Decorah resident is researching Nordic Choir's first European tour

In 1967, Luther College's Nordic Choir traveled to Norway, Denmark, West Germany and East Germany in what was its very first European tour.  Almost 50 years later, Decorah native and Luther sophomore Aidan Spencer is creating a documentary celebrating the trip.
 
Spencer is pairing with Luther history professor Jacqueline Wilkie to complete an oral history of the choir's 1967 tour.  They will continue their research collaboration into the summer of 2016, developing a storyboard, script and the production for the documentary.  The two are using Luther College Archives video footage and photographs, articles written about the tour and letters written by participants and administrators.
 
"I have loved creating this project with Professor Wilkie because it allows me to draw upon my major and experience with historical research and cinematography," said Spencer.  "As a future music educator, I believe that music has the power to connect cultures and impact the lives of both the performers and audience members. Nordic Choir's Tour of Europe in 1967 is the perfect example of how choral music does precisely that," Spencer said.

The documentary will be produced in time to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of Nordic Choir's first European tour.