Luther College to present Homecoming Concert Oct. 8

Featuring the college’s premiere touring ensembles, the Luther College Homecoming Concert is at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall on the Luther campus.

Performing at the concert are Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Daniel Baldwin; Concert Band, under the direction of Joan de Albuquerque; and Nordic Choir, conducted by Andrew Last. In addition, four music awards will be presented.

The concert is open to the public with no charge for admission.

The Symphony Orchestra will open the concert with the National Anthem. Selections to follow include “The Moldau” by BedÅ™ich Smetana and Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64 by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

The Concert Band will perform “Regiment of Heroes March” by Joseph Turrin, the third and fourth movements from “Dance Movements” by Philip Sparke, “Who Puts His Trust in God Most Just” by Bach and “Stars and Stripes” by John Philip Sousa.

The Nordic Choir will present five selections. Pieces include “Exsultate Deo” by Hans Leo Hassler, “Ye Were Sometimes Darkness” by Randall Thompson, “Exultation” by F. Melius Christiansen, “Ezekiel Saw De Wheel” arranged by William Dawson and “O Lord God” by Paul Chesnokov. In addition, the choir will recognize the 50-year anniversary of the first Nordic Choir international tour.

Four music awards will be presented at the concert. David Upham, class of 1992, will be presented the Dr. Carlo A. Sperati Award. The Weston Noble Award will be given to Shelly Schaeufele, class of 1992. The Theodore Presser Award and Richard C. and Joann M. Hemp Family Prize for Orchestral Performance will both be presented during the concert.

Luther College is home to one of the largest collegiate music programs in the nation, with six choirs, three orchestras, three bands, two jazz bands and more than 800 student musicians. Luther students participate in large ensembles, faculty-coaches chamber groups, private lessons and master classes. Nearly 275 music majors study music theory, ear training, history, education, composition, jazz, church music and performance.