Augustana University Choir Celebrates 100th Anniversary with Alumni

Augustana University celebrates the 100th anniversary of its choir this year.

The School of Music will celebrate the Augustana Choir April 28-30, showcasing the choir’s past, present and future in sacred music and rich tradition.

Events over the weekend will include an opportunity for alumni to attend choir rehearsal, as well as a welcome reception at R Wine Bar on Thursday.

On Friday, alumni can attend a presentation on the history of the music department, an alumni choir rehearsal, a dedication of the Olaf and Hazel Thoen choir rehearsal room, an “A Sermon in Song” concert at the Washington Pavilion and a reception at Remedy Brewing Company.

Saturday’s events will include an alumni choir recording session in the Chapel of Reconciliation and swing dancing at the Sioux Falls Country Club.

The Augustana Choir was founded by Carl Youngdahl in 1921 to “serve God, the Church and our school”, according to its official charter.

Over its century of existence, the choir has had five conductors: Youngdahl, Arnold Running, Olaf Malmin, James Johnson and Paul Nesheim.

The weekend will feature a special honor for Johnson, who served as choirmaster from 1992 to 2011. He will be named the Augustana Choir’s first conductor emeritus. Johnson will be a star conductor of the alumni choir at the celebration.

For the full celebration schedule, visit augie.edu/Choir100.