News

J.J. Wright wanted to reconceive a project he'd started with the Notre Dame Children's Choir when the annual President's Forum asked the campus to reflect on the clergy sexual abuse crisis.

The project was an original composition of the Passion, the Gospel stories leading up to and including Jesus's crucifixion and burial. Wright immediately saw parallels between the religious story and the sexual abuse crisis, ranging from betrayal and cover-up to an unwillingness to stand up for those who are most vulnerable.…

Read More about Creating the Passion: Notre Dame Folk Choir invites students to compose original lyrics and music

The University of Notre Dame Folk Choir is heading to the East Coast in March 2022 to premiere The Passion.

The Passion is a newly composed musical ritualization of Christ’s Passion. Emerging from a collaborative process between students in the Folk Choir and professional artists, the piece combines Scripture drawn from all four Gospels with original poetry, which is all set to newly composed music.…

Read More about The University of Notre Dame Folk Choir premieres The Passion

IN RESPONSE TO THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC, THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME 
FOLK CHOIR PLANS EARLY RELEASE OF NEW ALBUM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 17, 2020

NOTRE DAME, IN -- During this uncertain time of isolation and separation, the Notre Dame Folk Choir is announcing the early release of "Catch the Spirit," an exploration of sacred music from the African American and East African traditions, and available April 17th, Easter Friday. This decision is in keeping with the call issued by Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., "to “see the diverse gifts and backgrounds of people as enriching, not dividing...to join together to build a community in which all are included and respected, and each of us contributes to the common good.” …

Read More about New Album "Catch the Spirit" Available Now

Are you interested in singing with the Notre Dame Folk Choir during the 2019-2020 academic year? Sign up for an audition now: http://bit.ly/ndchoirs…

Read More about Audition for the Folk Choir

We are asking for your prayers support as we make this pilgrimage to the Holy Cross Missions in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Read More about Folk Choir Pilgrimage to East Africa

A Letter from the Directors

Karen Schneider Kirner, Assistant Director 

Happy Spring! Happy Lent! Students have just returned from Spring Break and we're heading into the final, frenzied weeks of Spring Semester 2018. As usual, there has been lots of activity on campus - never a dull moment! 

The Folk Choir is still providing music for Sunday night Lenten Vespers. Maggie James, daughter of Folk Choir Alumnus Mike James, has been alternating with my hubby Scott to provide harp accompaniment for these beautiful liturgies held in the nave of the Basilica. 
…

Read More about String and Wings (v. 8, issue 3)

A Letter from the Director

J.J. Wright 

Happy Advent! I am writing to after having (nearly) completed my first semester as the Director of the Folk Choir and after Welcome Weekend, two weddings, seven home football weekends, the Concert for the Missions, Advent Lessons and Carols, and booking our entire Texas Tour for Spring 2018! Needless to say, the Fall has kept me, Karen, and the choir really busy!…

Read More about Strings and Wings (v. 8, issue 2)

A Letter from the Director

Associate Director, Karen Schneider-Kirner
 
Transitions. Life is full of them. I write this just as I reached the 20th anniversary milestone of my association with the Notre Dame Folk Choir. Where did the years go? They are a rich tapestry of rehearsals, masses, planning sessions, tours, officer meetings, concession stands, shared meals and conversations with the many marvelous students and staff that have been a part of our graced ensemble over the years. And God has watched over us through all our labors.…

Read More about Strings and Wings (vol. 8, issue 1)