The Great Northern Union is a premier a cappella male chorus in the upper Midwest region dedicated to the performance, education, promotion, encouragement and preservation of high quality vocal music, primarily in the barbershop style.

The Great Northern Union (GNU) was founded in 1985 with the goal of becoming one of the nation's best men's choruses. Since its inception the organization has entertained thousands with high-energy performances, appealing collaborations, and consistent achievement both regionally and nationally.

85 members strong, the GNU is an auditioned men's a cappella chorus based out of the Minneapolis/St. Paul area but includes members from the upper-Midwest region including Wisconsin, Iowa and North Dakota. While our roots originate in barbershop harmony, the GNU bridges music genres that include gospel, pop, jazz, classical, and modern a cappella.

Most recently the GNU has developed an annual concert season featuring four GNU produced collaboration concerts that are performed throughout our calendar season. Past collaborations include Luther College Norsemen, St. Olaf Viking Chorus, Singing Statesmen from Iowa State University, Cantus, Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) Gold Medalist Quartets Four Voices, Vocal Spectrum, Realtime, Happiness Emporium and OC Times, The Metropolitan Boys Choir, Land of Lakes Choirboys, The Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir with Robert Robinson, Marcoux Corner, The Blenders, 4Given, and various local collegiate and high school vocal ensembles.

The GNU strives to deliver emotionally charged messages with precise harmonies through our music. If you are interested in the high impact harmonies of the GNU and would like information on how to become a member click here.

The Great Northern Union is a premier a cappella male chorus in the upper p>The GNU has performed all over the US and Canada as well as an annual concert tour. Historical performances include: The North Central American Choral Directors Convention, Minnesota Music Educators Convention, National Anthems; Minnesota Vikings, Twins and Timberwolves and many Midwest guest performances. The GNU has competed in the BHS competition 21 times in its history and placed in the top 10 each time, with eight trips to the medalist circle. Our most recent International competition placed us third.

Over 90 members strong and growing, the GNU over its history has been recognized for its precise harmonies and high impact message. A chapter member of the Barbershop Harmony Society (Hilltop, MN Chapter), the GNU has had the opportunity to entertain in cities all over North America, Nashville, Louisville, Miami, Kansas City, Anaheim, Portland, Atlanta, Calgary, Montreal, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, San Antonio, Madison, Appleton, Green Bay Decorah and Fargo. In Minnesota, the GNU has performed in Duluth, Appleton, Faribault, Fairmont, Moorhead, Stillwater, St Cloud, Rochester, Waconia, Minneapolis, St Paul, Lakeville, Brooklyn Center, Mahtomedi, St Louis Park, Hopkins, Plymouth, Bloomington, Northfield, Richfield and Eden Prairie.