The Wartburg Choir at WAPEC

Founded in 1937, the internationally acclaimed Wartburg Choir performs sacred music from all historical periods and styles and often collaborates with contemporary composers. Choir members are chosen by audition and represent various academic disciplines on campus. Called a “mighty fortress of skill” by The Washington Post, the Wartburg Choir is one of Wartburg’s three musical ensembles that tour internationally on a triennial basis.

The Wartburg Choir has appeared in many prestigious concert halls throughout the United States. The choir performed with opera star Simon Estes at Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis; Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C.; and Lincoln Center, New York. and Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center in Chicago. Estes and the choir also performed two concerts with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra in Prague. The Wartburg Choir has performed solo concerts at Carnegie Hall on two different occasions.

A 1999 Iowa Public Television production of the Wartburg Choir at the Wartburg Castle in Eisenach, Germany, was broadcast on public television stations throughout the United States. It marked the first performance ever taped for television at the historic castle, where Martin Luther took refuge for 10 months during the stormy days of the Protestant Reformation.

Wartburg College has recently celebrated 75 years of Christmas with Wartburg. This award-winning concert combines music, art, poetry, scripture, and congregational singing to create an experience that invites all to welcome in the Advent and Christmas seasons.