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Musicorum was founded in 1995 by Dr. David Taylor, who previously had been a music professor before earning his law degree and practicing law in Mankato. Dr. Taylor also served as Musicorum's first music director, from 1995 to 1999. Musicorum became well known for its December performances of holiday choral music in Mankato's Good Counsel Chapel, with a distinct emphasis on medieval and Renaissance era music. Two of these performances are available on CD or cassette. In March 1999, Musicorum was joined by Lyra Concert, the Twin Cities' original-instruments ensemble, for two choral-orchestral performances that included the area premiere of Gregorio Allegri's famous Renaissance work Miserere Mei, Deus. This performance is also available on CD or cassette.
In 1999, Dr. Taylor moved to Washington D.C. to become an attorney for the Commodities Futures Trading Commission, a federal agency. In the spring of 2000, Dr. Gregory Aune became Musicorum's second music director. Today the ensemble has about 18 singers. Though Musicorum concerts still feature some Renaissance music, the group now performs many outstanding 20th-century choral works. Musicorum holds its winter concerts each December, with spring performances each April or May. Musicorum enters the 2004-2005 season, its tenth, committed to the mission that animated its founding: to bring outstanding performances of high-quality music to Southern Minnesota audiences.
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