Chanson

Formed in 1997 at Concordia College in Moorhead Minnesota, Chanson continues to share their love of choral music and a capella singing with audiences across the country. Praised for their engaging concerts, these six voices join together in "close harmonies, excellent diction, and a vocal blend and finesse that far surpass many ensembles that have been in the business longer" (Louisville Courier-Journal). The music of Chanson features a wide variety of styles including folk songs, Renaissance motets, Russian anthems, energetic spirituals, and popular/contemporary music. Chanson is also committed to expanding the oeuvre of male a capella music by featuring newly commissioned works at every concert, which has become a highlight for their audiences. Chanson tours regularly throughout the summer months, and performs for select events during the year.

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Peter Lovett, baritone

Peter Lovett, Baritone is in his tenth year with Chanson. Peter lives in Louisville, KY where he teaches music at the Children’s Academy of New Albany in New Albany, IN. Aside from his teaching duties Peter sings with the University of Louisville Cardinal Singers and the Choral Arts Society of Louisville. Peter received B.M. in Music Education from Concordia College Moorhead, MN in 1999 where he was a member of the Concordia Choir. He graduated with his M.M. in Choral Conducting in 2004 and in 2007 with his M.A. in Humanities both from the University of Louisville. When he is not singing Peter enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with friends.

Brett McDermid, bass

Brett McDermid, Bass, is in his tenth season with Chanson. Most of his formative and angst-ridden years were spent in St. Cloud, MN. Brett attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN where he received his B.A. in Theatre Arts. While at Concordia, Brett was a three-year member and soloist with the Concordia Choir, the Concordia Men's Choir, and The Postmasters. After graduation, Brett spent some valuable time in Los Angeles pursuing his love of music, art, theater, and writing. He was featured in the independent film "The Custodial Code". Currently studying at the University of Louisville, he has benefitted from the extraordinary opportunity to travel overseas with the University's Cardinal Singers competing in numerous festivals and attending the World Symposium on Choral Music in Kyoto, Japan. He has been known to indulge his hedonistic vices occasionally with a cigar, a pint of bitter, a glass of wine, or a double shot of espresso and chocolate ganashe. Right now, he is probably enjoying the exploration of the culinary arts. He likes Veal Piccata, but recommends cutting the amount of capers by half.

Aaron Zinter, baritone

Aaron M. Zinter enjoys singing with Chanson because he thrives on finding overtones with vocal formants in the middle of his range. He teaches AP Music Theory and conducts the high school choir program as the Director of Music at Oak Grove Lutheran School in Fargo, North Dakota. Aaron enjoys learning new skills each year like juggling burning torches and loves to travel during the summer. His most recent trip took him to northern Germany where he was able to put his second language to good use for the month of June.

Matt Kneefe, tenor

Singing high tenor with Chanson since its inception 10 years ago, Matt has been the guy with the “girly” voice ever since. He left Concordia College with degrees in English Literature and Advertising. He utilizes neither degree as of today, because he has spent his days for the last 8 years at his “real” job as a Route Distribution Specialist for Office Max in Maple Grove, MN. Among his other endeavors, he performs with 12-piece rock/funk supergroup Aryastone in Minneapolis and with his newest band, Sunset Blue, where he is a lead vocalist, guitarist, and also produces the band’s live shows. He is currently recording and co-producing his solo rock/country album of original songs, a few of which have found their way to Nashville in the hands of country superstars Rascall Flatts. He is also producing a handful of other bands’ albums in the Twin Cities. Matt also does voiceover jingles for television and radio commercials broadcast throughout the country, and has also recently appeared on camera in his first long-form (30 minute) television ad. Matt’s daughters Maddison and Mackenzie are always by his side, ready to rock out with daddy at any given moment. Through all this, his deep passion for pure 6- part a cappella music has not waivered, and believes that Chanson, still young and fresh at 10 years, have only just begun to explore the boundaries of choral music. Matt resides in his new house (back in his hometown) of Anoka, MN.

Aaron McDermid, tenor

J. Aaron McDermid, Tenor, is in his tenth season with Chanson. A native of Saint Cloud, MN, Aaron holds a B.M. in Music Education from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, a M.M. in Choral Conducting from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and is completing his D.M.A. in Choral Conducting at the University of Arizona. For five years Aaron was the director of choral activities at Northfield High School in Northfield, MN. He has sung with the National Lutheran Choir, The Concordia Choir, and has been part of the Oregon Bach Festival. Several Minnesota choral groups have performed Aaron's compositions and arrangements, including “Come Sing to me of Heaven” published by Mark Foster Music. In 1999, ACDA of Minnesota named Aaron the Outstanding Young Conductor of the Year, and in 2001 he was the winner of the Dale Warland Singers' Choral Ventures program. Aaron currently resides in Jamestown, ND with his wife Sarah and his daughters Samara and Anja. Aaron is director of Choral Activities at Jamestown College.

Micah Lamb, tenor

Micah Lamb, tenor, is originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Micah received his Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance from Concordia College, where he sang in the Concordia Choir under Dr. René Clausen. Micah continued his studies at McGill University in Montréal where he was awarded a Masters degree in Music in vocal performance, and an Artist Diploma in Early Music. Micah worked professionally in Montréal for several years, specializing in Renaissance and Baroque repertoire. He has sung regularly with groups such as Viva Voce and Le Studio de Musique Ancienne de Montréal. As a soloist, Micah has sung roles in operas by Handel, Rameau, and Monteverdi, the evangelist in Bach’s St. John Passion, as well as Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610. Micah recently moved to Bloomington, Indiana with his wife Alexandra. He is currently pursuing the degree of Doctor of Music at the Early Music Institute of the Jacob’s School of Music, Indiana University. This is Micah’s ninth year singing with Chanson.