For the first time in school history, the Austin High School Concert Choir will perform at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis at the Minnesota Choral Arts Finale this spring.

The event, which invites only the top five or six high school choirs in the state, will be held April 18 at 8 p.m.

“It’s an honor,” said AHS choir conductor Brian Johnson. “I know there have been some choirs that have submitted (applications) a number of times, and it’s gratifying to be chosen the first time.”

The finale was started five years ago, and Johnson said this was the first year he applied for the program because of the quality of his choir both this year and in past years.

To apply, schools must send an audition CD of the choir’s performance from the past school year as well as written programs from the last few years.

“They’re looking for consistency in the quality of music you’re doing,” Johnson said.

This year’s choirs, in addition to Austin, include the Mound Westonka Concert Choir, the Anoka High School Concert Choir, the Rosemount High School Men’s Ensemble and the Hastings High School Select Choir.

Each choir will perform an individual program of 12 minutes before all of the schools will join in for a combined choir at the end of the program.

The combined choir will be conducted by special guest Paul Salamunovich, who in the past few years has conducted the Los Angeles Master Chorale.

Johnson said getting the opportunity to perform at Orchestra Hall is a rare experience.

“None of these students will probably ever have this opportunity again,” he said.

Tickets for the finale can be purchased at the door for $12 and through Orchestra Hall. For anyone interested in traveling in a spectator bus, call Johnson at 433-0489.