Obituary: Music Director Robert Berglund Dies at 94

By Francisco Salazar

On. Sept. 24, 2024, Dr. Robert Berglund died at the age of 94.

Born on Feb. 17, 1930, Berglund dedicated his life to music. He studied at the University of Minnesota where he received a BS and MA and later received an Ed.D. from Colorado State College.

He began his career assisting conductor Antal Dorati and he prepared choirs for performances with the Minnesota Orchestra and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra

He later served as Professor of Music at Bethel College, where he was the Bethel Choir Conductor and Chairman of the Music Department from 1959 to 1995.

He was also the Director of Music at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church from 1969 to 1995 and in 1972 founded Minnesota Chorale. There he held the position of Music Director until 1976.

In 1983, he organized the Robert Berglund Chorale and Orchestra to perform a wide variety of choral and orchestral works.

In a statement, Minnesota Chorale Charter member Jon Lahann, wrote, “Robert Berglund was a charismatic, visionary leader, who significantly impacted the choral landscape locally in the Twin Cities and nationally through his work with collegiate, church, and professional choirs. His founding of the Chorale in 1972 was rooted in his passion for large choral symphonic works and commitment to musical excellence.”

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