This highly select mixed ensemble performs a wide variety of music in major concerts, special events and on tour. The choir has released a number of recordings, and has performed on commercial and public radio and network television.
The Augustana Choir requires a high level of musicianship and a serious time commitment. Students from any academic field may audition. The choir rehearses daily, and gives as many as 20 performances each year. The choir also takes a annual tour.
Students in the Augustana Choir also participate in the Augustana Oratorio Society.
The Augustana Choir will tour Norway and Sweden May 30-June 7, 2026.
Saturday, May 30 at 7:00 p.m.
Swedish Margareta Church
Hammersborg Torg 8B
0179 Oslo, Norway
Monday, June 1 at 7:00 p.m.
Rättvik Church
Kyrkvägen 11
795 32 Rättvik, Sweden
Tuesday, June 2 at 7:00 p.m.
St. Stephen's Church
Staffansplan 1
802 81 Gävle, Sweden
Thursday, June 4 at 7:00 p.m.
St. Matthew's Church
Vanadisvägen 35
113 23 Stockholm, Sweden
Saturday, June 6 at 4:00 p.m.
Sofia Church
Klefbecks Backe 1
116 35 Stockholm, Sweden
Sunday, June 7 at 4:30 p.m.
Uppsala Cathedral
Domkyrkoplan
753 10 Uppsala, Sweden
Established in 1931, the Augustana Choir has been conducted by Dr. Jon Hurty since 1996. Under Hurty’s direction, the choir has performed at Orchestra Hall in Chicago, Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall in New York City, as well as many major cathedrals and concert venues in Sweden, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, Austria, Japan, Korea, Spain and France.
The choir focuses on the highest quality choral literature from the Renaissance through the 21st century. It has released a number of recordings and is frequently invited to perform on commercial and public radio, as well as network television.
Fish, insects, elephants and the Augustana Choir all have their place in the natural world of sound, as explored by journalist Amy Martin ‘95.
Violinist Becky Kia ’87 actually said no the first two times Mannheim Steamroller came calling. But by 1990, she was ready. Kia accepted the invitation to join the ensemble’s backup orchestra for its Christmas concerts in Omaha, and today she is a touring conductor and solo violinist.
Augustana has appointed Eric Newell as director of choral activities beginning fall 2026. Dr. Newell’s duties will include conducting the Augustana Choir, succeeding longtime conductor Dr. Jon Hurty, who is retiring in June 2026.
The Augustana Jazz Ensemble will perform, directed by Dr. Joel Linscheid.
The Augustana Percussion Ensemble will perform, directed by Dr. Tony Oliver.
The Augustana Symphony Orchestra will perform.
