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VOLUME 99, NO. 2 DECORAH, IA Mar.-Apr. 2009
Carlo Alberto Sperati (1860-1945) was director in chief of the PCNSA 1903-1915 and director of the Luren Singing Society 1911-1945. See Luren History, page 13 for more information. Mar.-Apr. 2009 SANGER-HILSEN 2 NORDKAP MALE CHORUS director, Carsten Slostad. He worked Minneapolis-St. Paul MN us hard to master our six numbers, We wish you could have been plus the seven massed chorus there. On Saturday, March 21st, an numbers. But he also inspired us with appreciative audience heard three his many compliments and his men’s choruses at Central incomparable body language. It was Presbyterian Church in St. Paul. It he who made the many arrangements was Nordkap’s Centennial necessary to engage Central celebration, but we were joined by the Presbyterian and inform the above- Norwegian Glee Club of Minneapolis named officials of our event. He and and two combined Swedish choruses. his brothers, Jim and Paul even hauled Especially the massed chorus left the the risers, on which we stood, to the sanctuary ringing. What wonderful church and returned them. Without the acoustics! three this event would not have Important visitors congratulated us happened. Yes, and Carsten also on this auspicious occasion. A local directs the Glee Club. Norwegian official read us greetings Also, we wish to thank the two from the Ambassador in Washington directors of the Swedish choruses, D.C. The President of Augsburg Jeffrey Wressel and Don Torgersen. College, where 'Nordkap' roots are And where would we be with found, addressed us, as did the accompaniment? Dan Ritter is pianist President of our Norwegian Singers for us and for the Swedes. We often Association of America. The mayor are amazed at his mastery of his of St. Paul sent greetings and declared instrument. Loryce Sivertsen March 21st “Nordkap Day.” Since our accompanies the Glee Club, and sang free-will offering was being donated the solo in the massed choir’s to Minnesota Food Shelf, their rendition of “America, the Beautiful.” representative thanked the audience We were thrilled. Also, Bjorn Hagen for their aid. Thrivent Financial for soloed in “Naar Fjordene Blaaner.” Lutherans also jointly sponsored this We are always inspired by him. We offering and encouraged participation. so much appreciate the members of The Swedes reminded us that they the other choruses who prepared for are our seniors, since they go back to and participated so wonderfully in this 1881. Finally, the organist at Central joyous occasion. Presbyterian introduced us to their Before we sang and during the organ, which goes back to the 19th offering, Central’s organist, Katherine Century. Handford, kept us quieted with her Our director, acting as MC, gave us offerings. Anonymous donors also occasional glimpses into Nordkap’s need to be thanked for covering rental past. Thus he introduced a son of our and other costs which made possible first director and a good number of his the major gift to Food Share. Another family. All these voices inspired us to gift came from the congregation, do our best. which provided free parking at a We have many to thank for making nearby ramp. this such a memorable occasion. No Out of sight and missing much of one contributed more than our the program were our spouses, the Mar.-Apr. 2009 SANGER-HILSEN 3 Auxiliary, preparing lunch for us who Upon discharge Eldon attended St. were rehearsing, and birthday cake Olaf College, graduating in 1953 with following the program for the a degree in Chemistry. Rather than audience as well. pursue that field, he entered Luther In the dining room, numerous Seminary in St. Paul MN, and upon displays of Nordkap’s history, graduation in 1957 was ordained on a courtesy of much work by Paul Call to the Coon Valley Parish in Wis- Thorson, were on display for all to consin. After three years he moved to see. Behind the scenes are many Jefferson Prairie at Clinton WI. In others also whom we ought to thank. 1962 he went to Northfield MN to be Among them is our president Foster Promotion Director at St. Olaf. Solem who, among many other Pastor Underdahl returned to serve contributions, provided the printed a two-point parish at Hartland and programs for the concert. Manchester MN, followed by six Last, and most importantly, thanks years at Dodge Center. In 1979 he be to God to Whom and of Whom we became the chaplain at St. Olaf sing. Residence Nursing Facility in We are saddened, of course, that so Minneapolis, retiring in 1998. many of our members did not live to Eldon married Orpha Shirley Floyd, enjoy this Centennial celebration. a Kenyon girl, in 1952. There became Recently we lost Eldon Underdahl and parents of four children, Ruth Ann, Carl Sheie. More about them in the Bruce, Ross and Beth. and grand- next issue. parents of six. We have three upcoming programs Eldon became a member of in which to sing, but we will not Nordkap in 1986 and served in rehearse again until May 4. various ways, including Wendell Frerichs, Corr. Sec. Corresponding Secretary for this Editor’s