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Fall 1997, Vol. 60, No. 1

Masterworks Chorale and Orchestra
perform in world premiere

By Julie Hogan
Staff Writer

The Masterworks Chorale and Orchestra along with 20 other soloists will perform "Fange og fri," a Norwegian opera by Egil Hovland, for the first time in English this fall.

Gracia Grindal, professor of rhetoric at Luther Seminary and translator of the opera, came up with the idea of translating "Fange og fri," now titled "Captive and Free," into English. Grindal took the opera to Peter Hendrickson, director of Choral Music Activities. Asking the Masterworks Chorale and Orchestra to be involved in the world premiere was a natural progression in the planning.

"Even though Augsburg now represents many other cultures and ideologies, its roots tap into Norwegian culture. And that connection between Augsburg and the movement in the church during the early 19th century needs to be renewed and refreshed occasionally. Just to remind people of those roots and the good that has come from it," mentioned Grindal.

"Masterworks Chorale is just perfect. Because it's connected to Augsburg and Augsburg is part of the free Lutheran Church. The Chorale is also very good," says Grindal.

"I was excited about the opportunity to present this wonderful work in the United States," said Hendrickson. "I have been to Norway to visit with the composer Egil Hovland, who will come to Minnesota this September for the premiere. We are honored to share this timeless story with audiences in Minnesota."

The opera is a musical vision inspired by the events in the life of lay preacher Hans Nielsen Hauge at the beginning of the 19th century. Hauge awakened discontent among peasants against the state and church, which quickly became disgruntled by his movements and teachings. He later was imprisoned for 10 years for breaking the Conventicle Act, which forbade gatherings without a pastor.

The libretto, which was written by Swedish writer Britt G. Hallqvist, is not a chronological or historic presentation of Hauge's life. The opera begins during Hauge's 10-year imprisonment. With that frame the opera moves back and forth in time throughout the nine scenes.

The opera premiered in Norway to national acclaim in 1995. It was commissioned by the Norwegian National Opera to commemorate the 1,000th year of Christianity in Norway.

Performances will be on Sunday, September 14 , 7:00 p.m., at Calvary Lutheran Church, Willmar, Minn., and on Friday, September 19, 7:30 p.m., at Ted Mann Concert Hall, Minneapolis, Minn. For more information and reservations, call (612) 330-1265.