Abstract The Augustana Choir was formed in 1931 under the direction of Henry Veld, who merged Augustana College's two choral groups, the Wennerberg Chorus and the Orioles, into one group. The choir made its first appearance 18 March 1931 during a concert at Orchestra Hall in Chicago and became an immediate success. Since its debut, the Choir has performed all over the United States and has made appearances in Canada, Europe, and China. The Choir has made numerous recordings and has performed on both...

Abstract The Handel Oratorio Society is a choral society composed of Quad City community members and local college students. It began in 1880 under the name Augustana Handel Oratorio Society and was founded by former Augustana College president, Olof Olsson. The Society is most famous for its Christmas season performance of George Frederic Handel's Messiah, which was first performed 12 April 1881. Charles Wuorinen's piece, The Celestial...