Featured Reviews

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Professor Tim Sawyer

Director of Choral Activities and Professor of Music

University of Northwestern - St. Paul, MN

"Deo Cantamus has a unique mission and niche within a full and active Minnesota choral landscape. I always enjoy attending their sacred concerts of worship, beautifully crafted and excellently sung by a professional-level choir that performs with a core of gifted singers who have a deep Christian commitment, some of them who are former students from UNW. Long may you wave, Al Hawkins!"

Dr. Edwin Willmington, DMA

Brehm Center for Worship, Theology, & the Arts

Affiliate Professor of Worship Studies

Composer-in-Residence, Fuller Theological Seminary

"Among choral groups in the U.S., Deo Cantamus stands out with a rare melding of musical excellence and strong Christian faith commitment. Beyond that, Deo Cantamus has been active in encouraging and performing new musical works that enhance their purposes. In short, the vision and mission of Deo Cantamus is unique, vital, and deserves our attention and support.""

Dr. Josh Bauder

Composer

"For almost two decades, Deo Cantamus has provided the evangelical community with an important outlet for musical expression at a level higher than most local churches can achieve. Under the meticulous direction, savvy networking, and patient pedagogy of conductor Al Hawkins, the ensemble has collaborated with Christian artists from across the nation and has played a significant role in the creation of new music for the church and the Christian community. Deo Cantamus does not merely perform; it ministers."

Lloyd Larson

Composer

"This choral ensemble sings with precision and passion, a compelling combination which translates into stunning musical presentations! Artistic Director Al Hawkins is a skilled conductor who brings out the very best in these talented singers. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to intersect with this fabulous group and hope it won't be the last time it happens!"

Gerard Sundberg

Baritone

"It has been my privilege to work with Al Hawkins and the singers of Deo Cantamus. Al is the consummate preparer and conductor of a gifted and dedicated choral ensemble. I have witnessed an obvious personal and professional comradery within the organization, which is evidenced in their corporate spirit, and there sensitive and stylistically accurate performances. These attributes are further confirmed and endorsed by wonderful audience response. Deo Cantamus's authentic, mature Christian faith (led by Al) is always God honoring."

Pastor Matt Morrell

Senior Pastor

Fourth Baptist Church

Plymouth, MN

"Deo Cantamus has stretched me in my understanding of and appreciation for great music. Their concerts have demanded my attention and tugged at new areas of my affections so that I find myself edified. I would encourage others to attend and participate in each Deo Cantamus event!"

Dr. Kirk Moss

Dean, Colleges of Arts & Humanities

and Behavioral & Natural Sciences

University of Northwestern – St. Paul

"Deo Cantamus pursues musical excellence through engaging professional musicians who follow Christ, presenting first-rate repertoire––including newer compositions––to audiences with a clear objective to worship God and bring others closer to Him. Their performances showcase a rare blend of technical ability and artistry worthy of support and celebration."

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Dr. Matt Olson

Artistic & Managing Director, Bach Roots Festival

Assistant Conductor of The Singers - Minnesota Choral Artists

Director of Choral Activities, Carlton College

"It was such a privilege to delve into Bach’s Reformation Cantata BWV 80 with Deo Cantamus and their excellent conductor, Al Hawkins. Rarely have I worked with an ensemble so willing to explore the depth of Bach’s theology and consider how it influenced his sacred compositional voice. I look forward to following and supporting the growth of this fine ensemble."

Dr. Douglas McLachlan

Chancellor of Central Baptist Theological Seminary

Author, Scholar, and Former Pastor of Fourth Baptist Church, Plymouth MN

"I am most happy to express my appreciation for the excellent ministry of Deo Cantamus. The commitment of this agency to rich theological content in music, to classical, conservative and traditional musical styles, to the education of both children and adults in the marvelous musical heritage of the Judeo-Christian ethic, and to an insistence upon excellence in the presentation of its various programs is a great encouragement to me personally, and a great benefit to those who participate. This un-self-centered expenditure of energy and excellence is a testament to the heart of its director and board.God's best to the continuing and expanding ministry of Deo Cantamus."

Dr. Kevin Bauder

Professor and Past President at

Central Baptist Theological Seminary

Plymouth, MN

"It's quite uncommon to find serious, conservative Christians who are interested in performing difficult music of worship. This is unfortunate, because much of the best Christian music is demanding. Deo Cantamus is a group of believers who have set themselves to master the great music of the Christian past and present. Their aim is to glorify God through offering to Him the treasures of the Christian musical heritage, presented with a high level of musical competence, artistic integrity, and theological precision. I appreciate the goals of Deo Cantamus and I celebrate the skill and intensity that these musicians bring to their task."