Since 1950, the organ stylings of LaVon Wing have filled St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge.
In recognition of her long service, the St. Olaf Lutheran Church Foundation has commissioned a choral work honoring Wing.
The piece, which will be written by composer Z. Randall Stroope, will be completed in August for debut at Christmas 2012.
Stroope, director of choral and vocal studies at Oklahoma State University-Stillwater, is among the most active choral conductors and composers working today, said Joseph Svendsen, choral director at Fort Dodge Senior High.
Svendsen, a member of the St. Olaf foundation board, said that working with Stroope has been educational and exciting.
The piece will have an Advent and Christmas theme. The text will be based on Bible verses Isaiah 9:2 and John 1:14, which state “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light,” and ” … the word became flesh and dwelled among us,” respectively.
“We wanted the piece to be accessible to as many different levels as possible,” Svendsen said.
As such, the piece will be a’capella, meaning that no instrumental accompaniment would be necessary.
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