This week, Swedish conductor Herbert Blomstedt flew into Michigan to visit the Andrews University campus. Maestro Blomstedt is a highly acclaimed conductor with past experience as the Principal Conductor for the San Francisco Symphony, Norrköping Symphony, Swedish Radio Symphony, Danish National Symphony Orchestra, Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, and more. He has been awarded four Grammys along with the Koussevitzky Conducting Prize and is considered to be one of the top conductors of Beethoven in the world. While at the age of 94 and technically “retired” Blomstedt continues to conduct symphonies around the globe with his devout Sabbath-keeping rule of not holding rehearsals on Friday nights or Saturdays.
On Tuesday night, Blomstedt conducted the orchestra during rehearsal—a consistent tradition with his visits to the campus—and on Wednesday afternoon, led the choir in a masterclass. Simon Luke Brown (violin performance, junior) who is a part of both the University Singers and the orchestra said of his experience working with Blomstedt, “Maestro Blomstedt is an inspiring presence who brought me inspiration in his craft, joy in his attitude, and hope in his words. The privilege we had by his visiting us is immeasurable. His example as a musician, person, and Christian is phenomenal.”
On Wednesday evening, Blomstedt gave a talk in the Seminary Chapel that was open to students to the Music department and the rest of the local community. Speaking on his experience as an Adventist working in the music field, he described the many miracles that occurred in his life which allowed him to get where he is today. From conflicts with the secular conducting world and with his own Sabbath-keeping practices, to his origin story of what brought him to music instead of the seminary path, Blomstedt painted a brilliant picture of dedication to both his craft and to God. Grace No (English, sophomore) said of the talk, “It was so cool being able to hear such a famous composer speak, it's amazing because he is widely renowned in many music circles and has worked with such prestigious symphonies. Blomstedt’s seminar was both informative and entertaining and I felt very lucky to be able to hear his stories that I might not have been able to. I only wish it could have gone on longer!”
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.