With wings that I won in the passionate strivings of love
I shall mount to the light to which no sight has penetrated.
– Gustav Mahler
I shall mount to the light to which no sight has penetrated.
– Gustav Mahler
We mourn the passing of Minnesota Chorale founding conductor Robert Berglund, who died on September 24, 2024 at the age of 94. His distinguished career included 36 years as Professor of Music at Bethel College (now Bethel University) and 26 years as director of music at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.
Robert Berglund was a charismatic, visionary leader, who significantly impacted the choral landscape locally in the Twin Cities and nationally through his work with collegiate, church, and professional choirs. His founding of the Chorale in 1972 was rooted in his passion for large choral symphonic works and commitment to musical excellence. Minnesota Chorale Charter member Jon Lahann, wrote
"Bob saw the Chorale as a valuable asset to the Minnesota Orchestra’s need for a large, competent choir and started the long relationship between the two groups. He was unapologetic in his demands for excellence from his singers and inspired them to do their best. It’s a tribute to his insights, determination and the foundation that he laid that the Chorale has prospered for over 50 years."
In an 2008 interview with Peter Myers, Bob spoke about his own work as a conductor:
"Being a conductor of a choir, your success will be dependent not only on your musicianship and the technique that you can develop, but also your ability to influence people, to motivate people, to have a great experience with those people, utilizing the medium of choral music....from personal experiences – 36 years at the collegiate level, 40 years at the church choir level, and then a few years in between with groups on the outside like the Minnesota Chorale and so on – what an exciting life it is."
We are extremely grateful to Bob for his many contributions to the field and most especially, for his founding, support, and love of the Minnesota Chorale. His legacy continues on in our work and the many lives which he touched through choral music. We extend our deepest sympathy to the Berglund family as they celebrate his life and mourn his passing. May he rest in peace,
Kathy Saltzman Romey
Artistic Director
Dr. Berglund's obituary may be read here.
Robert Berglund was a charismatic, visionary leader, who significantly impacted the choral landscape locally in the Twin Cities and nationally through his work with collegiate, church, and professional choirs. His founding of the Chorale in 1972 was rooted in his passion for large choral symphonic works and commitment to musical excellence. Minnesota Chorale Charter member Jon Lahann, wrote
"Bob saw the Chorale as a valuable asset to the Minnesota Orchestra’s need for a large, competent choir and started the long relationship between the two groups. He was unapologetic in his demands for excellence from his singers and inspired them to do their best. It’s a tribute to his insights, determination and the foundation that he laid that the Chorale has prospered for over 50 years."
In an 2008 interview with Peter Myers, Bob spoke about his own work as a conductor:
"Being a conductor of a choir, your success will be dependent not only on your musicianship and the technique that you can develop, but also your ability to influence people, to motivate people, to have a great experience with those people, utilizing the medium of choral music....from personal experiences – 36 years at the collegiate level, 40 years at the church choir level, and then a few years in between with groups on the outside like the Minnesota Chorale and so on – what an exciting life it is."
We are extremely grateful to Bob for his many contributions to the field and most especially, for his founding, support, and love of the Minnesota Chorale. His legacy continues on in our work and the many lives which he touched through choral music. We extend our deepest sympathy to the Berglund family as they celebrate his life and mourn his passing. May he rest in peace,
Kathy Saltzman Romey
Artistic Director
Dr. Berglund's obituary may be read here.
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