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Now Online bonus—links for further information Opera. Luther. You may have never thought to put the two together. But spend a few minutes with Kari Tikka or Gracia Grindal and you'll think differently. Their passion for the Luther production lets you know that this is something extraordinary. It highlights the remarkable story of Martin Luther, his struggles, loves, and all-out battles with Satan. The U.S., English-language premiere, will be at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Oct. 25-27. Kari Tikka, a conductor
with the Finnish National Opera, composed, conducts, and co-wrote the libretto
for Luther. Gracia Grindal ’65, professor of rhetoric at Luther
Seminary, serves as the translator and artistic director for the U.S. premiere.
Composed originally in Finnish, the production premiered in Helsinki, Finland,
to sold-out performances and excellent reviews in December 2000. Staging the U.S. premiere of Luther at Central Lutheran Church is no accident. The production was designed with Central specifically in mind. "I have visited Central many times while participating in past Reformation Festivals," said Tikka. "The congregational singing was tremendous. I had never heard anything like it! From 1996 on I had visions of creating something for Central. Luther is highly inspired by this wonderful church which is at its best when crowded with spirit-filled voices." Tikka had been thinking about a production on Martin Luther for quite some time and is convinced that Luther has a lot to say to those of us in the 21st century. "This theme—Luther—has been in my mind for more than 20 years," he said. "Luther's theology has been vitally important to me. Salvation is 100 percent God's gift. Faith, too, is a gift. After reading much of Luther I realized I had gone through similar trials and tribulations. I wrote this opera so that many would hear, see, and understand that God in his son Jesus has gone through all of our battles and won for us liberty." Unlike most operas, the audience is encouraged to sing along in Luther. Between scenes the audiences sing several of Luther's hymns. Congregational choirs will be "planted" throughout the sanctuary to lead the singing. Although Luther's theology and life story have been in print for nearly 400 hundred years, this is a first in the form of an opera. "Opera is a wonderful way to tell stories," said Tikka. "It's not only music. It's also theater. It's visual—lights, costumes, sets—and it's live. Opera can touch the mind and soul in ways that words alone cannot. At its best, opera can be psychoanalysis or pastoral care." Luther is the centerpiece of Luther Seminary's 2001 Reformation Festival. It is presented by Luther Seminary, Central Lutheran Church, Augsburg College, the Finnish National Opera, and Lutheran Brotherhood. Tickets can be ordered through
TicketWorks—$12.50 for general
admission, and $10 for students and seniors. Visit —Maria Thompson is director of communication at Luther Seminary.
Read more about Gracia Grindal's participation in Luther
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