معرفی
Anton Armstrong serves as the Harry R. and Thora H. Tosdal Professor of Music and Conductor of the St. Olaf Choir at St. Olaf College, holding this position since 1990 and establishing himself as the longest-tenured conductor in the ensemble's 112-year history. He concurrently directs the Oregon Bach Festival Stangeland Family Youth Choral Academy and serves as Artistic Director of the St. Olaf Christmas Festival, which features 600 student musicians across five choral ensembles and the St. Olaf Orchestra.
His educational background includes a bachelor's degree from St. Olaf College, a Master of Music from the University of Illinois, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from Michigan State University.
Dr. Armstrong specializes in choral conducting and music education, with significant contributions to multicultural choral literature through editorial work for Earthsongs Publications and Augsburg Fortress Publishers. His expertise spans vocal performance pedagogy and the development of choral repertoire for diverse ensembles.
Major honors include:
- Robert Foster Cherry Award for Great Teaching (2006)
- Saltzman Award from Oregon Bach Festival (2013)
- Regional Emmy Award (2014)
- Honorary Life Membership in National Collegiate Choral Organization (2021)
- Distinguished Legacy Award from University of Illinois (2022)
As an educator, Armstrong has mentored generations of musicians through the St. Olaf Choir and Christmas Festival, while maintaining active roles in national organizations including Chorus America (serving as National Board Chair) and The Choristers Guild. His leadership extends to developing youth choral programs and fostering international collaborations.
Current initiatives include conducting engagements at Carnegie Hall and Schermerhorn Symphony Center during the 2023-24 season, with the St. Olaf Choir's inaugural South Africa tour scheduled for June 2024.
