been led by Louis Sonnen, whose remarkable tenure spanned from 1926 – 1997, and by Robert Kaiser who directed from 1997 – 2010. Under the Leadership of Fred Graham, the Choir toured Austria in 2015 singing at such notable churches as St. Stephen’s in Vienna and the Salzburg Cathedral.

Under the direction of Simon Pick since 2021, the Assumption Choir proudly continues this musical legacy today, providing choral music at the 9:30 Sunday Mass and for feast days throughout the year. The choir is excited to again offer a Springtime Choral Concert in addition to the “Christmas at Assumption” Concert and the other choral services throughout the year.

At the weekly rehearsal held Wednesday nights, the choir focuses their time working on choral technique and learning music for Masses, choral services, and concerts. Rehearsals offer not only an environment of learning and musical growth, but an opportunity for fellowship as well, often spilling over into impromptu social gatherings at a restaurant afterward.

At Mass, the choir leads hymns and other liturgical music in addition to singing choral anthems. Responding to the call of Vatican II to foster the Church’s treasury of sacred music with great care, the Assumption Choir’s repertoire encompasses centuries of choral and hymn-singing tradition with particular attention given to music that is associated with the rich German heritage of Assumption. If you or someone you know is interested in singing with the Assumption Choir please contact Director of Music Simon Pick at: sjpick@assumptionsp.org or 651.789.6927 to set up an informal audition.

Organ History

Milwaukee German organ builders Odenbrett and Abler built the organ in 1883, and its original wooden pipe case with visible façade pipes remain. The hand-pumped organ, electrified in 1906, was replaced in 1935 by the Kimball-Welte Organ Company of Chicago and had 11 ranks of pipes. In 2004, the parish restored and
renovated the organ, adding contemporary age technology, 10 more ranks of pipes and electronic enhancements. The resulting tone of the organ fits the parish’s rich German history and the sacred liturgy.