---

This May a few dozen people are off to Scandinavia on a mission that’s been 40 years in-the-making.  In 1984 a community adult choir came together in the Chisago Lakes Area organized by a former local high school instructor, Jim Iverson.  And ever since then,  the Unexpected Company Chorale has never wavered from its goal to be a welcoming place for those who love to sing and want to keep learning and refining their vocal skills.  Decades ago as the original 20 or so chorale members set out on this endeavor,  who could have predicted the group would develop into a diplomatic force.

Over the years Unexpected Company tried operating under the umbrellas of public school community education, and as part of Masquers community Theatre— but ultimately came together as a stand alone 501C3 non-profit in 2018.  The chorale has 75 dues-paying members and  current conductor— Ken Cheney—has 10 years under his belt.  

Unexpected Company is bringing its group song to multiple cities that are ‘sister cities”  of Lindstrom, Chisago and more, in the  homelands of settlers.  

They leave May 8 for Oslo and tour the south end of Scandinavia doing concerts in cooperation with local singers and also performing alone, for 12 days. (see map.)

Cheney says marking 40 years of the chorale is “something to celebrate’ and admitted this summer tour is a bucket list type adventure for him.  As a previous conductor of a choir that toured the Montreal- Quebec City area he brightly anticipates sharing vocal music on the road again.  

He is a grad of St Olaf and its acclaimed  music program and came to Unexpected Company as an “interim’ conductor from work with The Basilica choir.

There are 44 registered to travel in the May tour, and there’s still room for six or seven.  If anybody in the public cares to look into the details check the Unexpected Company (UCCHORALE. org) website or Facebook. 

Rehearsals for Unexpected  Company are held at Lindstrom Trinity Church and singers come from as far away as the Twin Cities suburb of Richfield and Isle about an hour north of here.  The group’s nucleus is from Chisago Lakes-Forest Lake- Scandia but, “If you like to sing this is where you should come,” Cheney stressed.

Joiners will not feel overwhelmed.  There are section leaders who will mentor you. Cheney says he is exacting but fair, and thee is no audition required. He wants the experience to be positive and  of quality, but mostly educational.  This includes vocal workshops,  and Cheney wants to put together a student choir fest for regional high schools.  All this requires funds, however. The group has won a couple of grants but has a longer term strategic plan that aims for a strong future.

There is an upcoming fundraiser for this developing program, which already boasts spring shows, a holiday concert and a popular cabaret style evening,  made possible through a partnership with WineHaven, in Chisago City.

The Valentine’s Day and day-after (Feb 14 and 15) fundraiser cabaret shows are packed with talented individuals rehearsing for weeks.  There is a five course catered dinner.  Tickets for Feb 15 are $100 or $120 on Valentine’s Day itself Feb 14— and this promises to be a memorable Valentine’s close to home. 

---