After his first sabbatical became a great learning experience in 2006, Professor of Music Svend Rønning left campus for the 2015-16 sabbatical with a new mindset — to focus on teaching his specialties to the broader musical community.
“I’ve gone on a quest to share my specialties with students and colleagues in a portable way,” Rønning said. “I’m excited about the relationships I’ve built across the nation.”
Rønning graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with an undergraduate degree in violin performance in 1989. He then earned degrees from Yale University — a Master of Music and a Doctor of Musical Arts — studying under Syoko Aki, Sidney Harth and Jaap Schroder.
Rønning serves as concertmaster of the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra, as well as artistic director of the Second City Chamber Series. He previously served as concertmaster of various orchestras, including the Charlottesville Symphony, the San Jose Symphony, the Spoleto U.S.A. and the Tacoma Opera Orchestra. As soloist, he appeared with the Charlottesville Symphony, the Everett Symphony, the Prague Radio Symphony and Orchestra Seattle.
Before coming to PLU in 1999, Rønning taught at the University of Virginia.
Rønning spent his time between June 2015 and September of this year playing in recitals, teaching lectures and visiting universities. He traveled from Luther College to the University of Colorado and up to Alaska. He held mini-residencies for San Bernardino Youth Symphony, Tacoma Youth Symphony and the Arctic Chamber Orchestra in Alaska.
With the time he spent teaching, he also performed for the Lynden MTNA, Second City Chamber Series, Vashon Allied Arts and had a radio appearance on Classic KING FM.
“I hope the relationships will build a stronger bond between PLU and the greater string playing and music community,” Rønning said. “And that PLU’s future student body will benefit from my efforts.”
By Samantha Lund ’16