The St. Olaf Christmas Festival

Read an Update on the 2020 St. Olaf Christmas Festival

Steven Amundson leads the Massed Choirs and St. Olaf Orchestra.

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For many people, over several generations, the celebration of the Advent – Christmas – Epiphany season begins with the annual St. Olaf Christmas Festival, a century-old tradition of the college.

1912

begun as a musical program for the college community, planned and directed by F. Melius Christiansen, founder of the St. Olaf Music Department.

12,000

guests will attend the Festival concerts and special events.

500

student musicians will participate as members of the five Choirs and Orchestra.

Participating Ensembles

Massed Choirs of St. Olaf College

Each group participates individually and as part of a Massed Ensemble. Anton Armstrong ’78 is Artistic Director of the Festival and Conductor of the St. Olaf Choir. Tesfa Wondemagegnehu is conductor of the Chapel Choir and Viking Chorus. Therees Tkach Hibbard conducts the Manitou Singers. James E. Bobb leads the St. Olaf Cantorei.

The St. Olaf Orchestra, regarded as one of the finest collegiate orchestras in the United States, is conducted by Steven Amundson.

Visual Designer of the Festival is Christie Hawkins. Matthew Marohl is College Pastor and also serves on the artistic team.