The Luther College Symphony Orchestra, Luther’s largest and oldest orchestral ensemble, maintains an active rehearsal and performance schedule during the academic year, from early September to late May. Over seventy student musicians, representing a variety of academic disciplines, perform with Symphony Orchestra. Many members also sing in a choir, play in a band or jazz ensemble, and form small chamber groups. Symphony Orchestra is conducted by Dennis Friesen-Carper.
Symphony Orchestra tours regularly in the United States and every four years maintains a three-week residency in Vienna, Austria, with a final performance at the Konzerthaus or Musikverein. Domestic tours have included trips through the Pacific Northwest, the Great Plains States, the Southeast, and the Upper Midwest. The Symphony Orchestra’s next Vienna residency will take place in January 2027.
Distinctions
Symphony Orchestra takes great pride in performing new music on a regular basis. Since 2001, the orchestra has been pleased to present six world premieres. The orchestra also collaborates with the Luther College choirs in biennial performances of major choral-orchestral works and in the annual Christmas at Luther festival performances.
Prospective Students
Symphony Orchestra meets three days a week and is made up of musicians from all class years and study areas. Auditions for the ensemble take place every fall. During the academic year, Symphony Orchestra performs a full-length fall concert, two full-length spring concerts, is featured at Christmas at Luther, and is included in Homecoming and Commencement Weekend concerts. Click below to learn more about ensemble tours.
The Luther College Philharmonia is a string ensemble (violin, viola, cello, double bass) that performs one concert on campus each semester. Philharmonia is designed to serve the needs of string players who enroll at Luther College with limited musical backgrounds. Philharmonia is directed by Spencer Martin.
Prospective Students
Philharmonia rehearses three days a week and includes student musicians from all class years and academic majors. Auditions for Philharmonia take place every fall.
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Master your instrument by studying strings at Luther College! During your course of study you will learn about a wide range of repertoire, music theory, and proper technique for your instrument.
Meet the Directors
Dennis Friesen-Carper
