The Gustavus Philharmonic Orchestra, Justin Knoepfel, conductor
Under the direction of Dr. Justin Knoepfel, the Gustavus Philharmonic Orchestra will present its spring concert in Jussi Björling Recital Hall on Saturday, April 12. The concert, which includes 3 works for string ensemble composed in the 20th century, will begin at 1:30 p.m. It will be presented free and open to the public.
Saturday’s concert by the 27-member string ensemble will open with one of the most well-known symphonic works of the 20th century, Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings and will continue with Estonian composer Arvo Pärt’s 1991 composition Silouan’s Song: “My soul yearns after the Lord….” Following a short pause, the ensemble will conclude the performance with Dmitri Shostakovich’s 5-movement Chamber Symphony in C minor, Op. 110a.
The Gustavus Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Dr. Justin Knoepfel, is an orchestra that focuses mostly on Baroque and Classical era repertoire. Generally, the orchestra is comprised of strings, occasionally adding winds, brass, and percussion for various repertoire. Members of the orchestra are admitted by audition at the beginning of the academic year and present fall and spring concerts along with occasional participation in worship services in Christ Chapel.
Dr. Justin Knoepfel, assistant professor of music, joined the Gustavus music faculty in 2009. He teaches violin, violin, music theory, string techniques, in addition to conducting the Gustavus Philharmonic Orchestra. He is a graduate of Luther College with a degree in violin performance. He earned his Master of Music degree in viola and his Doctorate of Musical Arts degree in viola performance and a secondary emphasis in music theory at the University of Minnesota’s School of Music.
Saturday’s performance by the Gustavus Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Conductor Justin Knoepfel, will begin at 1:30 p.m. in Björling Recital Hall. This performance is free and open to the public.