Steven Amundson

A 1977 graduate of Luther College, Steven Amundson obtained the Master of Music degree in orchestral conducting at Northwestern University and did further studies at the University of Virginia, the Aspen Music School and the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. He has enjoyed the tutelage of notable conductors, including Maurice Abravanel, Milan Horvat, Erich Leinsdorf and Bernard Rubenstein.  Amundson has led the St. Olaf Orchestra in over 400 performances since becoming its conductor in 1981. A professor of music, Amundson teaches conducting, music theory, and ear training. Before going to St. Olaf, he held conducting positions at the University of Virginia and Tacoma Community College and served as music director of the Tacoma Youth Symphony. He is also the founding conductor of the Twin Cities-based Metropolitan Symphony, which he led for five years. Amundson has served as resident conductor and guest conductor at the Interlochen National Arts Camp and spent nine summers as the orchestra conductor for the Lutheran Music Program. He is a clinician and presenter at state and regional music conventions and an adjudicator for young artist competitions in the Midwest, and also a frequent conductor for All-State and Honors Orchestras throughout the United States. He is married to Jane Amundson, a secondary mathematics teacher and amateur cellist. They have two children, Beret and Karl.