Music Ensembles Tour Norway

For nearly a century, music has strengthened the bond between St. Olaf College and Norway. When the St. Olaf Band made its first international tour to Norway in 1906, it was the first musical group from any American college to tour Norway. Since then, St. Olaf ensembles have visited Norway nearly 20 times. In 2005, for the first time in the college’s history, its premier music ensembles toured together throughout Norway. The St. Olaf Band, St. Olaf Choir and St. Olaf Orchestra performed jointly in Oslo, Bergen, Molde and Trondheim, and each ensemble presented additional concerts throughout the country.

The St. Olaf Band
The 90-member St. Olaf Band, founded in 1891, is the oldest musical organization at St. Olaf and is internationally recognized for the high caliber of its performances. Since 1994, the St. Olaf Band has been led by conductor and composer Timothy Mahr, a 1978 graduate of St. Olaf and a former member of the band.

The St. Olaf Choir
The 75-member St. Olaf Choir is acclaimed as one of America’s premier choirs. Founded in 1912 by F. Melius Christiansen, the St. Olaf Choir initiated the a cappella choral tradition in the United States and has since been a major influence on American choral music. Anton Armstrong, a 1978 graduate of the college and a former member of the choir, conducts the ensemble.

The St. Olaf Orchestra
Time magazine has called the 92-member St. Olaf Orchestra “one of the best college orchestras in the country.” During his 23-year tenure as conductor, Steven Amundson has developed a vital program known for its passionate, enthusiastic and professional-caliber performances.

For more information on Norway 2005, contact:
Office of Music Organizations
St. Olaf College
1520 St. Olaf Avenue
Northfield, MN 55057
507-646-3179
507-646-3527 FAX
musicman@stolaf.edu