Colleen Raye: A Holiday In Your Heart
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Saturday December 13th, 2pm
The Historic Auditorium The St. Croix Sounds Chamber Orchestra Kristin Tjornehoj Conductor Colleen Raye and The St. Croix Sounds Symphony Orchestra take you on a joyful journey through your favorite Christmas and Holiday Songs. Lush orchestral arrangements accompany Colleen’s warm tones, humor and charisma in this impressive production. Colleen has been performing for decades all over the world and has recorded several albums. A true professional who knows how to relate to the audience and loves what she does. Kristin Tjornehoj conducts the St Croix Sounds Symphony Orchestra in moving and rollicking versions of classic and contemporary Holiday favorites including Sleigh Ride, A Christmas Hallelujah, O Holy Night, Mannheim, Steam Roller, Songs from White Christmas, Classics from Amy Grant, Cher, Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby, The Pointer Sisters, Celine Dion, Bette Midler and more. The entire ensemble uses multimedia to enhance every moment of this Sparkling Musical Holiday Experience. |
Colleen Raye – Vocalist • Producer • Creative Visionary
Colleen Raye is an accomplished vocalist, producer, and creative director based in Wisconsin, celebrated for her rich voice, genuine stage presence, and her ability to bring audiences together through timeless music. Over the course of her multifaceted career, she has earned a reputation as both a powerhouse performer and a thoughtful producer whose work honors the artistry of classic American music while introducing it to new generations. A Wisconsin native, Colleen grew up surrounded by music and performance. From her earliest days singing in family gatherings to her first professional stage appearances as a teenager, she discovered that connecting through song was her true calling. Her voice—an expressive, soulful
instrument that moves effortlessly between styles—has taken her to theaters, concert halls, and cabaret stages across the Midwest and beyond.
As the founder and producer of Colleen Raye Productions, she has created and directed a series of acclaimed touring shows, including The Girl Singers of the Hit Parade, Sirens of the 60s, Broadway’s Best, The Music of Adele, Rosemary Clooney-Memories of You and more. Each production combines polished musical arrangements, engaging storytelling, and high-caliber performance—resulting in experiences that are at once nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Her productions have toured extensively, earning loyal audiences and critical acclaim for their artistry and emotional authenticity. In recent years, Colleen has expanded her creative vision even further through her collaborations with symphony orchestras. Her symphonic productions, including Cinema at the Symphony and 'A Holiday in Your Heart' with the St. Croix Sounds Symphony Orchestra,
showcase her ability to blend live orchestral sound with her signature storytelling and vocal style. Cinema at the Symphony celebrates the iconic songs and cinematic moments that shaped film history, while Holiday in Your Heart is a heartwarming holiday concert experience that brings together seasonal classics, original arrangements, and Colleen’s trademark warmth. These performances have solidified her reputation as a versatile artist capable of bridging popular music, orchestral performance, and audience connection with ease.
Beyond performing and producing, Colleen is deeply committed to mentoring emerging artists. As a vocal coach and educator, she offers workshops and one-on-one guidance designed to help singers develop their craft, confidence, and individuality. Her philosophy is simple: great singing is as much about authenticity as it is about technique. Whether she’s fronting a symphony, leading a high-energy tribute show, or performing an intimate cabaret set, Colleen brings the same heartfelt sincerity and professionalism that have defined her throughout her career. Her audiences often describe her performances as joyful, moving, and deeply personal—reminding them of the power of live music to stir memory and emotion.
Today, Colleen continues to tour, record, and produce under Colleen Raye Productions, performing at theaters, festivals, and performing arts centers across the Midwest and beyond. With her signature blend of artistry, humor, and heart, she continues to prove that great
music—and genuine connection—never go out of style.
