Dr. Karle Erickson, Artistic Director and Conductor of World Voices, the Twin Cities based choral ensemble that specializes in performing exclusively global music , is internationally known for his excellence as a choral conductor, clinician and educator. He has conducted over 475 choral festivals and clinics, all-state and honors choirs and church music festivals across the United States and internationally. He has been one of two American conductors for the Prague International Choral Festival and Competition in the Czech Republic, and is the Choir Director at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Eden Prairie, Minnesota. When asked what continues to provide the excitement in working with World Voices , Dr. Erickson responded: "It is the professional energy and artistic stimulation that comes from working with singers, collaborators and instrumentalists representing the different cultures and countries. Each concert presents new artistic and educational opportunities as well as unique challenges."

Prior to founding World Voices in 1996, his professional career included serving from 1967-80 as Director of Choral Studies at Lawrence University Conservatory of Music; and Professor of Music at Gustavus Adolphus College, from 1980-94. Subsequently he was Interim Conductor of the Bach Society of Minnesota and National Lutheran Choir in Minneapolis. A graduate of St. Olaf College, Dr. Erickson holds Master's and Doctorate Degrees from the School of Music, University of Illinois. His choral arrangements are published by Kjos Music and Augsburg Fortress, GIA Publications and MorningStar Music Publishers. Earthsongs will soon offer two of his arrangements of Chilean Folk Songs. A set of vocalises for choral singers of all ages entitled Choral Warm-ups from A to Z: Singing Dr. Seuss's ABC is issued by Hinshaw Music, Inc.

He is a life member of ACDA and active in the International Federation for Choral Music, having served as a presenter of African and South American choral music at the Sixth World Symposium on Choral Music in Minneapolis. He is a recipient of the F. Melius Christiansen Lifetime Achievement Award presented by ACDA of Minnesota.