Luther earns an Emmy

The Christmas at Luther annual tradition received high recognition this year in the form of a regional Emmy, awarded to the broadcast of last year’s nationally televised program, “Christmas at Luther–Night of Glory, Dawn of Peace.” Twin Cities Public Television filmed and produced the performance recording, which was awarded the Emmy Sept. 26.

Although TPT was the official recipient of the Emmy, the quality of the performance also carried some weight in the awards process, a Craig Arnold, artistic director and Nordic Choir director.

“The Emmy is given for production, but there has to be production value and quality concert content,” Arnold said.

Luther will receive an Emmy trophy that will be rotated for display in various campus buildings.

“An award like this gives general notoriety to Luther and to performances at Luther in general,” Arnold said.

A regional Emmy is an award given by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences to outstanding television broadcasts in 19 different regions, or chapters, throughout the country.

TPT received the award for the category of special event coverage (other than sports or news) in the Upper Midwest chapter, which covers a large area including Minnesota, most of North and South Dakota and small parts of Wisconsin, Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana.

Every year over 6,500 people flock to see Christmas at Luther performances. Music Marketing Coordinator Jennifer Self hopes that news of the Emmy award will generate even more interest.

“The Emmy will give us an opportunity to advertise Christmas at Luther as an Emmy award-winning event this year,” Self said.

PBS announced the 2008 program will be nationally televised this holiday season as well.

According to Arnold, the 2008 program translated well to television thanks to TPT’s involvement.

“Last year the set was specifically designed to look good on TV,” Arnold said. “TPT brought in lights that added vibrancy to the hall, and there were lots of grand sweeps of the hall and the musicians.”

For Self, the spirit of Christmas at Luther comes through regardless of the format.

“Christmas at Luther brings the campus together and that comes through in the live performance and on the television broadcasts,” Self said.

Self also noted how much of Christmas at Luther’s success depends on wide involvement of students and staff.

“What’s amazing about this performance is how many different people make it happen,” Self said. “Over 600 student musicians, many faculty members and scores of staff all help the event come together.”

For Arnold, the Luther music program is about much more than winning awards.

“We had a lot of fun with the Emmy news,” Arnold said. “However it’s not about award-winning. It’s about the ongoing pursuit of musical excellence and offering excellent opportunities for students.”