Colleen Raye is an accomplished vocalist, producer, and creative director based in Wisconsin, celebrated for her rich voice, genuine stage presence, and her ability to bring audiences together through timeless music. Over the course of her multifaceted career, she has earned a reputation as both a powerhouse performer and a thoughtful producer whose work honors the artistry of classic American music while introducing it to new generations. A Wisconsin native, Colleen grew up surrounded by music and performance. From her earliest days singing in family gatherings to her first professional stage appearances as a teenager, she discovered that connecting through song was her true calling. Her voice—an expressive, soulful
instrument that moves effortlessly between styles—has taken her to theaters, concert halls, and cabaret stages across the Midwest and beyond.
As the founder and producer of Colleen Raye Productions, she has created and directed a series of acclaimed touring shows, including The Girl Singers of the Hit Parade, Sirens of the 60s, Broadway’s Best, The Music of Adele, Rosemary Clooney-Memories of You and more. Each production combines polished musical arrangements, engaging storytelling, and high-caliber performance—resulting in experiences that are at once nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Her productions have toured extensively, earning loyal audiences and critical acclaim for their artistry and emotional authenticity. In recent years, Colleen has expanded her creative vision even further through her collaborations with symphony orchestras. Her symphonic productions, including Cinema at the Symphony and 'A Holiday in Your Heart' with the St. Croix Sounds Symphony Orchestra,
showcase her ability to blend live orchestral sound with her signature storytelling and vocal style. Cinema at the Symphony celebrates the iconic songs and cinematic moments that shaped film history, while Holiday in Your Heart is a heartwarming holiday concert experience that brings together seasonal classics, original arrangements, and Colleen’s trademark warmth. These performances have solidified her reputation as a versatile artist capable of bridging popular music, orchestral performance, and audience connection with ease.
Beyond performing and producing, Colleen is deeply committed to mentoring emerging artists. As a vocal coach and educator, she offers workshops and one-on-one guidance designed to help singers develop their craft, confidence, and individuality. Her philosophy is simple: great singing is as much about authenticity as it is about technique. Whether she’s fronting a symphony, leading a high-energy tribute show, or performing an intimate cabaret set, Colleen brings the same heartfelt sincerity and professionalism that have defined her throughout her career. Her audiences often describe her performances as joyful, moving, and deeply personal—reminding them of the power of live music to stir memory and emotion.
Today, Colleen continues to tour, record, and produce under Colleen Raye Productions, performing at theaters, festivals, and performing arts centers across the Midwest and beyond. With her signature blend of artistry, humor, and heart, she continues to prove that great
music—and genuine connection—never go out of style.
Kristin Tjornehoj is a conductor who has positively influenced musicians, students, composers, and audiences across the globe. A Wisconsin native, Kris has earned several degrees in Music, including her Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Minnesota. Kris has been a musician, conductor, collaborator and speaker throughout the U.S., Canada, China, the Czech Republic, England, France, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Scotland, Spain, and Switzerland. Kris will tell you that music energizes her, that having a purpose- filled life guides her actions. Her passion is collaboration with new composers throughout the world, and thanks to Kris, these international composers have had their works premiered and recorded by her UW River Falls Symphony Band, the St. Croix Valley Symphony Orchestra, and her other regional community bands, choirs, and orchestras. She welcomes international and local guest conductors and soloists, annually commissions new works, and enhances the appeal of music here and abroad. She firmly believes in embracing all cultures and travels extensively. Dr. Tjornehoj loves to share her passion, time, and energy in helping students and adults find enjoyment through musical endeavors and value the gifts music provides for all people. St. Croix Sound is the umbrella for all future concerts as Kris has retired from the University of Wisconsin River Falls after 31.5 years of service. The fundraising began years ago, and the titles of the groups are under the title of Symphony Orchestra and Wind Bands. Touring opportunities, concerts regionally, and a variety of musician performance plans are already in place. Dr. Tjornehoj earned a “Lifetime Achievement Award” for her contributions to music in the state of Wisconsin in January 2025 at the Wisconsin National Band Association Conference.