Rod Grams: “I rise today to honor the St. Olaf Choir, from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, and welcome its members to…”

“I rise today to honor the St. Olaf Choir, from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, and welcome its members to Washington, DC. For more than three-quarters of a century--since 1912--the St. Olaf Choir has been Minnesota's musical ambassador, performing concerts in the United States, Europe, and Asia that have earned it a reputation for artistic excellence and have brought these talented young people international acclaim. During its 83-year history, the St. Olaf Choir has garnered a considerable list of achievements. In 1970 and 1972, it became the only college choral group ever invited to perform at the world-renowned Strasbourg International Music Festival in France; it was one of only five choirs to sing at the 1986 Olympic Arts Festival in Seoul, South Korea; and the St. Olaf Choir celebrated its 75th anniversary season with a month-long tour of Japan, Taiwan, and the People's Republic of China. Under the direction of Anton E. Armstrong, the St. Olaf Choir is performing this week at Washington's Kennedy Center. I welcome them to our Nation's Capital, and I thank the St. Olaf College Choir, its students, and instructors for serving as Minnesota's musical voice to the world.”