The Notre Dame Folk Choir began singing in the late 1970's, during a time of great changes in the liturgy. On special occasions during the liturgical year, a brass contingent adds another dimension to their praise. The choir has successfully achieved a remarkable synthesis of organ and guitar technique, bridging the gap between contemporary compositions of a post-Vatican church community and the rich expression of traditional choral repertoire. Our musical offerings have been gathered from all parts of the world.
Special emphasis is placed on contemporary music, sung almost entirely in four-part harmony.
Many of these arrangements are exclusive to the Folk Choir, having been arranged by their director, and by a variety of other composers active in the field of sacred music - most notably, Rev Chrysogonus Waddell, O.C.S.O., choirmaster of the Abbey of Gethsemani. Our choral library is enhanced by music from Ireland, France, and Mexico. Some selections are by the great masters, and even the classic hymn tunes of our early American tradition contribute to our work. Choral music from the African continent, exuberantly performed in four-part harmony and accompanied by an array of percussion instruments, is featured prominently in our repertoire. While the choir is primarily an undergraduate organization, there is an increasing number of graduate students, faculty, and professional staff from the University who have joined in recent years.