North Star Boys’ Choir
About the Choir
2019 Europe Tour
The North Star Boys’ Choir, founded in 2011, is based in Minnesota. Rooted in the European boy choir tradition, the choir takes national tours each year and international tours every third year. Since its founding, the choir has performed across the U.S. and abroad, won awards at international competitions, and released multiple recordings.
Francis Stockwell, our Artistic Director, studied in England, Germany, and Austria, and worked with the Vienna Boys Choir. Internationally respected for his work in developing young voices, he brings a unique ability to craft the distinct sound for which the choir is known—brilliant, clear, and rich in tone.
More about our leadership »The choir’s repertoire includes sacred music from all periods, classical masterworks, spirituals, barbershop, and folk music from around the world. The choir’s distinctive sound is shaped by the centuries-old European vocal training method that Mr. Stockwell mastered in Vienna—an approach now rare, and carefully preserved through his teaching.
The North Star Boys’ Choir provides a rich and well-rounded experience for its members—combining musical training with recreational and character-building activities. Boys receive instruction in manners, leadership, and discipline, preparing them for performance, travel, and life.
The program includes several levels of participation, each tailored to age and ability. From beginning singers to experienced performers, each boy is guided toward excellence in both music and character.
The choir’s emblem is rich in meaning. The eight-pointed star—based on architect Cass Gilbert’s design for the Minnesota State Capitol—represents our state. The globe at its center reflects our international reach and multilingual repertoire. The Latin motto “Per aspera ad astra” (“Through hard work to the stars”) speaks to our musical and personal aspirations, while the three five-pointed stars represent our core virtues: Honor, Integrity, and Perseverance.
Explore More About the Choir
Learn more about the people who make the choir possible, our national and international tours,
and the awards and recognitions we’ve received throughout the years.