Olaf, a world-renowned college choir from Minnesota, will be performing at Mees Hall with the Chapel Choir in celebration of the St. Olaf’s 100th year tour.
“To have a choir of this caliber on our campus is a real gift. The Chapel Choir is going to sing the final piece with them, “The Beautiful SaviStor,” which we traditionally sing at the end of our concerts, and they do too so to put these two choirs who have long standing, rich choral traditions together alone will be a moment, you know to witness,” Lynda Hasseler, St. Olaf alumna and Chapel Choir director, said
Directed by Anton Armstrong, the choir of 75 will be touring the U.S. this year in celebration of their 100th year touring the east coast. Their first tour, starting in 1920, included them performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City. In honor of this anniversary, St. Olaf will be following the same itinerary that was originally taken.
Hasseler is excited for this side-by-side performance not only for the opportunity of hosting a performance with her alma mater, but for the similarities between Capital and St. Olaf; Hasseler and Armstrong are both in their 30th year of teaching and Hasseler’s daughter, Hannah, is also a senior member of the St. Olaf choir.
Hasseler was conducting the Chapel Choir nine days before Hannah was born, causing Hannah to end this chapter of her life where it began.
“This isn’t a concert. That’s just for us. The choir sings a broad range of literature, some of the more advanced literature as well as the kind of music that appeals to everyone,” Hasseler said. “The sound is just glorious.”
A limited number of complimentary tickets will be available for students with a Capital ID on Friday, Feb. 7 from 10-11a.m. in Mees Hall Lobby and then from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Conservatory Office. Tickets are also available at stolaf.edu/tickets and 800-363-5487.
The performance will be held on Monday, Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in Mees Hall.
