Apr 10, 2018
David Judisch
The Luren Singing Society and Sangerfest 2018

DRC Sponsor: Jim Morrow

Former Luther College professor and DRC member Dr. David Judisch has served as the Norwegian Singers Association of America (NSAA) Director-in-Chief of the local Luren Singing Society for the past 33 years. Dave will be sharing information with our members on the history of the Society and details of their 150th Anniversary Sangerfest in Decorah coming up in a few short weeks.

The Luren Singing Society has been singing together since 1868, when four Norwegian men started singing to quell their homesickness for Norway. The chorus later expanded by five or six singers and over time grew to its current compostion of over 70 members. The group has traveled around the country and has made multiple excursions to Scandanavia, including a dozen trips to Norway. The Luren Singing Society sang for King Olaf of Norway three different times and has sang for King Harold once at the palace in Oslo and three times in conjunction with the King's visits to Decorah.

In honor of it's 150th anniversary in 2018, the Luren Singing Society will host the 62nd Biennial Norwegian Singers Association of America Sangerfest (i.e., songs party) at the Luther College Center for Faith and Life from May 31 - Jun 2. Ten Midwest Norwegian American male choruses comprising the NSAA will gather to celebrate Norwegian and Scandinavian music and traditions with special concerts, banquets and tours. As an added bonus, the Brødreroster Male Chorus from Hamar, Norway, also will participate. The event culminates in the Grand Concert on Saturday evening when a mass chorus of over 250 voices will sing together with orchestra accompaniment.

More information on 2018 Sangerfest registration and ticket information may be found at www.nsaaonline.org/sangerfest.