NMCS is now Seattle Mannskor
The Norwegian Male Chorus of Seattle was founded in 1889 — the year of Washington’s statehood — and is the oldest continuously operating choral organization in Seattle.
In 2020, we changed our name to Seattle Mannskor, just in time for COVID-19 to put us on hiatus. We are excited to continue in 2022 under our new moniker, carrying on our storied traditions and creating new ones.
In addition to the annual Sangerfest, our performance schedule includes Sons of Norway Leif Erikson Lodge functions, Julefest and Tivoli Viking Days events at the Nordic Heritage Museum and the Syttende Mai Parade. The chorus combines with other area heritage choirs including the Norwegian Ladies’ Chorus and the Finnish and Swedish choruses in Seattle for concerts, as well as hosting their own concerts through the year.
Seattle Mannskor is a proud member of the Pacific Coast Norwegian Singers Association.
Julie Parsons, conductor
Julie Parsons has sung in choirs from the age of 8, and honored to be in her seventh season as the conductor of the Seattle Mannskor. Julie is a champion of community choirs and heritage choruses, advocating for lifelong singing for amateur singers. She was recently honored as the Director-In-Chief, PCNSA Sangerfest 2022, the first woman ever to hold the position.
She is the Associate Conductor and a founding member of the Mägi Ensemble, a Seattle-based women’s choral group focused on music of the Baltics. Julie also retains an active role with the American Choral Directors Association, serving at the state and national levels.
Julie holds a BA in Vocal Performance from Central College (IA), an a MM in Choral Conducting from New England Conservatory, and completed doctoral work at the University of Washington.
Steven Luksan, accompanist
Steven Luksan is a composer, pianist, and educator making music in Seattle. Steven is an advocate for the performance of new and uncommon compositions (especially those by Scandinavian composers and female composers), and for the performance of chamber music in intimate settings. He is a teaching artist at Seattle Opera, on the faculty of Music Center of the Northwest, and is the accompanist for the Norwegian Male Chorus of Seattle. He currently serves as Composer-in-Residence with the Northwest Edvard Grieg Society. His compositions have been performed throughout the USA, as well as in Canada, Norway, Spain, and Taiwan.
Steven holds a Master’s Degree in Music Composition from the University of British Columbia and Bachelor’s Degrees in Music and Norwegian Language from the University of Washington. www.StevenLuksan.com
Seattle Mannskor 