St. Olaf Orchestra to head west for Conductor Steven Amundson’s last tour
The St. Olaf Orchestra, conducted by Steven Amundson, is embarking on its 2022 Pacific Northwest tour later this month, which will feature concerts in Montana, Oregon, and Washington. This marks the orchestra’s first tour since the fall of 2019, and the final tour for Amundson, who is set to retire in May following more than 40 years of teaching and conducting at St. Olaf.
The orchestra’s winter tour program will feature the premiere of alumni composer Matthew Peterson’s Symphony No. 1: The Singing Wilderness and other selections, including Stravinsky’s Firebird and Valerie Coleman’s Seven O’Clock Shout, which was inspired by the resilience of frontline workers during the pandemic.
“I’m so grateful that the college supports touring, which provides students with life-changing musical, cultural, and educational experiences,” Amundson says. “It gives the students and me a chance to experience a progressively deeper and richer musical experience each day of our journey. The orchestra understands that some of the most valuable qualities of a fantastic performance are found not only in a high level of excellence, but also in seeking a transformative musical experience.”
ST. OLAF ORCHESTRA CONDUCTOR STEVEN AMUNDSON
I’m so grateful that the college supports touring, which provides students with life-changing musical, cultural, and educational experiences. It gives the students and me a chance to experience a progressively deeper and richer musical experience each day of our journey. The orchestra understands that some of the most valuable qualities of a fantastic performance are found not only in a high level of excellence, but also in seeking a transformative musical experience.
The St. Olaf Orchestra is a full symphony orchestra rich in international artistry and tradition and known for its enthusiastic and passionate performances. Founded in 1906, the 92-member ensemble has been heralded as one of the finest collegiate orchestras in the country, and has twice won the American Prize in Orchestral Performances Among Colleges and Universities.
Concerts are free for all students and $10 for adults. Tickets may be purchased online. The St. Olaf Orchestra will also perform a free concert at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Minneapolis on January 23.
Masks will be required for all audience members, and proof of vaccinations/negative tests are required at select venues. St. Olaf College has required all faculty, staff, students, and guests on campus to be fully vaccinated and receive booster shots, which includes members of the St. Olaf Orchestra. Members of the orchestra will also wear masks while performing.
Tour Itinerary:
Sunday, January 23 • 4 p.m.
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Free and open to the public – no tickets required
Sunday, January 30 • 3 p.m.
McNary High School
Keizer, Oregon
Monday, January 31 • 7 p.m.
Trinity Episcopal Church
Portland, Oregon
Tuesday, February 1 • 7:30 p.m.
Whitman College, Cordiner Hall
Walla Walla, Washington
Wednesday, February 2 • 7:30 p.m.
St. Anthony Catholic Church
Missoula, Montana
Thursday, February 3 • 7 p.m.
Whitefish High School
Whitefish, Montana
Friday, February 4 • 7:30 p.m.
Ferris High School
Spokane, Washington
Saturday, February 5 • 7:30 p.m.
Capital High School
Olympia, Washington
Sunday, February 6 • 2 p.m.
Bremerton High School
Bremerton, Washington
Saturday, February 12 • 7:30 p.m.
Skoglund Auditorium
St. Olaf College
Northfield, Minnesota