Rehearsals: M 7-8:30 p.m.
The Augustana Oratorio Society, originally named the Handel Oratorio Society, was formed in 1880 by Augustana theology Professor Olof Olsson. It consisted of students and choirs in Moline, Rock Island and Andover, Ill. Their first concert in 1881 was part of the celebration of Holy Week.
The society has performed Handel’s "Messiah" and other oratorios almost every year. The ensemble is celebrated for exploring the riches of choral-orchestral literature.
The musicians of the Augustana Oratorio Society include community members, Augustana students, and members of the Augustana Choir.
Any Augustana student may sing with the Oratorio Society. Participation does not meet scholarship participation requirement. More information is available from Dr. Jon Hurty.
Augustana's Dr. Jon Hurty has received the Harold A. Decker Award from the Illinois Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association in recognition of his exceptional leadership and contributions to choral music. He has been creating memorable performances with Augustana students since 1996.
Members of Phi Mu Alpha–Zeta Beta sang love songs to surprised students, faculty and staff in classrooms and offices across campus on Valentine’s Day. The music fraternity rehearsed for months, and delivered no fewer than 100 vocal valentines.
Augustana's Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble, directed by Dr. Michael Zemek, will collaborate with high school choirs from Davenport Central, Davenport North and Pleasant Valley High Schools to perform "Anne Frank: A Living Voice" on March 4 at 5:30 p.m.
The Augustana Choir will perform a home concert after returning from their tour of Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado.
The Augustana Symphonic Band, directed by Dr. James Lambrecht, will tour the East Coast in March, concluding with a home concert in Centennial Hall in April.
Students in pursuit of a vocal career will compete for monetary awards. Faculty judges select winners in two divisions at this award recital.
