Concert to celebrate legacy of F. Melius Christiansen

By Margaret Wade '09
November 17, 2006

The Star of the North Festival Concert Series will present the F. Melius Christiansen 135th Anniversary Concert at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis on Sunday, Nov. 19. Two performances will be held, the first at 2 p.m. and the second at 6:30 p.m.

Five choirs will gather to celebrate F. Melius Christiansen, including the Augsburg College Choir, conducted by Peter Hendrickson; the Concordia College-Moorhead Choir, conducted by Rene Clausen '74; the Concordia University, St. Paul, Choir, conducted by David Mennicke '83; the Gustavus Adolphus College Choir, conducted by Gregory Aune; and the St. Olaf College Choir, conducted by Anton Armstrong '78.

"These five Minnesota Lutheran college choirs exemplify the great tradition of a cappella singing begun by F. Melius Christiansen and the St. Olaf Choir," says Bob Johnson, manager, music organizations at St. Olaf.

The celebration will honor the life and achievements of F. Melius Christiansen (1871-1955), founder of the St. Olaf Choir. Christiansen was born in Norway and trained in Leipzig, Germany, before he was hired to teach music at St. Olaf in 1903. Through his leadership, the choir gained international recognition on its tours, showcasing extraordinary performances of a cappella music.

The event is co-sponsored by the F. Melius Christiansen Endowment Committee and the American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota. Tickets are available at Orchestra Hall Box Office at 800-292-4141 or 612-371-5656.

Contact media relations specialist Tom Vogel at (507) 646-3970 or vogel@stolaf.edu.