By Christina Killion Valdez

ROCHESTER, MN -- It's no surprise to Choral Arts Ensemble fans that, after a nine-year hiatus, founder Rick Kvam is back as artistic director. What's surprising is how smoothly the transition has gone.

Kvam founded Choral Arts Ensemble in 1985 and Honors Choirs of Southeast Minnesota in 1992. Leading the two nationally renowned organizations is a full-time job. Kvam, however, is also an emergency room physician at Olmsted Medical Center. Plus, at the time of his departure, he also had two pre-teen daughters.

So even as difficult as it was to say goodbye, when he did so it was meant to be final. But as they say, you can never say never.