note: I gleaned from the publication. As a former radio Kenyon Leader the following informa- announcer on WCAL, Northfield, and tion, with supplementation from other the Central Lutheran church services, sources, including my personal know- his second-bass voice was put to good ledge: use when he narrated the story behind Rev. Eldon Underdahl Nidelven as part of Nordkap’s Eldon James Underdahl was born at concerts. rural Kenyon MN to Elling and Eldon died March 8th in Amelia (Dyrdahl) Underdahl on May Minneapolis and his funeral service 4, 1925. He attended rural schools in was held at Central Lutheran Church Rice County and graduated as on March 13. valedictorian of the Kenyon High He was preceded in death by his School class of 1942. parents, brother Orlo and infant sister Eldon farmed with his father for Emma. four years while his one brother Orlo He is survived by his wife, four chil- was serving in the US Army. Later dren and six grandchildren. Eldon also served in the Army Medical Corps in Anchorage AK for three years. Mar.-Apr. 2009 SANGER-HILSEN 4 ”SANGER-HILSEN” NSAA STATE VICE- (”SINGERS GREETING”) PRESIDENTS Published Bi-Monthly, by the Norwegian Singers Illinois: Frank Potempa, 1788 W. Association of America Incorporated under State Laws of South Dakota as an Sherwood Road, Des Plaines, IL Educational Society. 60016 (847) 296-2568 [email protected] Address all matters for publication subscriptions, renewals, change of address, and make remittances payable to: Iowa: Ed Stone, P. O. Box 774, So. Sioux “Sanger-Hilsen” Office: City NB 68776 (402)494-2956
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to “Sanger-Hilsen” Minnesota: Kris Rusten, 6615 Lake Office. Shore Dr. S. #1106, Minneapolis MN DONALD L. BERG Editor-Business Manager 55423-2275 (651) 276-1687 407 Leif Erikson Drive [email protected] Decorah, IA 52101 New York: Owen Flynn, 302 96th St., www.nsaaonline.org Subscription price $22.00 per year Apt. 3E, Brooklyn 11209-7827 (718) 745-6309 Periodicals postage paid at Decorah, Iowa. Sanger-Hilsen USPS 481-380 South Dakota: Curt Hepner, 321 N. Lincoln St., Canton SD 57013-1721 OFFICERS OF NSAA (605)764-2914 [email protected] Wisconsin: Charles Morkri, 7567 President: Jonathan Lewis, 1124 E. Main, Pioneer Place, Verona, WI 53593 Stoughton WI 53589 (608)873-5268 (608) 833-3732 [email protected] [email protected] Vice President at Large: Thor Fjell, 1031 W. Ogden Ave, #118, Naperville, IL 60563 (630) 369-4233; cell (630) 479- VETERAN CHORUS 4233, [email protected] OFFICERS Recording Secretary: Richard Leake, President: Robert Lillie, 410 Pleasant 703 Valley View Dr., Decorah, IA (563) Hill Dr., Decorah IA 52101 (563)382- 382-3796 [email protected] 5087 [email protected] Corresponding Secretary: Donald Berg, Vice President Ronald Beck, 28206 465th 407 Leif Erikson Dr, Decorah, IA 52101 Ave., Lennox, SD 57039 (605) 647-2851, (563)382-5727 [email protected] Treasurer: Francis Peterson, 710 Ridge Secretary-Treasurer: Larry Lubbert, Road, Decorah IA 52101 (563)382-4504 2440 Cedar Valley Rd., Decorah IA (563) [email protected] 382-8053 [email protected] Grand Marshal: Gary Hendrickson, Marshal: Rev. James Glesne, 2784 U.S. 4933 Knox Lane, Madison WI 53711 Hwy 52, Decorah IA 52101 (563) 382- (608)310-8963 8110, [email protected] [email protected] Director: Bernhard Gluth, 103 Grove, Assistant Grand Marshal: Robert P.O. Box 84, Ft. Atkinson IA, 52144, Bergren, Hudson, SD 29399 SD Hwy. 11, (563)534-3079 [email protected] Hudson SD 57034 (605) 934-2752 Director-in-Chief: Dr. David E. Judisch, Decorah, IA 814 Fifth Ave., Decorah IA DEADLINE FOR MAY- 52101E-mail: [email protected] JUNE ISSUE Assistant Director: Edwin Kramer, MAY 25, 2009 32600 East Lane, Grayslake, IL 60030 (847) 546-2050
Mar.-Apr. 2009 SANGER-HILSEN 5 NORSE GLEE CLUB So far, the choir has been busy Sioux Falls SD rehearsing for the upcoming and fast Here we are in the last half of approaching Sioux Valley Sangerfest March and have been very lucky the in June. At a recent rehearsal our past few weeks to have been on the esteemed director Lyle Kroon handed edge of several snowstorms with only us the spring schedule: an inch or two of snow each time. We March 16 – Trail Ridge Retirement hope that holds true all through April. Community; By the time you receive this issue, the March 30 – Joint Rehearsal (Norse April showers will bring forth the Glee Club hosting); May flowers, and those who have April 13 – Joint Rehearsal (Nordic planted potatoes may see them Male Chorus hosting); sprouting through the soil. April 20 – Sunny Crest Retirement With the above behind us, we Village; welcome a new member to our choir. May 4 – Joint Rehearsal Gail H. Kristensen, a baritone, was (Minnehaha Mandskor hosting); born in Brookings SD, but grew up May 14 – St. Dysmas Prison and was schooled in Chicago. He is a Ministry; “direct-descendant” member of Sons May 18 – Joint Rehearsal (Grieg of Norway in that his paternal hosting); grandmother, Anna Isaacson Kristen- June 13 – Sioux Valley Sangerfest; sen, was born at Harstad, near June 20 – Nordland Fest at Tromsø. His