Augustana Choir to tour California in March
The Augustana Choir, under the direction of Dr. Jon Hurty, will perform concerts in California March 21-25, followed by a home concert on April 6 in Davenport.
The 54-voice ensemble, known for its innovative programming, attention to detail and musical excellence, will perform at five Southern California churches. The tour will include collaborations with choirs directed by Augustana alumni Brent Wilson and Jens Hurty, Dr. Hurty’s son.
“This year’s program includes a mix of traditional and modern choral selections, including works by Alberto Grau, Ēriks Ešenvalds and Alice Parker, as well as a number of new composers from a variety of countries,” said Dr. Hurty. “A primary theme of the first half of the program is caring for the earth — a topic that many recent choral composers have addressed in their compositions.”
Previously the director of choral activities at Concordia University in Irvine, Calif., Dr. Hurty said he always enjoys returning to California and sharing a part of the Midwest choral tradition with friends, family and colleagues.
Established in 1931, the Augustana Choir has been conducted by Dr. Hurty since 1996. Under Dr. Hurty’s direction, the choir has performed at Orchestra Hall in Chicago, Alice Tully Hall 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, France and the Czech Republic.
Most recently, the group toured Germany and the Czech Republic in the summer of 2022 and the midwestern United States in the spring of 2023.
A freewill offering will be taken at each concert. For more information, contact the Augustana Music Department, 309-794-7233.
Tour performances
Thursday, March 21, 7 p.m.
Trinity Episcopal Church
1500 State Street
Santa Barbara, Calif.
With the University of California-Santa Barbara choir, directed by Brent Wilson
Friday, March 22, 7 p.m.
Ascension Lutheran Church
1600 E. Hillcrest Drive
Thousand Oaks, Calif.
Saturday, March 23, 7 p.m.
Messiah Lutheran Church
4861 Liverpool Street
Yorba Linda, Calif.
With the Canyon High School Chamber Singers, directed by Jens Hurty
Pre-concert event: Register for the complimentary alumni and friends gathering
Sunday, March 24, 2 p.m.
St. Andrew's by the Sea UMC
2001 Calle Frontera
San Clemente, Calif.
With the Seaside Community Singers, directed by Jens Hurty and Jason Pano
Pre-concert event: Register for the complimentary alumni and friends gathering
Monday, March 25, 7 p.m.
Village Community Presbyterian Church
6225 Paseo Delicias
Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.