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A rediscovered opera - brought back to life after 115 years
In 1910, the Norwegian-American immigrant composer Gerard Tonning (1860-1940) debuted his first opera, the Norwegian-language Viking drama Leif Erikson at the Moore Theatre in Seattle. With financial help from the Sons of Norway Leif Erikson Lodge and the local Norwegian immigrant community, this opera telling the stories of Leif Erikson's voyage to Vinland in the year 1001 came to life on stage, only to be forgotten again for the next century.
The Northwest Edvard Grieg Society (in collaboration with Puget Sound Concert Opera) will present a series of concerts in October 2025 that brings Steven Luksan's reconstruction of the opera Leif Erikson back to the stage for contemporary audiences.
These performances are part of a broader initiative - "Crossings200" - recognizing the 200th anniversary of the beginning of Norwegian mass migration to North America. October 9th is officially "Leif Erikson Day", and it's also exactly 200 years to-the-day from when the sailing ship Restauration landed in New York harbor, carrying 53 Norwegians to their new lives in the New World. We reflect upon centuries of migration to North America and its impact on subsequent generations as we resurrect this opera in 2025.
Look for Steven Luksan's forthcoming articles about Gerard Tonning and the opera Leif Erikson for more information about this fascinating piece of history.
Image Credits:
Banner Image - Viking Ship on Lake Washington via HistoryLink.org: https://www.historylink.org/file/20773
Portrait of Tonning: Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Tues., September 12th, 1905
Christiansen's Centennial Cantata
Also on the program is an iconic work by F. Melius Christiansen, the fabled director of the St. Olaf Choir from 1912-1944. Composed in honor of the 1925 celebration of the Norwegian-American immigration centennial, this work will be brought to life by a chorus of professional and amateur musicians from the Puget Sound region.
Image: WikiMedia Commons
Want to be a part of the chorus for this project?
Contact the NW Edvard Grieg Society at info@nwegriegsociety.org
Participation Details
We welcome volunteer singers of any ability to join our chorus for the Cantata.
Rehearsal Dates at Ballard First Lutheran Church
Singers must be available for multiple performances and rehearsals.
Wed. 9/24 @ 7pm
Mon. 9/29 @ 7pm
Wed. 10/1 @ 7pm
Sun. 10/5 @ 4pm (Required Rehearsal
Tues. 10/7 @ 6:30pm (Dress Rehearsal - Required)
Performance Dates at Venues throughout King County
Thursday, October 9, 2025 - 7pm @ venue in south King County (TBD)
Friday, October 10, 2025 - 7pm @ Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, Bellevue, WA
Sunday, October 12, 2025 - 2pm @ Ballard First Lutheran Church, Seattle, WA
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