Decorah audiences will have an opportunity to hear an award-winning brass ensemble when Seraph Brass performs Friday, Oct. 30, at Luther College. The concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in the Main Hall of the college’s Center for Faith and Life.
The ensemble, which won the American Prize in Chamber Music, is an all-woman quintet featuring horn, two trumpets, trombone and tuba. Founded by trumpet soloist Mary Elizabeth Bowden, Seraph Brass is now in its 13th season and tours internationally.
“Luther College is thrilled to welcome Seraph Brass, an all-woman quintet of horn, two trumpets, trombone, and tuba, which tours throughout the world,” Susan Potvin, director of programming and outreach, said in the college’s announcement.
Tickets and concert information
Tickets are available through tickets.luther.edu and at the Luther Ticket Office in the Center for Faith and Life. Questions about tickets can be directed to [email protected] or 563-387-1357.
Discounted tickets are available for current Luther faculty, current staff and emeriti faculty. Current Luther students are encouraged to claim tickets provided through the annual Student Activity Fee. The college advises students to contact the ticket office for more information.
The ticket office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with hours extending to 7 p.m. Thursdays. On show days, it is open from 9 a.m. until the performance. The office may close during scheduled academic breaks.
Preconcert dinner requires advance reservations
Concertgoers can have dinner before the performance beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Peace Dining Room at Dahl Centennial Union. The meal costs $35 per person, and reservations are required in advance. The reservation deadline is 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26.
The meal begins with an elote salad made with chopped romaine lettuce, charred corn, house-pickled sweet carrot and jalapeños, cotija cheese, smoked paprika mayonnaise and scallions. The main course is traditional Texas chili topped with lime sour cream and scallions and served with stone-milled cornbread. A black bean chili is available as the vegan option. Dessert is lemon toasted meringue pie with blackberry salad.
Concert connects to brass symposium
Seraph Brass’s repertoire includes original transcriptions, newly commissioned works and core classics. The group is known for commissioning music from underrepresented composers. Its commissioned works include pieces by Grammy Award-winner Jeff Scott, Jennifer Jolley, Anthony DiLorenzo, Joseph Hallman, Catherine McMichael, Marcus Grant and Rene Orth.
Works by Orth and McMichael are featured on the ensemble’s debut album, Asteria, which received a Silver Medal Global Music Award. Several members of Seraph Brass also teach at Shenandoah Conservatory, Texas State University and Texas Lutheran University, reflecting the group’s stated commitment to music education.
The Luther appearance is part of a broader educational visit. Members of Seraph Brass will lead masterclasses during the 2026 Luther College Brass Symposium, which is scheduled for Oct. 30-31. Attendees at the symposium can receive discounted tickets to the concert by contacting the Luther Ticket Office by email or phone.
Potvin described the performance as a prominent event in Luther’s season, saying, “Seraph Brass is a highlight of this season. Their artistry and warmth of tone make for an evening that will delight longtime brass fans and first-time listeners alike.”