Luther College Symphony Orchestra to perform across the country

The Luther College Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Daniel Baldwin, will perform across the U.S. for their spring 2024 tour. The orchestra will perform a homecoming concert in Decorah on March 26. 

The concert is open to the public. 

The program begins with “Three Dance Episodes” from Leonard Bernstein’s “On the Town.” The orchestra will once again perform Pelléas et Mélisande Suite, Op. 80, by Gabriel Fauré along with “Introduction and Gopak” from “The Fair at Sorochinsk” by Modest Mussorgsky, “Siegfried Idyll” by Richard Wagner and “Huapango” by Jose Pablo Moncayo. 

Symphony Orchestra, Luther’s largest and oldest orchestral ensemble, is one of Luther’s four main touring ensembles. The Symphony travels regularly in the United States and maintains a three-week residency in Vienna every four years, next scheduled for January 2027. More than 70 student musicians, representing a variety of academic majors, perform with the orchestra. Many are also involved in chamber music, choir, band or a jazz ensemble. 

“Apart from two, month-long residencies in Vienna, Austria in 2019 and 2023, this will be the orchestra’s first opportunity in more than six years to take an extended tour,” said Dan Baldwin, director of orchestral activities. “We bring with us a beautiful program and a large, talented group of student musicians. We’re very grateful for all those who’ve worked to make our tour possible.”

Baldwin has served as director of orchestra activities at Luther since 1997. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Furman University and Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. Baldwin is currently the conductor of the Luther College Symphony and Chamber Orchestras.