Maestro Herbert Blomstedt to Visit Andrews

Blomstedt is a world-renowned Seventh-day Adventist conductor

Maestro Herbert Blomstedt (Photo by Martin Lee)

Andrews University is pleased to welcome world-renowned Seventh-day Adventist conductor Maestro Herbert Blomstedt to campus. Blomstedt is traveling from his residence in Lucerne, Switzerland, for his annual U.S. performance schedule including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra as well as a gracious visit to Andrews University.

In addition to working with students and faculty in the Department of Music and the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Maestro Blomstedt will present at two events open to the public. On Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 6:30 p.m., there will be an interactive lecture by Maestro Blomstedt as he discusses a video performance, when he conducted “Ein Deutsches Requiem” by Brahms with the Danish National Symphony and Chorus. The event will take place in Newbold Auditorium, Buller Hall. Light refreshments will be served in the lobby following this event.

Blomstedt will also conduct an open rehearsal with Chris Wild, conductor of the Andrews University Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra will rehearse Brahms’ “Academic Festival Overture” on Thursday, Feb. 14, from 7–8:30 p.m. (professional courtesy expected, but observers are not required to stay for the entire rehearsal). This event will take place in the Howard Performing Arts Center on the campus of Andrews University.

Both events are free and open to the public.

With a distinguished career spanning more than 60 years, Blomstedt is currently conductor laureate of the San Francisco Symphony and honorary conductor of the Bamberg Symphony, Danish National Symphony Orchestra, NHK Symphony, Swedish Radio Symphony and Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. He is most noted for his performances of German and Austrian composers, and he is a champion of Scandinavian composers. He delighted the music world by achieving his 90th birthday wish of conducting 90 performances during his 90th year.

Throughout his career Maestro Blomstedt has thoughtfully combined his faith and professionalism. He has generously shared his musical and spiritual inspiration with the Andrews University community on several occasions over the years. Carlos Flores, former chair of the music department and emeritus professor of music, remarks, “Maestro Blomstedt is a Christian musician held in high regard by musicians across the world, not only for his conducting career but for his spiritual ideals, as well. He has successfully upheld Christian principles while achieving extraordinary professional success.” Andrews University awarded Blomstedt an honorary Doctor of Music in 1978.