Weekend Arts Preview: Swedish Fiddling to Soloists from the Minn. Orchestra

This week’s concert rundown includes artists from across the Midwest and beyond. Thursday night features the young Swedish fiddlers of Vikarbyns Lilla Spelmanslag, while faculty member John Engebretson presents saxophone solo works on Friday evening. Dr. Ruth Lin leads the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra with soloists John Snow (oboe) and Peter McGuire (violin) of the Minnesota Orchestra Saturday afternoon. Monday brings the finale concert of the Björling Music Festival featuring more than 250 high school students.

Swedish Folk Music: Vikarbyns Lilla Spelmanslag
7:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 1
Cec Eckhoff Alumni Hall

This vibrant group of young fiddlers from the music school in Rattvik, Sweden are touring the United States presenting music from the Dalarna region. They will be performing in traditional costume, and the repertoire also includes a variety of traditional folk music from various countries including Iceland and America. This concert is free and open to the public.

Faculty Recital: John Engebretson, Saxophone
7:30 p.m.
Friday, November 2
Björling Recital Hall

The Department of Music presents saxophonist and Gustavus faculty member John Engebretson in concert. Engebretson will perform a wide variety of pieces ranging from standards such as Jacques Ibert’s “Concertino De Camera” to more contemporary works like Barry Cockcroft’s “Rock Me!”. Engebretson will be accompanied by Esther Wang on piano. This concert is free and open to the public.

Gustavus Symphony Orchestra Fall Concert
1:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 3
Björling Recital Hall

The Gustavus Symphony Orchestra Fall Concert features Minnesota Orchestra Principal Oboe John Snow and Principal Second Violin Peter McGuire as soloists on Bach’s Concerto for Oboe and Violin. The ensemble will close the program with Brahms’ Symphony No. 4. This performance is free and open to the public and will be livestreamed.

Björling Music Festival Finale Concert
7 p.m.
Monday, November 5
Christ Chapel

More than 250 high school students from across the midwest will descend upon Gustavus for the 30th annual Björling Music Festival this weekend. Following two days of intensive rehearsals, masterclasses, and workshops, the finale concert features performances by the two high school honors bands, honor choir, and honor orchestra. This performance is free and open to the public and will be livestreamed.