Tesfa Wondemagegnehu Choral Series

Hinshaw Choral Music Series

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Tesfa Wondemagegnehu is a multifaceted musician who currently serves as the conductor of the Viking Chorus and Chapel Choir at St. Olaf College. In addition to his work at St. Olaf, Tesfa has also made a significant impact as the guest artistic director for Minnesota’s One Voice Mixed Chorus, one of the largest LGBTQ+ choirs in North America. He is also a dedicated educator, maintaining an active voice studio and teaching Music & Social Justice, a course designed to inspire community action and address social injustices through music.

Tesfa’s impressive career has been marked by numerous highlights, including his time as the Director of Choral Ministries at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis. During his tenure, he co-founded the Justice Choir movement alongside composer Abbie Betinis and conductor Ahmed Anzaldua. He has also had the privilege of guest-conducting at esteemed institutions such as the Aspen Music Festival and Harvard University Glee Club, where he co-created the W.E.B. DuBois Musical Project. Furthermore, Tesfa has collaborated with American Public Media on nationally-distributed radio programs exploring Black Music.

Hailing from Memphis, Tesfa was instilled with the valuable lesson that “Excellence is never an accident.” Through hard work and the guidance of dedicated music teachers, he has risen to become one of the most sought-after conductors and educators in the country. Tesfa’s tireless efforts have led to music-related social justice movements across the United States, inspiring countless individuals along the way.

Through his work as a teacher, conductor, and performer, Tesfa Wondemagegnehu has been a beacon of joy and a passionate advocate for equity and justice through music. His transformative work has touched the lives of students and audiences alike, resonating deeply with those seeking peace, equality, and respect through the power of song.