Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble to tour Washington and Oregon in March

Augustana's Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Michael Zemek, will embark on a performance tour March 20-23, 2026. The tour will kick off in Chicago, Ill., and then they will continue on to perform in Seattle, Wash., and Portland, Ore. They will also perform selections from their tour on April 25 on campus.

Students will participate in a vocal clinic in Seattle led by Beth Bonnecroy, one of the founders of the Mirinesse Women’s Choir. In Portland, students will hone in on their vocal skills with Joan Szymko, a well known American composer, whose compositions have been performed by the ensemble over the years.

Jenny Lind is a select treble ensemble for students who wish to develop advanced choral skills and better understand various styles of choral music composed for sopranos and altos. The choir performs on campus and at community events.

The Jenny Lind ensemble is named after Swedish opera singer Jenny Lind (1820-1887), known as the “Swedish Nightingale.” She was considered the finest coloratura of her day and is well regarded for her philanthropic concerns, offering financial support to the Augustana Lutheran Church, which ultimately formed the college bearing its name.

Tour performances

Friday, March 20, 2026, 7 p.m.
Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church
10805 Main St.
Huntley, IL 60142

Saturday, March 21, 2026, 7 p.m.
Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church
7500 Greenwood Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103

Monday, March 23, 2026, 7 p.m.
Augustana Lutheran Church
2710 NE 14th Ave
Portland, OR 97212