“The A Cappella Choir strives to perform music at a very high artistic level—music that inspires, instructs and entertains the listener. But the mission of the choir goes beyond mere artistry,”said Dr. Kurt von Kampen, the choir’s conductor and chair of Concordia’s music department. “The University A Cappella Choir exists to proclaim the Gospel of Christ in song and to honor God with the musical talents the students have been given.”

The choir performs full-length concerts, high school assemblies and church worship services.  The repertoire of sacred and secular choral compositions spans all historical periods and is representative of many cultures. This year’s concert features the works of Antonio Vivaldi, William Byrd, Max Janowski, Eric Esenvalds, Josu Elberdin, Ivo Antognini, Jeffrey N. Blersch, David von Kampen and others.

The A Cappella Choir, which comprises both male and female musicians chosen by audition each year, has toured the U.S. annually and internationally approximately every four years since its inception in 1939, performing throughout Europe, the Middle East, Australia, Asia and Mexico. It also has participated in international choral festivals in Australia and Austria, placing first and third, respectively, while under the direction of von Kampen.

Von Kampen earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Concordia University, Nebraska, a master’s degree in choral conducting from Oakland University and a doctorate in choral music education from the University of Nebraska.