grandparents home- Augustana College. steaded in Haakon County SD. His This is enough to keep us busy. dad Raymond is a 1939 graduate of In February the members and the South Dakota State University in Ladies Auxiliary enjoyed a very nice Engineering. Valentine party. Thank you, ladies, In Chicago, Gail was active as a for paying the banquet fee. It was vocalist in church choirs and school much appreciated. A special thank groups. He attended the US Naval you goes to the decorating committee! Academy and while there was in the It was very nice. You are to be Chapel Choir. Because of duties at sea commended. and many relocations during his active In the meantime, men of the choir, military service he could participate we are not to hold our music sheets on only sporadically in choral work. our laps while singing, but are to hold Once he retired and more or less them up and look at the director! permanently settled in northern And as the saying goes – Press On! Virginia in the 1980s, he renewed K. Roger Johnson, Corr. Sec. singing in church choirs and area choral societies. NORWEGIAN GLEE CLUB Gail with wife Diane and daughter Minneapolis MN Kimberly recently moved to Sioux On Saturday, March 21st, it was a Falls. He looks forward to the musical special honor for the Norwegian Glee opportunities available in the Glee Club to participate with the Nordkap Club and church choirs here. We are Male Chorus in the celebration of pleased to have Gail in the Glee Club. their 100th Anniversary. Joining in the Mar.-Apr. 2009 SANGER-HILSEN 6 festivities in a mass chorus of 80 Glee Club of Minneapolis and our singers was also the Swedish Chorus. featured member for this issue of the Each group also participated in a Sanger-Hilsen. mini-Parade of Choruses with their Bjørn Lasserud’s early years were separate selections. The venue was spent under the harsh conditions of the Central Presbyterian Church in St. German occupation of Norway. He Paul. This church in its own right has was 16 when the country was finally a memorable history and is a liberated from Nazi control. wonderful place to sing. Nordkap members and our mutual director Carsten Slostad did a fine job with all the arrangements, making this a very special event. Our spring lutefisk/meatball dinner on Saturday, March 28, at this writing, appears to be reaching our reservation limit, according to our newly appointed gatekeeper, Earl Evanstad. For our loyal and discriminating diners, lutefisk is a required budget item, and not an option one, even in a recession. On May 17th we will again join the Nordkap chorus for a Syttende Mai concert at Mindekirken (Norwegian Luther Memorial Church), followed by the traditional parade with a sea of flags and plenty of hurrahs. Bjørn Lasserud President Herb Nelson is finalizing arrangements for our three-day tour As a young man he came to Detroit on May 29-30-31 of Southwest MI as an exchange student, but soon Minnesota and South Dakota, hosted returned to Norway where, in 1953, he by several Sons of Norway lodges courted and married Anne-Lisa. He and congregations. The dates and says he looked for the nicest girl in information about our concerts have Oslo and he found her. This union been communicated to all the produced two sons before the family communities in the areas of the left Norway and settled in selected venues. Minneapolis. In 1929 there was an economic As with most young families, there crash that was the state of a decade- were some lean years as Bjørn was long Depression in the USA. In establishing his painting business. He Norway that year, in addition to tough had to ride the bus to his job sites, times, something else happened. A carrying his painting supplies and future world-renowned, cross-country ladder. He relates that, to set up skier was born in Oslo. He is also a housekeeping in their first home in the Diamond singer in the Norwegian Powderhorn Park area, he made Mar.-Apr. 2009 SANGER-HILSEN 7 furniture out of boards and spindle At the age of 40 Bjørn took up legs he could buy from Kresge’s. cross-country skiing. Within three Bjørn soon developed a reputation for years he was winning major events. high quality work and his business The Minneapolis Ski Club sponsored prospered. him and sent him around the country A special dividend came in 1966 and to many parts of the world to with the birth of a lovely daughter, enter competitive events. He has won Anne-Marie. Anyone who has 45 National Championships and 37 attended one of our lutefisk dinners World Championships (you should knows this young lady. She moves as see his trophy room). Amazingly, on if on roller skates (or maybe on a pair those 79 year old knees that have been of her dad’s skis), while serving her rebuilt twice, he just won another tables with our wonderful fish. event in Wisconsin this winter. Soon Bjørn took the big, nervous Skiing became a wonderful addition step and went in debt to purchase a to his life and, besides the honors that new vehicle to take his supplies to his he has won, it gave him an work. His business continued to opportunity to see much of the