Midland University to Host Augustana Heritage Association Festival

Midland University will host the Augustana Heritage Association Festival June 13-15.  The event will highlight the legacy and lessons of the Lutheran Augustana Synod founded by Swedish immigrants to America, under the theme “Prairie Roots, Global Impact”. 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.

“We are excited to have fellowship with great people from the Midwest, throughout the United States and Canada, and special guests from Sweden while reflecting upon Augustana’s prairie roots and rejoicing in the global impact that has been made,” said Rev. Dr. Bill Nelsen, Midland University Minister for Advancement and Church Relations. “The weekend will be filled with informative speakers, great food, wonderful entertainment, and inspirational worship services.”

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, June 14, by visiting MidlandU.edu/AHA.

As part of the celebration, on Saturday, June 14, 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, June 13 and will run through Sunday, June 15 at Noon. For a complete listing of the events and more information, including how to register online, please visit MidlandU.edu/AHA.