Renowned baritone to give ‘Songs of War’ recital at Luther: Stephen Swanson guest recital Oct. 28 at Jenson-Noble Recital Hall

Stephen Swanson, baritone music professor at the University of Iowa, will give a recital titled “Was My Brother in the Battle?  Songs of War,” Sunday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. in the Jenson-Noble Recital Hall on the Luther College Campus.  

The event is open to the public and free of charge.

Swanson’s repertoire for the recital is composed of war-themed songs by composers such as Stephen Foster, Charles Ives and Bob Dylan.  Familiar pieces to be sung at the recital include “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “Masters of War” and “Was My Brother in the Battle?”  David Gompper, professor of music and director of the Center for New Music at the University of Iowa, will accompany Swanson on piano.

Swanson has appeared in 91 roles in operas, operettas and musicals.  He has recorded Mendelssohn’s “St. Paul” and Ullmann’s “Der Kaiser von Atlantis,” and has an extensive concert repertoire ranging from baroque to avant-garde.

Swanson, a Minneapolis native, holds the bachelor’s degree in music from North Park College in Chicago and the master’s degree in music from Northwestern University in Chicago.  Swanson’s acclaimed baritone sound has gained attention from around the world, and his war-themed recital is designed to touch all who attend.