Come, Dwell with Us
Christmas Festival at the Basilica of Saint Mary
Performances:
4:30PM - Friday, December 12th
Basilica of Saint Mary, Minneapolis
1:30PM - Saturday, December 13th
Basilica of Saint Mary, Minneapolis
8:00 PM - Saturday, December 13th
Basilica of Saint Mary, Minneapolis
In the stillness of winter, a miracle stirs—God makes a home among us. The National Lutheran Choir Christmas Festival celebrates the incarnation with music that invites hearts to open to the mystery of love dwelling in our midst.
The program features a new carol by Jocelyn Hagen alongside works by Mark Butler, Gwyneth Walker, and Rosephanye Powell, as well as cherished favorites like Morten Lauridsen’s O Magnum Mysterium, Pavel Chesnokov’s Salvation Is Created and Carl Schalk's Before the Marvel of this Night. With the voices of the National Lutheran Choir, the NLC Children's Ensemble, instrumental chamber ensemble, and narration by Brian Newhouse, this beloved tradition includes the audience in a shared celebration of Christmas—offered in the sacred beauty of the Basilica of Saint Mary in the heart of Minneapolis.
COMING HOME
Celebrating 40 years of the National Lutheran Choir
In a world ever shifting, we return home to what anchors us: music, memory, and the sacred ties that bind.
This season, the National Lutheran Choir invites you to celebrate our 40th anniversary on a journey through light and loss, wonder and welcome, growth and grace.
2026 Choral Tune-Up
9am-12:30pm Saturday, January 31st, 2026
Roseville Lutheran Church
Join the National Lutheran Choir for a vibrant morning of singing with acclaimed composer Elaine Hagenberg and NLC Artistic Director Jennaya Robison.
Featuring Hagenberg's music alongside new anthems for church, school, and community choirs, this annual choral festival invites singers of all backgrounds to unite in song.
Individuals or groups, and youth singers (grades 7-12) are invited to be part of the Tune-Up morning workshop. Conductors and educators are also encouraged to attend the Conductor Track, taking place Friday January 30th and Saturday, January 31st.
Elaine Hagenberg
Jennaya Robison
Who we are
The National Lutheran Choir, now in its 40th season, engages listeners of all faiths and traditions by singing the spirit of music familiar and new. The Choir’s artistry is rooted in its mission to celebrate, invigorate, and expand sacred choral music, bringing inspiration and meaning to all people. A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Choir is rostered for excellence and community, sustained through individual donations.
Under the direction of nationally-recognized conductor, composer, and vocalist Dr. Jennaya Robison, the 65+ member Choir gives voice to the full breadth of sacred music of our time and the past, grounding itself in the Lutheran choral tradition. Making our home in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, the National Lutheran Choir etches its place in the world of sacred choral music through concertizing, touring, and broadcasting art globally.
40 Years of the NLC
Music anywhere, anytime
The NLC has released 36 albums, 15 of which are available for streaming, and offers over 180 songs free to watch anytime, anywhere on our YouTube channel.
What listeners say
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“I was deeply moved by your beautiful performance! Thank you for sharing that gift with us all.”
~ Elizabeth
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“The music was absolutely stunning and far beyond what I expected.”
~Susan
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“As a church choral conductor, I use the National Lutheran Choir as a model for my singers to listen and emulate your beautiful sound, musical interpretation and wonderful repertoire.”
~ Robert
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“We thought that it was the best, most meaningful worship experience we have ever heard.”
~ Judy
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“This year, we brought a friend with us who had never been in the Basilica and had never heard the National Lutheran Choir. It all took her breath away.”
~ Christmas Festival attendee
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