Acclaimed Performers Bonnie and Michael Jorgenson to Perform June 28th at Palmyra Norwegian Lutheran Historical Community
Palmyra Township, Hector, MN (PRWEB) May 15, 2015 -- The Palmyra Norwegian Lutheran Historical Community is pleased to announce an upcoming concert at the community center. On Sunday, June 28, 2015, select works of Theodora Cormontan will be presented by Bonnie Jorgenson and her husband, Dr. Michael Jorgenson, Professor of Music at Gustavus Adolphus College. The Jorgenson’s will have returned from touring in Norway, and have also shared this historical and musical presentation at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. The Concert will begin at 2:00 p.m.
“We are thrilled to see this event take place at the old Palmyra church,” offered Pastor Charles Stewart, of Swedlanda Lutheran. “The Palmyra Norwegian Lutheran Historical Community has been working diligently for over five years to establish the church as a Norwegian historical and cultural center in south central Minnesota. Bonnie and Michael’s presentation of Theodora’s music meets both those objectives, and is an extraordinary way to invite the community to connect with one another, and explore their family’s history and the roots of this area.
Theodora Cormontan (b June 9, 1840, d October 26, 1922) was a Norwegian American pianist, music publisher and composer, and one of the very first Norwegian women to have her classical compositions published and widely performed. Additionally, she was the first woman to start a music publishing business in Norway. Theodora immigrated to the United States in 1887, ultimately residing in Sacred Heart, Minnesota. She worked with Pastor Parelius Ronglie in the 1890s and sometimes conducted the Palmyra Lutheran choir while she was a member of the Fort Ridgely and Dale congregation.
Theodora’s music uses harmonies, energy and creativity to reinvigorate those attending. The concert will be followed with refreshments of light Norwegian delicacies and coffee. All are invited to attend; Norwegian ethnicity is not required.
J Rodmyre Payfer, Palmyra Norwegian Lutheran Historical Community, +1 (612) 343-0700, [email protected]
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