World debut of new music coming up during A Farewell to Goodman Auditorium concert

For over 100 years, Goodman Auditorium has hosted concerts and performances and school ceremonies.

The final event is coming up on Saturday.

It’s called A Farewell to Goodman Auditorium. The concert will feature the world premiere of the piece called Mesabi: The Sleeping Giant, composed by Dr. Rene Clausen.

Dr. Clausen researched the Iron Range, and his four movement piece recognizes the mining industry and people of the Iron Range.

“You can feel the movements. The names, and the percussion, it goes boom! Like the ambiance of the early days,” said Brady Peterson, a freshman violinist.

“I’m excited to play something no one has before,” shared Lynette Pearson, a junior cellist. “We have a lot of harmony, and some melody too.”

Siri Stocke, a senior who plays the viola, added, “It’s super exciting. First time we’ll be playing a commissioned piece, and it will be archived by Minnesota Public Radio.”

Various choral and orchestra groups will be performing together.

On Tuesday, WDIO stopped by rehearsals at the Virginia High School.

“Between choir, and theater, and orchestra, I’ve been up here a lot,” shared Ellie Norvitch, a junior who plays the viola. “I’m sad to see it go, but I’m also excited about the new auditorium and the new prospects we have coming.”

“What’s really nice is that it provides some closure to the community. The auditorium has served the community as a premiere performance space for over 100 years. It will help the community say goodbye, and honor it with all the musical memories,” shared Sheila Wilcox, the orchestra director for Rock Ridge.

To get tickets: https://www.mesabisymphonyorchestra.org/farewell-to-goodman