“The Singers is easily one of the best choral ensembles in America, if not the entire world. Their precision, passion, and musicality are awe-inspiring.” – Jim Svejda, KUSC-FM, Los Angeles “[Conductor Matthew] Culloton has cultivated a cooly sweet, Scandinavian-style sound and endearing warmth of expression.” – Lindsay Koob, American Record Guide (July/August 2011) “The Singers is a remarkable ensemble that combines precision and craft with the highest vocal standards and downright love for the choral art!” - Steve Staruch, Minnesota Public Radio Founded in 2004, The Singers organization is dedicated to giving world-class performances of the finest choral literature. The Singers, a professional choir of 40 members, exists to serve as artists, educators, and ambassadors of the choral art. Recognized nationally for their innovative programming, commitment to new music, and peerless artistic quality, The Singers made their debut at the renowned Ravinia Festival in June 2013 and followed that with a second performance in the summer of 2014. The Singers have premiered and commissioned over 70 new works by composers including Stephen Paulus, Abbie Betinis, Jocelyn Hagen, Joshua Shank, Craig Carnahan, and conductor Matthew Culloton. From 2004-2014, Betinis, Hagen, and Shank served as Composers-in-Residence with the ensemble. Matthew Culloton is the Founding Artistic Director of The Singers. He holds degrees from Concordia College (B.M.) and the University of Minnesota (M.M. and D.M.A.). Aside from his duties with The Singers, Matthew is Choirmaster at House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Paul. He is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of Saint Thomas, teaching in the Graduate Music Program. In 2004, Matthew received the MN ACDA Outstanding Young Choral Conductor of the Year Award. In 2003, he received the VocalEssence/ACDA of Minnesota Creative Programming Award. He has been commissioned to compose for the Dale Warland Singers, Choral Arts Ensemble of Rochester, and the MMEA All-State Choir. He is co-editor of the Matthew and Michael Culloton Choral Series with Santa Barbara Publishing Company. He is also the editor of the Christmas with The Singers Choral Series published by MorningStar Music Publishers.