Augustana Heritage Festival

Midland University will host the Augustana Heritage Association Festival which will highlight the legacy and lessons of the Lutheran Augustana Synod founded by Swedish immigrants to America. It will include music from the Swedish award-winning artist Christina Nilsson and a Special International General Session with the Swedish Ambassador to the U.S. Bjorn Lyrvall, along with the internationally acclaimed Swedish Ringmasters Quartet, and Nebraska’s own Pathfinder Chorus.

The three-day event, which is open to the community, will celebrate the Swedish Augustana congregations and agencies of the region, legacies, and current ministries with international cuisine, live entertainment, and global festivities. Those interested can register for the entire weekend, or the Commuter Day on Saturday by visiting MidlandU.edu/AHA.

As part of the celebration, on Saturday, the community is invited to the Special International General Session from 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. This international celebration will feature an appearance by Swedish Ambassador to the U.S. Bjorn Lyrvall. The session will also feature music by the Ringmasters Quartet, the 2012 International Quartet Champions from Sweden, and the Nebraska Pathfinder Chorus. Tickets for the Special International General Session can be purchased at the door for $20.

At 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, a special evening concert will feature acclaimed Swedish performers Christina Nilsson and Thomas Rudberg. Nilsson, the winner of the 2014 Jenny Lind Scholarship, is an award-winning musician who has performed at numerous prestigious venues, including the Royal Palace in Stockholm. Rudberg is an internationally known chamber musician and soloist who has toured across Europe and the United States. Admittance to the evening concert is also $20, and tickets can be purchased at the door.

The Augustana Heritage Association Festival will begin on the Midland University campus at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and will run through Sunday at Noon. For a complete listing of the events and more information, including how to register online, please visit MidlandU.edu/AHA.