The Carthage Choir: A Brief History
The Carthage Choir has enjoyed a long tradition of fine choral singing since its inception in 1923. Organized by Professor Elmer Hanke, the Carthage Choir was one of the first touring college choirs in the nation. Under his direction the choir sang on national radio and was the first touring choir to sing at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Upon Hanke's death, Professor William Roth assumed direction of the choir and continued the choir's touring a cappella tradition.
From 1966-1999, under the direction of Dr. John Windh, the Carthage Choir performed in 30 states in the Midwest, the East, the South, and Canada and toured nine times to 13 European countries. In those years, the annual Christmas Festivals also grew enormously in size and popularity. In 1998 the first Carthage Alumni Choir toured Europe, with appearances in Prague, Slavkov, Breclav, Vienna, Salzburg and at St. Mark's Basilica in Venice. Those European contacts led to concerts at Carthage over the years by groups from West Germany, East Germany, France, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovenia and Russia. During Dr. Windh's tenure the choir sang frequently at state music conventions and with the Racine and Kenosha Symphonies, and performed Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in Milwaukee's Performing Arts Center and Duke Ellington's Second Concert of Sacred Music with Ellington and his orchestra.
Mr. Gregory Berg assumed direction of the Carthage Choir upon Windh's retirement. Under Mr. Berg's direction the choir was invited to sing at the state convention of the Wisconsin Music Educators Association in Madison, Wisconsin, in 2001 and in the Midwest premiere of Ken Medema's The Weaver with the composer.
Most recently, the Carthage Choir was joined by the Carthage Community Chorus and an Alumni Choir directed by former directors William Roth and John Windh as it celebrated its 75th anniversary with a gala concert on April 22, 2001. The concert featured the world premiere of Psalm 90 composed by and under the direction of Carthage alumnus, Michael Burkhardt, a work commissioned by the Music Department to commemorate the choir's 75th anniversary.
In the Spring of 2001, Dr. Michael Burkhardt, internationally known organist-composer-choral director, was appointed College Organist-Director of Choral Activities and assumed direction of the Carthage Choir in August of 2001.