Augustana College’s Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Michael Zemek, will perform in Elmhurst, Illinois as part of their Midwest tour. The compositions featured during the April tour include music from Ukraine, Finland, Sweden and Indonesia. They highlight some of the most important women composers writing for choirs today. Jenny Lind is a select treble ensemble for students who wish to develop advanced choral skills and better understand various styles of choral music composed for sopranos and altos. The choir performs on campus and at community events. “By intentionally performing more music composed by women, the Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble is contributing to a more inclusive and diverse musical landscape, enriching the experience for performers and audiences alike,” said Dr. Zemek. “Singing their music inspires and empowers us as we celebrate the expansion of our repertoire to include more artistic voices.” The Jenny Lind ensemble is named after Swedish opera singer Jenny Lind (1820-1887), known as the “Swedish Nightingale.” She was considered the finest coloratura of her day and is well regarded for her philanthropic concerns, offering financial support to the Augustana Lutheran Church, which ultimately formed the college bearing its name.