About
Mesabi: "The Sleeping Giant" Symphony
Goodman Auditorium
Since 1917 The Goodman Auditorium has stood as a haven for the arts on The Range and on June 6th it will be closed forever. Before that happens however, several organizations and Rock Ridge High School have commissioned a four-piece symphony orchestra that pays tribute to the history of The Range which was composed by Dr. Rene Clausen.
The symphony will be taking place on May 20th and will be the last concert performed at The Goodman Auditorium. The symphony that will be performed will have 4 movements that will take the audience on a journey through the history of The Range:
- "The Land Awakens"
- "The Settling Years"
- "The Mines"
- "Forging a Way Forward"
The Musicians
Orchestra: (Artistic Director/Conductor - Mr. Benjamin Nilles) Mesabi Symphony Orchestra and Members of the Rock Ridge High School Orchestra.
Farewell to Goodman Symphony Chorus: (Chorus Master - Mr. Matthew Krage);
featuring local community singers, Virginia High School Choirs, and Virginia High School Alumni.
About Dr. Rene Clausen
René Clausen is an American composer and conductor. Described as ‘eloquent,’ ‘subtle and thought-provoking,’ Clausen’s music is known for its dramatic, emotional sweep and highly sensitive approach to text setting.
Clausen’s catalogue includes dozens of commissioned works for chorus, orchestra, chorus with orchestra, wind band and the stage. Notable large format works include the 9/11 tribute MEMORIAL and the evening-length oratorio The Passion of Jesus Christ. Notable a cappella works include Mass for double choir (featured on the Kansas City Chorale’s Grammy-winning Life and Breath: Choral Works by René Clausen), and the choral cantata A New Creation, which includes ‘Set Me as a Seal,’ performed widely by choirs of all ability levels of across the country.