Stan Carlson Stan Carlson, Staples, has long been respected for his skills as a director; known throughout Minnesota for his many years of conducting stellar choirs in this region.

At a Community Christmas Concert Saturday, Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m., at Sacred Heart Church in Staples, Carlson will also share his gift of composing.

"Ego Sum Qui Sum," is a piece of music Carlson wrote nearly 40 years ago, while attending graduate school at Minnesota State University, Moorhead.

Saturday's concert will mark the first time this song has been performed.

"It's a difficult piece, but I know these singers can pull it off," Carlson said recently, adding that it will be performed by the joined forces of the Staples Area Men's Chorus and the Staples Area Women's Chorus.

Ego Sum Qui Sum is written in

the Renaissance style, Carlson said. "I have an affinity for that kind of

music. The Spanish composer Victoria, from that era, is a favorite of mine," he added.

In fact, it was Carlson's passion for Renaissance music which inspired the tradition of Madrigal dinners at Staples Motley High School. Carlson was the director of the SM high school choirs for many years until his retirement; and the tradition has continued with current director (and former student of Carlson's) Steve Hoemberg.

He's glad that there are two more rehearsals before Ego Sum Qui Sum will be performed, Carlson

said, adding that it is a challenging song to learn.

The difficulty with this sort of music, Carlson explained, is that it is polyphonic. In laymen's terms, there are multiple melodies

being sung

at the same time. "It's not an easy

song, which is one reason I probably didn't introduce it to my high school choirs," he said.

With plans to retire sometime next year from his role as director of the Staples Area Men's Chorus, Carlson said he was anxious to include his composition in the upcoming concert. "I guess that's why I've prevailed...it will be nice to have this piece performed before I retire."

The text of Ego Sum Qui Sum has to do with Moses and God, Carlson explained. Loosely translated, the Latin phrase means, "I Am Who I Am."

There are at least 70 singers in the combined men's and women's choruses; and Carlson is looking forward to hearing his composition come to life for the first time Dec. 5, at Sacred Heart Church in Staples.

In addition to the Staples Area Men's Chorus (directed by Carl- son) and the Staples Area Women's Chorus (directed by Hoemberg), the Community Christmas Concert will feature performances by the Colla Voce Girl's Choir and the Central Minnesota Boy's Choir.

Each choir will perform individually; and will combine in various ways as well. All choirs will join together to sing Carolyn Jenning's "Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain."

Tickets are available from chorus members, the Centennial Auditorium Box Office at 218-894-5416 or 800-213-6877, as well as online at www.staplesmen. org.