Variety Editor- Colleen Coleman
This weekend, the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra (GSO) will be embarking on its 2026 winter regional tour of Minnesota, playing pieces such as “Hansel and Gretel Overture” by Engelbert Humperdinck and “Adoration” by Florence Price. They will be performing at 7 p.m. on Feb. 5th at Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna, 7 p.m. on Feb. 6th at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Woodbury, and at 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 7th at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Maple Grove. All concerts are free and open to the public.
Following their international tour to Ireland and Scotland last May-Term, members of GSO are looking forward to sharing their music once again.
“I think it would be easy to say that right now, Minnesota communities need a little bit of music to come together. I’ve always believed that few things can create healing on a level quite like art does,” Junior violinist Jamy Randrup said.
This year’s tour features classics such as Humperdinck’s “Hansel and Gretel Overture” and Jean Sibelius’ “Finlandia.” Humperdinck’s overture to the opera Hansel and Gretel features a balance between flowing, smooth legato lines and bright brass fanfares.
“My favorite piece is ‘Hansel and Gretel’ by Humperdinck. I like this piece because the brass has really cool parts, but also the trumpets have a unique fanfare near the beginning. I really like the variety that [Dr. Knoepfel] has picked for us, it is a good amount of new music, and music we already know, making it easier to learn the new pieces with the new semester,” Junior trumpet player Anika Smuts said.
The familiar, comforting melody of ‘Finlandia’ will warm audiences with its contrast between wind and string sections.
“Whether it’s the spine-tingling brass in “Finlandia” or the “defying gravity” moments in [Highlights from] Wicked’, this program is resilient.”
“One of the experiences I am most looking forward to is the transition from the haunting, almost sadistic energy of Mussorgsky’s ‘Night on Bald Mountain’ and the restorative, quiet beauty of Florence Price’s ‘Adoration,’” Associate Professor of Music and director of GSO Dr. Justin Knoepfel said.
Price was a black female symphonic composer whose music was not widely accepted into the musical space in the decades following her passing in 1953. Originally written for organ, “Adoration” was one of the final pieces she wrote.
“We are particularly excited to share the work of Florence Price. For too long, her voice was sidelined in the classical world, and bringing her lush, soulful melodies on the road feels like a vital connection between our history and our future,” Knoepfel said.
Touring is an important part of the Music department as it connects student musicians with new audiences, going beyond the classroom.
“After going on our tour in May to Ireland and Scotland, I am really excited to go on one again, even if it is just for a few days. I think a lot of bonding happens with the late nights we have, preparing for concerts, having meals before or after, or even just sitting on the bus with the same people each day,” Smuts said.
“When we take the stage for this concert, we aren’t just playing notes; we’re inviting you into a shared space of reflection and high-octane energy,” Knoepfel said.
Join the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra on their 2026 winter regional tour of Minnesota and listen to the thrilling music of Engelbert Humperdinck, Florence Price, and others. They will be performing at 7 p.m. on Feb. 5th. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna, 7 p.m. on Feb. 6th. at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Woodbury, and at 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 7th at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Maple Grove. All concerts are free and open to the public. “I’d encourage any Gusties who are available to spend a little time off-campus away from the stress of the semester and enjoy some beautiful music,” Randrup said.