The annual Family Weekend/Homecoming Showcase Concert at Gustavus Adolphus College is set for Sunday, October 8, beginning at 1:30 p.m. in Christ Chapel. This public concert features mini-performances by the Gustavus Choir, the Gustavus and Vasa Wind Orchestras, the Lucia Singers, the Gustavus Symphony and Philharmonic Orchestras. Sunday’s Showcase is presented in conjunction with Family Weekend, but is free and open to the public.
Following a tradition that stretches back several decades, the Department of Music showcases the talents of these major ensembles as a part of the Family Weekend schedule. This is the third year the department has assembled all six ensembles in one location for a series of mini-concerts. Each ensemble performs for 15 minutes, keeping the Showcase under two hours. The spacious setting in Christ Chapel allows for quick transitions from one ensemble to the next. Three other ensembles will be featured earlier in the day with the Choir of Christ Chapel, conducted by Travis Sletta, singing for morning worship in Christ Chapel and the Gustavus Jazz Lab Band and the Adolphus Jazz Ensemble, directed by Steve Wright, scheduled from 11:00 – 12:30 during brunch in the Evelyn Young Dining Center.
Sunday’s 1:30 p.m. Showcase opens with the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Warren Friesen. The Gustavus Choir and conductor Gregory Aune follow the orchestra. Conductor Douglas Nimmo and the Vasa Wind Orchestra will perform next, followed by the Lucia Singers and conductor Patricia Snapp. Sunday’s performance ends with performances by the Gustavus Philharmonic, conducted by Warren Friesen and the Gustavus Wind Orchestra and Douglas Nimmo.
Sunday’s Family Weekend/Homecoming Showcase Celebration Concert begins at 1:30 p.m. in Christ Chapel. This performance is free and open to the public.