world grow, so this was not a problem to (where it snows). Bjorn says, “ fine make the payments. Learning the family, skiing, Glee Club and Kontak English language was, of course, a big have been key contributors to a very challenge, but – as he says – when rich life.” He is indeed a special you are hungry and supporting a Norwegian Glee Club Diamond. family in a new land, you learn fast. Charles Engh, Corr. Sec. During those early years in the US, he attended a concert by Norwegian NORDIC MALE CHORUS singers in Minneapolis, and decided Sioux City IA right away that he wanted to be a part Combined rehearsals have been of that. He regards that as one of the scheduled for the Sioux Valley best choices he made. He is now in Sangerfest, set for June 13th in Sioux his 49th year in the Glee Club, which Falls SD. includes 15 years as Marshal, 10 years The initial rehearsal was set for as President, and over 10 years as March 30th at the Norse Glee Club of NSAA Grand Marshal. He has earned Sioux Falls, which will be the host the Gold Medal with Diamond and chorus for the Sangerfest, a biennial remains one of the pillars of the Glee presentation of the Sioux Valley Club. Singers Association. The second Another important year for the rehearsal will be April 13th in Sioux Lasseruds was 1970 with the purchase City at the new Nordic Chorus’ of a cabin on a Northern Minnesota location, Immanuel Lutheran Church, lake. Everyone became an expert 315 Hamilton Blvd. The merged water-skier behind Bjorn’s boat with rehearsal of May 4th will be at its 110 HP motor. They put on Minnehaha Mandskor in Sioux Falls, exhibitions for all on shore. Many and the last rehearsal will be May 18th wonderful days have been spent at the with the Grieg Male Chorus in Canton lake. SD. Mar.-Apr. 2009 SANGER-HILSEN 8 The Nordic men have been preparing music for the Sangerfest as Also former Auxiliary member well as a program for the Charlotte Fagerhaug died Jan. 23rd, at Scandinavian Societies in March. The Omaha NE. She was born at Renner chorus is specially honored to have SD Sept. 18, 1924. Her funeral was Charles Schuett begin his 32nd year as Jan. 26th, at Morningside Lutheran director. He has served since March Church, Sioux City. 1977. Blessed be the memory of each. +++ Lena was being interviewed for a job as maid for the very wealthy Mrs. Diamond, who asked her, “Do you have any religious issues?” “No,” said Lena, “But I’ve got some nice pictures of Norway.” Uff Da! Bob Hansen, Corr. Sec.
LUREN SINGING SOCIETY Decorah IA The latter part of winter has been open, so we have had regular Bennett Aust rehearsals and were able to sing at the two Lenten services as planned. On On a sad note, we report that March 29th, we traveled to rural former member of the chorus Bennett Kenyon MN for a return engagement. “Ben” Aust, 86, died Feb. 21st at a How to get there got interesting. Sioux City hospital. He was born at There were at least three maps or sets Colton SD Sept. 1, 1922. Ten of directions for the route, all of which grandchildren were the casket bearers were in error. It was a beautiful day, for his funeral on Friday, Feb. 27th at so we had a good turnout of singers Morningside Lutheran Church. and a nice post-concert reception. On our way back, we stopped in Rochester for supper, hitting Country Buffet at their busy hour. Then we made another stop, at Stewartville, to visit Earl Hoff and sing a few songs for him and other residents of the care facility where he was living. The next day he was to move to a facility a bit closer to his Preston MN home. That stop meant a lot to him and his family as well as to us, his fellow-singers. Posters are up for our upcoming joint concert with the Norsemen from Luther College, assignments for the Charlotte Fagerhaug evening’s refreshments are out, and Mar.-Apr. 2009 SANGER-HILSEN 9 the rehearsals are going well for our has not sung in any concerts yet, but joint concert with the Norsemen from that will happen soon. Luther College. We will have Viking Ardwin was born at St. Lucas on a Voices from Decorah’s Middle School farm. He was the 7th of 14; he has 10 and an award-winning male quartet brothers and three sisters. He attended from Decorah High School sharing the St. Lucas parochial school for 12 their talents with us at Decorah years and added two years at Loras Lutheran Church on Mother’s Day, College. He sang in the parish choir May 10th at 7 p.m. It promises to be a at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St,. fun evening, with up toward 200 Lucas, and in the choir at Our Lady of voices altogether. Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in On May 30 we will go to Mankato Lawler IA. He also plays accordion, MN to sing for their Sons of Norway having bought one while in service in lodge. On June 4, we will return to La Germany between World War II and Crosse WI upon an invitation from the Korean conflict. their Sons of Norway lodge, and June 7th we will sing a concert for Zalmona Presbyterian Church, located between Decorah and Waukon, where Luren member Tom Burrish serves as pastor. Another Luren member Loren Hartley has invited us back to his home congregation, Mt. Hope Presby- terian Church, for a concert June 28. That’s the schedule before the County Fair in early July and Nordic Fest at the end of July. Speaking of Nordic Fest, the dates for this year are July 23-25. The Ardwin Reicks theme is “Nordic deLites,” with special emphasis on the Sami culture Ardwin married Edna Blong in of North Norway. The women’s 1955 at Mt. Carmel Church. They chorus “Northern Lights,” which had have five sons and 14 grandchildren. its beginning in connection with our One son died in 2008 of cancer. 1996 Sangerfest in Decorah, will be Ardwin sings second tenor. He first on the Nordic Fest schedule for the heard Luren sing in Des Moines when first time. Several Luren wives sing we took part in the special festivities in the group, which has grown to over of the Sesquicentennial of the State of 60. Iowa. That was in December 1996! By the way, the “Northern Lights” We have another prospective spring concert will be April 19th at member, who moved to Decorah from 7:00 p.m. at Decorah Lutheran Church Denver CO last December. I’ll give a Dean Fisher invited Ardwin Reicks report on him in the next issue. to come along to rehearsal and Don Berg, Corr. Sec. become a new member of Luren. Ardwin is not yet in uniform, so he Mar.-Apr. 2009 SANGER-HILSEN 10 MINNEHAHA MANDSKOR week met with a new candidate who Sioux Falls SD stayed on and directed us for our It’s been a lo-o-ong winter,13-14- entire rehearsal. It seemed like a good 15 below zero in March!! match. He’s a choir director in a local We enjoyed Kirk Preheim’s annual high school and mentioned we were fish feed. I can’t tell you how go-o-od better behaved than some of his kids. the shrimp, catfish and cajon This week he came early only to vegetables were. Thanks, Kirk! announce he had forgotten rehearsals We have been short some from a summer theater project were snowbirds, but we have been working also on Tuesday nights. Oh well, on numbers for the Sioux Valley back to step one. Our accompanist, Sangerfest. We have two concerts June Taylor, is still doing an coming up. On April 6th we sing at admirable job with double duties, and Trail Ridge Retirement Center and on we appreciate her help more and April 27th at the Good Samaritan more. Assisted Living Center. For February our regular rehearsals We start joint rehearsals for Sioux continued but the main activity was Valley Sangerfest with Norse Glee preparing for the combined Club hosting the first rehearsal on Valentine’s Day Party and Women’s March 30th, Sioux City on April 13th, Anniversary Dinner (Feb. 14th). We and Mandskor on May 4th. It is had a delicious Steamboat Round of always enjoyable to get together with Beef with all the fixings for dinner. all the guys. The Chorus sang a short program with Our outing weekend to Minneapolis a sing-along section that was well is May 16-17. We will attend received. A five-piece Country band “Phantom of the Opera” and enjoy was also on the program so the Syttende Mai services at Mindekirken. evening ended with dancing the night We are looking forward to the away (until 8:45pm at least). return of our snowbirds to fill the March brought more rehearsals and ranks; we have missed you. also our Semi-annual Sven, Patrik and Respectfully, Miracle of the Corned Beef Robert Stenberg, Corr. Sec. Celebration. On Saturday, March 14th, (not to be confused with St. HARMONY SINGING SOCIETY Patrick’s Day - March 17th) most of Rockford IL the Chorus gathered early to chop From reading the other Chorus cabbage, peel potatoes, open cans of reports from Sanger-Hilsen, it appears carrots and trim the beef slabs to our that we were not the only Chorus Cook’s exacting specifications. battling the elements this winter. Hundreds of pounds of vegetables Thank goodness the bulbs and other and meat were then boiled to perennials are starting to poke their perfection and served to the public heads up here and there. cafeteria style. Horseradish was the The end of March finds us still condiment of choice. This event is a looking for a new director, but we fund-raiser for the Chorus and we thought we were very close. We had were expecting about 130 people to more interviews, and finally just last attend. We managed to serve about Mar.-Apr. 2009 SANGER-HILSEN 11 253 and we actually had potatoes and member of our second tenor section. cabbage left over. Not quite a miracle Jack recently retired after 16 years as but still quite an accomplishment. Administrator of the Badger Prairie Looking forward to April, we have Health Care Center in Verona. New some singing engagements planned, member Roger Roloff and his wife, both in local retirement homes. The Jo, have been selected to be this year’s music committee has been thrashing King and Queen of the Syttende Mai around to develop more standardized celebration in Stoughton. This is the programs to use, yet still providing second consecutive year that a some variety and freshness. I’ll bet member of the Chorus and his wife that we are not the only chorus to deal have been so