Torkelson retiring from Wartburg

Oct. 21, 2008

WAVERLY, Iowa — Dr. Paul A. Torkelson, director of the Wartburg Choir for the past 25 years, is retiring from his position at the college.

Torkelson, a 1976 Wartburg graduate, has been professor of music and Patricia R. Zahn Chair in Choral Conducting. Under his direction, the choir has received widespread critical acclaim. A Washington Post review in 2004 described its “enthralling concert” at the Kennedy Center under the headline, “A mighty fortress of skill.”

In addition, the choir made eight European tours as well as two trips to South Africa with the renowned opera singer and Wartburg professor and artist-in-residence Simon Estes. In December 2006, the choir also sang with the Czech National Symphony in Prague.

Torkelson had been on leave from Wartburg since June at MidAmerica Productions in New York City where he will continue to work, arranging concerts at Carnegie Hall and conducting. He also will be chorus master for operatic performances at its Festival of the Aegean next July on the Island of Syros in Greece.

Wartburg Interim President William E. Hamm said, “Only four conductors have led the Wartburg Choir, and our challenge will be to find the person who can take this ensemble to the next level of excellence --- just as Paul and his predecessors have done. We are committed to doing just that.”

“Wartburg is in a good position to continue the tradition of choral excellence with the next director,” said Dr. Karen Black, chair of the Department of Music. “The college will be looking for someone who can build on the long history of the choir and continue its success. Choral music is so important in the ethos of the Lutheran colleges and will continue to be at Wartburg.”

After a long and satisfying journey at Wartburg, Torkelson is pleased where he sees the music program as he disembarks.

“I have seen the program grow from two to five choirs and have seen the department grow from approximately 50 majors to 150. I feel that I have had the opportunity to pay Wartburg College back for my undergraduate education, and would like to finish when the program is strong so we can attract an outstanding group of candidates to consider conducting at Wartburg.”

“We are very grateful for Paul's 25 years with the Wartburg Choir and the resulting growth of the choir program, said Dr. Ferol Menzel, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty. “Dr. Torkelson has brought energy and musicianship to the Lutheran choral tradition that has thrilled audiences all over the world.

“Not only has he assisted students with their musical skills,” she added, “but he has introduced hundreds of students to the arts and culture of the world, traveling with them to the major capitals of Europe and to South Africa.”

Dr. Weston Noble, professor emeritus at Luther College, where he taught for 57 years, has been conducting the Wartburg Choir and Ritterchor on an interim basis as well as working with the music department faculty in coordinating Christmas with Wartburg.

Torkelson had directed the Wartburg Choir since 1984 and Ritterchor since 2002. He received his Master of Music degree from Kansas State University and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Colorado.

Black said, “Dr. Torkelson has a passion for music, teaching, and Wartburg, which was evident in his work with the choir. He was able to bring out the best in his singers, and led them to achieve the highest level of musical excellence. When he became a professor here he stepped into a fine choral program, which he had experienced as a student at Wartburg. He then built on this tradition, furthering the reputation of the ensemble through international concert tours and performances in some of the finest concert halls in the country.”

She added, “Paul was just a good person to work with. He was positive, endlessly energetic, and supportive of others.”

Torkelson leaves with many fond memories.

“I will always be grateful for the support the Choir has received, and the opportunities provided to me by members of the Wartburg Choir and members of the Wartburg community.”

His most powerful moment occurred after a concert in St. Cloud, Minn.

“The choir had sung very musically, and I was especially pleased with the concert,” Torkelson said. “We had just finished singing ‘Give Me Jesus,’ and as I left the church, a woman in a wheelchair grabbed my arm, pulled me down to her and simply told me, ‘I'm not afraid to die anymore.’

“I wasn't prepared for her remarks, and was overwhelmed by her honesty and her faith. Music is a powerful tool, and it speaks very powerfully to so many people and is even more powerful when performed together by so many young and talented voices.”

Torkelson also has directed the Metropolitan Chorale and the Chancel Choir at Zion Lutheran Church, both in Waterloo.

Meistersinger All-State Music Camps in August at Wartburg will continue to be directed by Torkelson. The camps introduce high school vocalists and music teachers to music for the Iowa All-State vocal auditions. Individual and group vocal lessons also are available.