Northwestern music department to host Dutch organist, present showcase

Northwestern College will host Dutch organ soloist Arjan Breukhoven for a guest recital on Saturday, Sept. 24, at 7 p.m. in Christ Chapel. The event is free and open to the public.

Breukhoven is an award-winning organist, choral director and composer from the Netherlands. He regularly tours in Europe, the United States and Australia, and he last performed at Northwestern in 2016. His Orange City performance will feature Christ Chapel’s 45-stop, 56-rank tracker action pipe organ, constructed by the world-renowned organ builder Jan Van Daalen.

On Oct. 1, the Northwestern music department will present its fall music showcase at 7 p.m. in Christ Chapel as part of Raider Nation Celebration. The concert will consist of music from Northwestern’s Orchestra, Symphonic Band, A cappella Choir, Women’s Choir and Heritage Singers, as well as a performance by alumni band members. Competitive music scholarship winners will also be featured. The event is free and open to the public with a reception to follow in the DeWitt Learning Commons.

The ensembles will perform a variety of pieces, including Ola Gjeilo’s “Still” performed by the A cappella Choir; “With Drooping Wings” from Henry Purcell’s opera “Dido and Aeneas” performed by the Heritage Singers; Dan Forrest’s “Good Night, Dear Heart” performed by the Women’s Choir; Vittorio Monti’s “Csárdás” performed by the Orchestra; and a sampling of Boris Kozhevnikov’s “Symphony No. 3” performed by the Symphonic Band. Former NWC band directors Dr. Tim McGarvey and Dr. Ronald Toering will serve as guest conductors during the band performances.

“The fall music showcase is a highlight of our concert year and gives each ensemble a chance to share their work after several weeks of rehearsal,” says Dr. Thomas Holm, music department chair. “We are also looking forward to our reunion with band alumni and longtime band directors.”

For more information, contact Blair Lansink at 712-707-7062 or blair.lansink@nwciowa.edu.

Northwestern’s music department has a tradition of dynamic performances, outstanding faculty and standout educational experiences in an environment committed to glorifying God. Students can audition for one or more of 10 ensembles, having the opportunity to tour around the world and perform in the award-winning Christ Chapel.