honored. with this problem. Then the month of Congratulations, Roger and Jo! May brings our turn again to serve Chorus President Steve Christenson Friday night dinners, I think maybe has been putting together the we should have Corned Beef and performance schedule for our spring Cabbage all five nights. and summer season. It looks like the +++ Chorus will be busy in the months Ole was having eye trouble, so he ahead. Also, the various Sangerfest went to see the optometrist. "Put this 2010 committees, under the leadership little gadget over your left eye, Ole," of Jon Lewis, are in full planning said the optometrist. "Now over the mode as Sangerfest is now only 12 right eye, over the left eye. No, Ole, I months away. As noted in the last said left eye. Now right . . . No Ole, edition of Sanger Hilsen, this current your right eye!" Completely confused, article and the accompanying photos Ole just looked at the optometrist. focus on Overture Hall, the site of "Now, Ole," the optometrist Sangerfest 2010’s Grand Concert. continued, "just remember which is The 2,251-seat Overture Hall is your left hand. OK, Ole, cover your designed and constructed for right eye . . . No Ole, that's your left exceptional acoustics and an intimate eye!" Finally in exasperation, the theater experience. The Hall hosts optometrist took a brown paper bag, large-scale musicals, concerts, cut a hole in it, put it over Ole's head, symphonies, and dance and theater and moved the hole back and forth events. Seating is arranged on five from the left eye to the right eye. levels including Orchestra, Circle, "Now, Ole," asked the optometrist, Mezzanine, and two balconies. Box "How is that?" "Vell, Doc, I guess it's seats line both sidewalls of the Hall. all right," said Ole. "But I vas vishing Site lines are enhanced by the pitch of I could have some wire rims like Sven balconies, the curve of rows, position has." of seats and configuration of Dan Lindberg, Corr. Sec. sidewalls. The materials and shapes in EDVARD GRIEG CHORUS Overture Hall were purposely Madison WI manipulated to influence how sound Two members of the Edvard Grieg reverberates and reflects inside the Chorus are making news. The Chorus space. As a result, the Hall delivers welcomes Jack Nelson as the newest Mar.-Apr. 2009 SANGER-HILSEN 12
Overture Hall, site of Sangerfest 2010’s Grand Concert rich, true sound throughout, reaching even to the back balcony. Perhaps the most dramatic aspect of the Hall is the concert organ that serves as the backdrop to the performance stage. Built in Germany by the firm of Orgelbau Klais Bonn, the 174- ton Overture Concert Organ with its 4,040 pipes is conveyed on railroad tracks to its storage space at the back of the stage when not in use. It is believed to be the heaviest movable object in any theater in the world. Our next article will highlight the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra that will accompany the combined choruses for the Grand Concert. Dick Johnston, Corr. Sec. Mar.-Apr. 2009 SANGER-HILSEN 13 LUREN HISTORY (Continued the college. He became a violinist in from previous issue) the college orchestra, a drummer in (First, some corrections of dates in the the Cornet Band, and played several previous report. The year of Luren’s selections on the piano for various reorganization and that first public events at the college that fall, concert was 1874, not 1974.) including one of his own When B. Anundsen moved his compositions entitled "Luther College newspaper operation from LaCrosse March." He soon organized a college to Decorah and began publication of singing group called Lorelei and was Decorah Posten in Sept. 1874, he probably the impetus for a student-led brought with him several key people movement to have “a permanent who helped the revival of Luren. instructor in music with a fixed salary One was Emil Berg, who became (as) a requisite of this school.” director and often was a soloist on the Carlo himself soon filled that role concert programs. He served until as a part-time instructor in music 1877, when he returned to LaCrosse. (singing) for 8 hours per week. What Others filled in for short periods, but his fixed salary may have been, who the membership and interest declined knows? But surely it helped cover his to the point that the precious banner college costs, which had been met in even had to be pawned to pay a bill part by contributions from the for rental of the rehearsal hall. By Norwegian Lutheran Church back in 1880 the group was back to just five Brooklyn. (His travel expenses via singers. But that became the seed for train from Brooklyn to Decorah had growth until a group of nine sang been paid by Sister Elizabeth Fedde, a again in May 1884 in the Steyer major figure in the Lutheran Opera House and used the same name Deaconess movement in Brooklyn and of Luren. later in Minneapolis.) Carlo must That year 1884 was a pivotal year have gotten involved with Luren by for Luren because that fall a young then, because in September 1886 he man from Brooklyn NY enrolled as a was elected an honorary member. He pre-theological