St. Olaf Orchestra alumni return to wish a fond farewell to a beloved conductor
Hundreds of former and current members of the St. Olaf Orchestra gathered on campus during Reunion Weekend to honor Conductor Steven Amundson, who retired this spring after 40 years of leading the award-winning ensemble.
The weekend’s events included a St. Olaf Orchestra Alumni Social on Mellby Lawn, an Orchie Softball Game, and a St. Olaf Orchestra Alumni Dinner that featured a celebration of Amundson and a tribute video (watch it above). And, of course, there was music. More than 400 St. Olaf Orchestra alumni and current members performed a Reunion Concert that featured Amundson conducting his beloved “Orchies” for the final time.
“I have learned that the music making endeavor is one that opens hearts, fosters community, and helps us be in touch with our emotional and spiritual well-being,” Amundson noted in a St. Olaf Magazine profile of his career this fall. “It’s been both humbling and a tremendous privilege to lead such a fantastic undergraduate orchestra. The past 40 years have flown by, and I’ve cherished the journey!”
Watch the St. Olaf Orchestra Reunion Concert below.