about our choir
The Wausau Lutheran Choir was founded in 1972 by Lowell Larson as an adult vocal ensemble specializing in the performance of sacred music. Drawing on an enthusiastic membership from Lutheran congregations, the Choir quickly earned renown for excellent performances, especially in the music of F. Melius Christiansen. Under the leadership of Mr. Larson, the choir toured the upper Midwest, performing in Minnesota, Indiana, Iowa, and throughout Wisconsin. During this time, the Choir recorded seven albums for public distribution.
meet the artistic visionaries
Carla Dul
Carla Dul is the Choral Director of the Wausau Lyric Choir. She is currently the Vocal Music Director at Mosinee High School and has held this teaching position for over 30 years. She is a member of the American Choral Director's Association, Wisconsin Music Educators Association (WMEA), National Association of Teachers of Singing as well as a former North Central President for WMEA. Ms. Dul is also a master adjudicator and clinician for solo ensemble and concert festivals for the Wisconsin State Music Association.
Under the direction of Ms. Dul, the Mosinee High School Concert Choir has appeared at Carnegie Hall on two occasions, performing Mozart's Requiem in addition to a concert featuring the music of Andre Thomas. Ms. Dul's choir has also been featured in concerts with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (MSO), performing Beethoven's Mass in C Major and most recently, in collaboration with Randall Swiggum, performing Vivaldi's Gloria with MSO.
In addition to performing these masterworks, ensembles under her direction have earned national titles in choral competitions throughout the United States. Other memorable performances include the National Basilica in Washington D.C., the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center in Hawaii and multiple benefit concerts for the Never Forgotten Honor Flight Organization.
A native of Central Wisconsin, Ms. Dul completed her undergraduate degree in Vocal Music Education at UW Stevens Point and also completed her Master's Degree in Music Education at UWSP. She has studied instrumental conducting with Donald Schleicher and David Glocke and choral conducting with David Saladino. Ms. Dul is proud to have a history of performing as a member of the Wausau Lyric Choir dating back to the early 1990's, singing under the direction of Larry Brandenburg and beginning in 2000, Lucinda Thayer.
Ann Applegate
Ann Applegate is an Artist/Instructor of Piano at the Wausau Conservatory of Music and is also on the faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Marathon County (UWMC). She performs in faculty recitals, guest performances, outreach performances in the public school system and performances on the Wisconsin Pubic Radio series “Live from the Elvehjem.” Recent performing highlights include two appearances at Carnegie Hall—One with the UWMC College Chorale and another with violinist R. Todd Ehle in Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall. Ms. Applegate has appeared as piano soloist with the Wausau Symphony and Band and has accompanied Wausau Pro Musica, UWMC College Chorale, and UWMC New Dimension. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance from Central Michigan University and a Master’s Degree in Piano Pedagogy from the University of Oregon in Eugene.