student at Luther had been giving music lessons in the College. His name was Carlo A. Decorah community along with his Sperati, already an accomplished own studies at the college. As a musician, having been taught by his prospective pastor his tuition was free. father, Paolo A. Sperati, who had One wonders whether Carlo sang, come from Turin, Italy to Christiania, accompanied, or even directed Luren Norway, to be orchestra conductor at on occasion during those busy student the Christiania Theatre, especially for years. In any case, this was a prelude the operas being presented there. for a future long career with Luther Carlo was born the 8th child of Paolo College and the Luren Singing and his Danish-born first wife Marie Society. Nielsen on Dec. 29, 1860 in Carlo did find time to direct the Christiania (now Oslo). The Sperati choir at the Lutheran Church in years in Luren’s history would not Decorah (there was but one in town begin for another 20 or so years, but until the split over predestination in already Carlo had made his mark at the late 1880s.) He was also the Mar.-Apr. 2009 SANGER-HILSEN 14 The Norwegian Singers Association of America, Inc. Pacific Coast Norwegian Singers Association Club Membership Index
ILLINOIS CHICAGO Norwegian Glee Club Bjornson Male Chorus Rehearsal: Each Thursday evening at the Lutheran Church Rehearsals: Each Thursday 8:00 p.m. at V.F.W. Hall; of the Good Shepherd, 4801 France Ave. So., Edina, MN. Camfield and Higgins Road, Park Ridge, IL 60068. President: Herb Nelson, 4720 Larkspur Lane, Lake Elmo President: John Lee, 738 Bent Ridge Lane, Elgin, IL 60120, MN 55042-8541 (651)587-4819; Corresponding Secretary: tel. (847) 741-4210; Secretary: George Michals, 5236 Charles Engh, 7642 Prairie Flower Blvd., Chanhassen, MN Arlington Drive West, Hanover Park, IL 60103; Director: 55317, tel. (952) 4018838; Director: Carsten Slostad, 1065 Edwin Kramer, 32600 East Lane, Grayslake, IL 60030, tel. Portland Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104-7011; tel. (651) 291- (847) 546-2050. 8639. Normennenes Singing Society Rehearsal each Tuesday evening at 8PM (except July and August) at the Estonian House, P.O. Box 95, Lincolnshire, SOUTH DAKOTA IL 60069. tel: (847)537-8016. President: Thor Fjell, 1031 SIOUX FALLS W. Ogden Ave. #118, Naperville, IL 60563. tel: (630)369- Minnehaha Mandskor 4233, cell: (630) 479-4233, [email protected]. Rehearsal: Each Monday, 7:30 p.m. at Center For Active Corresponding Secretary: Truman Eddy, 50 W Medinah Generations, 2300 W. 46th St., Sioux Falls, SD. President: Road #105, Glendale Hts.,IL, 60139. tel (630)673-4385, Ray Ode, 3900 N. Six Mile Rd, Sioux Falls SD 57110. tel: [email protected]. Director: Charles Kessell, 6042 W. Grace (605)582-3438; Corr. Secretary: Robert Stenberg, 313 St., Chicago, IL 60634. tel: (773)481-5941, cell (773)858- Washington Ave., Dell Rapids, S.D. 57022; Director: Terry 5325, [email protected]. Walter, 2708 West Oak St., Sioux Falls, SD 57105, tel. ROCKFORD (605) 3390607,
Mar.-Apr. 2008 SANGER-HILSEN___ 15 PACIFIC COAST NORWEGIAN Ed Amundson, 29453 Culver Lane, tel. (541) 998-6329 [email protected]. SINGERS ASSOCIATION SALEM OFFICERS: Thorsmen President: Mark Agerter, 3850 Gilham Rd, Eugene, OR, Rehearsal: Each Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Holy Cross 97408, 541-685-0115, [email protected]; Vice President: Lutheran Church Annex, 1198 Lannsing Avenue North East, Erling Skaar, 2320 NW 96th St, Seattle, WA 98117, Salem, OR 97303. President: Robert Johnson, 16485 206787-4944, [email protected]; Secretary: Phil Oakdale, Dallas OR 97338; Secretary: Roger Vinyard, 4085 Overlund,11556 Shadow Ranch Rd, La Mesa, CA 91941, 47th Ave. NE, Salem OR 97305; Director: Peter Butler, tel. (619) 660-1125, [email protected] ; Treasurer: Orv 31869 Eastway, Lebanon, OR 97355, tel. (503) 259-2006, Sletten, 3087 Oakcrest Dr NW, Salem, OR 97304, tel. (503) [email protected]. 581-7099, [email protected] ; Marshal: Dan Moore, 210 Sunsine Acres Dr., Eugene, OR 97401, 541-425-6421, WASHINGTON [email protected]; Trustees: Washington - BELLINGHAM Denney Helseth, 10301 Interlaaken Dr. SW, Lakewood, WA Norwegian Male Chorus 98498, 253-588-2711, [email protected]; Oregon – Rehearsals every Tuesday eveing, 6:00 pm at the Norway Roger Ness, 3079 Stapp Dr, Eugene, OR 97408, tel. (541) Hall, 1419 North Forest St., Bellingham WA. President: 683-3359, [email protected] ; California –Howard Larry Peterson. tel. (360) 935-1110. Secretary: Jim Hansen, 149 Tharp Dr, Moraga, CA 94556, tel. (925) 376- Florence. Director: Steve Jensen, 2694 Goshen Rd., 7611. Bellingham, WA 98226, tel. (360) 966-3132, [email protected], cell phone 303-3919. CALIFORNIA EVERETT OAKLAND Norwegian Male Chorus Normanna Glee Club Normanna Hall, 2725 Oakes Avenue Rehearsal: Each Monday at 8:00 p.m., Bjornson Hall, 2258 Everett, Washington 98203 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, CA 94602. President: Howard Rehearsals are held every Wednesday evening, 7:30 p.m. at Hansen, 149 Tharp Drive, Moraga, CA 94556, tel. (510) Normanna Hall, 11665 Pointe Place, Anacortes, WA. 