Linda Tutas Haugen

Linda Tutas Haugen photo courtesy Meet The Composer

In the wake of the greatest natural disaster ever to be suffered by the Grand Forks area -- the flooding of the Red River Valley in April 1997 -- Linda Tutas Haugen and five arts, municipal and community-based organizations will use music to celebrate the community's continuing recovery. Ms. Haugen will work with the Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra, North Valley Arts Council, East Grand Forks Public Schools, Grand Forks Public School District, and Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota.

With the assistance of these organizations, Ms. Haugen will focus on projects that reach different segments of the local communities. They include the formation of collaborations between performing groups that haven't previously worked together and reaching people who would not ordinarily have the opportunity to be exposed to cultural programs, such as the economically deprived. Through her residency, Ms. Haugen will compose several large and small works for various performing ensembles, not only as vehicles for artistic expression, but also as a means of spiritual and emotional renewal at a time when both communities are looking to survive and rebuild. In addition, Ms. Haugen will develop a three-year curriculum for a music appreciation and education program for schools, senior citizen groups, and at-risk youth. She also plans to interact with local composers.

Linda Tutas Haugen, a native of Kenosha, Wisconsin, received her Bachelor of Music from St. Olaf's College and her Master of Music from the University of Minnesota, where she studied with Dominick Argento and Paul Fetler. Ms. Haugen has written several works for full symphony orchestra, various chamber ensembles, as well as choral and liturgical music. over the last 20 years, she has received numerous commissions and awards, including an Artists Fellowship by the Minnesota State Arts Board and commissions from the Jerome Foundation and the American Composers Forum. Recently, as part of an American Composers Forum pilot project, she composed four songs based on poems written by Judy Garland, which were premiered at the 1998 Judy Garland Festival in Grand Rapids. Ms. Haugen is also a pianist and violinist and feels that her playing experience gives her a strong understanding of what is interesting and exciting for performers.