Music ensembles and alumni soloists to perform Mozart’s Requiem

Luther College’s music department presents the biennial spring oratorio concert, featuring Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s monumental masterpiece, Requiem in D minor, KV 626, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall located on the Luther campus. In addition to the performance in Decorah, the same program will take place at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Road, in Mahtomedi, Minnesota.

In this file photo, Luther College’s music department presents the biennial spring oratorio featuring Leonard Bernstein’s “Chichester Psalms” on March 17, 2019, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall.

The performances feature Luther’s Nordic Choir conducted by Andrew Last, director of choral activities and associate professor of music, and the college’s Symphony Orchestra conducted by Daniel Baldwin, professor of music. Baldwin serves as director of orchestral activities at Luther.

Tickets may be purchased online at tickets.luther.edu or by calling the Luther College Ticket Office at (563) 387-1357.

Five Luther alumni are returning as soloists for the 2025 spring oratorio: Emily Secor, class of 2016, soprano; Jill Phillips, class of 2010, former voice instructor at Luther, mezzo-soprano; Andrew Stenson, class of 2008, tenor; Zachary Owen, class of 2010, bass-baritone; and Laura Krumm, class of 2009, mezzo-soprano.

Phillips described the spring oratorio as a cherished experience.

“I’ve had the opportunity to experience Luther as a student and as a faculty member, and I feel grateful for the chance to return to a place that I associate with many fond memories,” she said. “Being able to come back and reconnect with some of those people in person, as well as getting to share the stage with fellow alumni and colleagues, will be a cherished experience.”

Owen echoed Phillips’ sentiments.

“I am honored to return to Luther for the Mozart Requiem, and delighted to share the stage with so many exceptional musicians,” he said. “Luther College is truly a special place and my time there motivated me to become not only a better musician but a better human being. I hope this performance serves in carrying on Luther’s tradition of nurturing young talent and inspiring the future of classical music.”

Performing an oratorio is part of a long tradition at Luther College. In the spring semester of alternating years, the orchestra, choral and vocal areas collaborate in the presentation of a major work. Recent performances have included Leonard Bernstein’s “Chichester Psalms,” Haydn’s “Lord Nelson Mass,” William Walton’s “Belshazzar’s Feast,” Bach’s “St. John Passion” and a commissioned work, “Luther Mass” by Stephen Paulus.