376-7611; ,Secretary: Robert Brewer, 15 Castle Park Way, 98221-8519; President: Claire Egtvedt, 5904 96th PI. SW, Oakland, CA 94611, tel. (510) 531-9684, Mukilteo, WA 98275, tel (425) 347-4944, chegtvedt01 [email protected]; Director: Dick Meyer, 3440 Adell @foxinternet.net; Secretary: Robert R. Larson, 1710 163rd Ct., Apt. 2, Oakland, CA 94602, tel. (510) 482-4714, St. S.E., Mill Creek, WA 98012, tel: (425) 379-8210, [email protected]. [email protected]; Director: Steve Jensen, 2694 Goshen SACRAMENTO Road, Bellingham, WA 98226, tel: (360) 966-3132, Nordik Sangkor [email protected]. Rehearsal: Second Sundays, 1 :30 p.m., at Advent Lutheran POULBSBO Church, 5901 San Juan Ave., Citrus Heights, CA. Contact Vestre Sund Mannskor person/director: Walter Braafladt. President: Walter Meets every Thursday, 7:30 p.m. at Grieg Hall, Sons of Braafladt, 4174 Dena Way, Sacramento, CA 95821, tel. Norway, 18891 Front St., Poulsbo, WA 98370. President: (916) 482-7919, [email protected]; Secretary: Rolf Stan Overby, 29311 Beach Dr., Poulsbo, WA 98370, tel: Owre, 145 Baxter Ave., Sacramento, CA 95818, tel: (916) (360) 779-2460; Secretary: Robert Ellerby, 1261 Cameo 925-8409; Director: Walter Blaafladt, 4174 Dena Way, Court, Poulsbo, WA 98370, tel: (360) 598.4831; Director: Sacramento, CA 95821, tel: (916) 4827919, Jan Parker Peterson, 21600 Port Gamble Rd., Poulsbo, WA [email protected]. 98370, tel: (360) 697-3277. SAN DIEGO SEATTLE San Diego Mannskor Norwegian Male Chorus Rehearsal schedule and location to be supplied. President: Rehearsal: Every Monday evening 7:30 p.m. Nordic David Krogh, 3470 Abbey Blvd., Chula Vista, CA (619) Heritage Museum, 3014 N.W. 67th Street, Seattle, WA 427-7602 [email protected]; Secretary: Jon Homerud, 98117. Officers: President: Don Baines, 9217 27th Ave. 3354 Bonica Woods Dr., Bnita, CA 91902 (619) 470-8745 NW, Seattle WA 98117, (206) 784-5245, [email protected]; Director: Joyce Olsen, 2991 Jacks [email protected]; Corresponding Secretary: Creek Place, Escondido, CA 92027, tel. (760) 735-6171, Kenneth Lake, 5003 NE 194th PI., Lake Forest Park WI [email protected]. 98155, (206) 362-5611, kennethlake@ comcast.net. SAN FRANCISCO Director: Dr. Alf Knudsen, 1513 Debrelon Lane, Mukilteo, Norwegian Male Chorus WA 98275, tel: (425) 347-2769, [email protected]. Rehearsal: Meets every Tuesday 7:00 p.m. at the Norwegian Skagit Valley Mannskor Club, 1900 Fell St., San Francisco, CA. President: Herleiv Rehearsal every Monday at 7:00 PM Fir-Conway Lutheran Storseter, 235 Brentwood Ave., San Francisco, CA 94103 Church, 18101 Fir Island Rd. Mt. Vernon Wa. 98273. tel: (415) 344-0204; Secretary: Mark Mathisen, 1601 Officers: President Alvin Stenslan, 11665 Pointe Place, Oakwood Dr., San Mateo, CA 94403 tel: (650) 574-2935, Anacortes Wa. 98221 tel. 360-558-1166. Secretary Dick [email protected]; Director: Rebecca Stein, 204 Tjersland, 17638 Greenacres Rd. Mount Vernon Wa. Roseann, Pittsburg, CA 94565, tel. (925) 432-1120, 98274360-428-4650. Director Steve Jensen, Bellingham [email protected]. WA, 98226 Cell phone 360-303-3919. OREGON TACOMA EUGENE Normanna Male Chorus The Norsemen Rehearsal: Each Monday 7:00 p.m., Gloria DeI Lutheran Rehearsal: Each Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Sonja Lodge #38, Church, 3315 South 19th Street, Tacoma, Wash. President: Sons of Norway, 710 McKinley, Eugene, OR 97402. Gene Wilson, 7620 98th Ave. SW, Lakewood WA 98498 President: Mike Bagaason, 2060 Bailey Hill Rd., Eugene, (253) 582-9249; Corresponding Secretary: Harold Jacobsen, OR 97405, tel. (541) 687-2562, [email protected]; 11111 - 18th Ave. E., Tacoma, WA 98445, tel: (253) 537- Secretary: Roger Ness, 3079 Stapp Dr. Eugene, OR 97408, 7106, [email protected]; Director: Jon Malmin, tel. (541) 505-7769, [email protected]; Director: Mar.-Apr. 2008 SANGER-HILSEN___ 16
congregation’s organist, which led to Seamen’s Church in Brooklyn and the his budding romantic relationship with Norwegian Lutheran Church may a young choir member, whom he have been factors as well. He is listed would eventually marry following his as being a factory worker while in graduation from the Norwegian Brooklyn in 1883-84, prior to Synod’s Luther Seminary, located at departure for Decorah. But he put his that time in Robbinsdale MN. musical skills to work also to earn I neglected to include how Carlo money and survive. spent the years between his departure The Sperati years with Luther from Norway and his years in College and Luren would not begin Brooklyn. He was busy at sea. He again until 1905. His career as a had chosen at age 17 to become a Lutheran pastor took him to the West seaman and had traveled on several Coast, following his ordination in ships to many parts of the world. 1891 upon a Call to Whatcom County, Some of his adventures were Washington. That same year Carlo influential in his decision to become a and Emma (Hoffoss) were married at pastor. One of his shipmates fell the Norwegian Synod Lutheran overboard and was lost. Carlo himself Church in Decorah. was almost “shanghaied” when in San (To be continued.) Francisco. Pastoral care in the