Tesfa Wondemagegnehu
Educator | Conductor | Singer | Composer
Concert explores common ground between black and gay struggles for civil rights
Terry Blain - June 2019
“Resistance and Resilience,” being sung Saturday and Sunday at the Ordway in St. Paul, is no ordinary choral concert. It boldly, perhaps controversially, links together two movements Wondemagegnehu feels passionately about — the struggle for African-American civil liberties, and the gay rights movement.
Harvard choir that shunned WEB Du Bois to honor black activist
Jessica Glenza - March 2019
More than 100 years after denying membership to the pioneering black activist WEB Du Bois, a Harvard choir will pay him tribute with a special concert. In 1895, Du Bois was the first African American to earn a doctorate from the university. But in 1888 he auditioned for the all-white Harvard University Glee Club, and was turned down.
Du Bois Back in Harvard
Michael Baick - March 2019
The Harvard Glee Club will celebrate the legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois in a free concert on Saturday March 2nd at Harvard Memorial Church at 8pm with organ improvisations, overtures, arias, recitatives and a culminating chorus with audience participation to “make the circle wider.”
Creating those "Driveway Moments": An Interview with Tesfa
Catherina Hurlbert - March 2019
Coming from the media world, I am always thinking about how we create those “driveway moments.” You know those moments . . . when you are listening to something on the radio, and you sit in the driveway for an extra 20 minutes because you are completely captivated by what you are hearing. How can we create those experiences in an honor choir? How do we weave together an emotional journey, a cohesive story, and make it feel more like a singular piece of media that speaks to some of the issues we face today?
REVIEW: Hang the classifications, and bring on more jazz art songs
Terry Blain - October 2017
His second set of three songs was especially memorable — a wistful, worrisome "I'll Be Around," straight from the hurt locker of love abandoned, and Billy Strayhorn's boozily world-weary "Lush Life," which Wondemagegnehu sang with the assistance of a generous glass of brandy.
Wondemagegnehu and Westminster Presbyterian Church are starting a Justice Choir
Pamela Espeland - June 2017
Begun and led by Tesfa Wondemagegnehu, the Justice Choir will sing songs about peace, freedom, courage, love, resilience, human rights and taking a stand.
Tesfa Wondemagegnehu returns to the MinnRoast stage this Friday
MinnPost Staff - April 2018
Tesfa's booming voice has been the highlight of MinnRoasts past, as you can see above, and we're happy to have him back on stage for this Friday's show.
Meet a Member: Tesfa Wondemagegnehu
Catherine Dehoney & Mike Rowan - October 2015
In the chorus-crazy land of Minnesota, there’s a charismatic new face in town putting a unique stamp on the area’s choral scene.
Tesfa Wondemagegnehu collaborates with Dessa and VocalEssence
Stephen Thompson - December 2014
If you're not in the choral scene (and I'm just starting to learn my way around), suffice it to say that VocalEssence is a big deal; it's an internationally respected group. I scored major points at Thanksgiving when I shared the news of our collaboration.
Southern dynamo spices up Twin Cities choral scene
Kristin Tilloston - July 2014
A charismatic man from Tennessee is set on attracting Minnesota millennials – and anyone in earshot – to the joy of singing.
Classical MPR appoints Tesfa Wondemagegnehu as Manager of the Choral Works Initiative and Conductor of the APM Radio Choir
Jen Keavy - July 2014
In his new role, Wondemagegnehu will spearhead Classical MPR's music education outreach efforts, visiting Minnesota schools several times a month, working with students in under-resourced schools that need help supporting a struggling music program as well as thriving music programs seeking deeper choral expertise.
MinnRoast 2014 hits a high note with Tesfa Wondemagegnehu
MinnPost Staff - March 2014
MinnPost is proud to announce the assistant artistic director of VocalEssence, Tesfa Wondemagegnehu, will be lending his powerful tenor vocals to a song parody in the show this year.
Choral educator and conductor Tesfa Wondemagegnehu joins Classical Minnesota Public Radio team
American Public Media Staff - November 2013
Classical MPR today announced it has hired esteemed choral educator and conductor Tesfa Wondemagegnehu as its first-ever Choral Stream Representative.