Concordia College

The Concordia College Orchestra

The nationally and internationally acclaimed Concordia College Orchestra was founded in 1967 by J. Robert Hanson ’51. Today, the 82-member ensemble, is led by Bruce Houglum and frequently performs on campus, across the United States and even overseas.

Since 1986, the orchestra has made international travel an integral part of its musical experience, with Houglum leading tours in 1997, 2001 and 2005. The most recent tour included stops in Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Austria and the Czech Republic. The orchestra performed works by Bernstein, Copland, Dvorák and others for international audiences in cathedrals, churches and concert halls.

In 2004, the orchestra performed at the National Conference of MENC: The National Association for Music Education. It has been the principal invited orchestra at Kunstfest, an art and music festival held once every five years in Kassel, Germany, and also has performed at the Prague Spring Festival in the Czech Republic. In February 2003, the orchestra joined The Concordia Choir for the premiere performances of Dr. René Clausen’s composition MEMORIAL at the national convention of the American Choral Directors Association in New York City.

Orchestra Tour Photos