ABERDEEN, S.D.?– The Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony invites the community to the middle concert of its 2025-26 season at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 in the Johnson Fine Arts Center Jewett Theater at Northern State University. A pre-concert conversation is also scheduled from 6:45 to 7:15 p.m. in the Johnson Fine Arts Center Berggren Recital Hall.
Christopher Stanichar, director of the Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony, will lead the orchestra. The concert, titled Level Up: An Epic Video Games Pops Concert, will transport the audience into the worlds of Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, World of Witchcraft and more.
Video game music has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating generations with epic themes and unforgettable melodies. By bringing this repertoire to the concert hall, the orchestra honors its artistry while inviting new audiences into the symphonic tradition.
The concert will also feature performances by student winners of this year’s Northern State University Concerto/Aria Competition: Ember Geist, soprano, and Axton Johnson, trumpet.
Geist will sing Luigi Arditi’s “Il Bacio.” She is a junior at Northern State University majoring in music education with a minor in musical theatre. She has been involved in musical theatre productions including The Sound of Music, where she played Sister Berthe. She is also involved in ensembles including Concert Choir, Chamber Singers and Early Music Ensemble. Geist studies with Dr. Darci Bultema, professor of voice at Northern State University.
Johnson is a sophomore at Northern State University majoring in music education. He performs in major instrumental ensembles, including the Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony, Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble. He also serves as a NAfME mentor, AUCS student representative and fine arts senator for Northern State University’s Student Government Association. Johnson studies with Dr. Grant Manhart, professor of trumpet at Northern State University.
The concert will also feature the winner of the orchestra’s inaugural Battle for the Baton fundraising competition, where either Dan Cleberg or Travis Schaunaman will step to the podium and conduct a selection during the concert.
Celebrating its 106th season, the Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony is the oldest continuous orchestra in South Dakota, attracting musicians from Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa and the surrounding area. Stanichar, assistant professor of music at Northern State University, is the orchestra’s 17th conductor.
Ticket Information
All Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony tickets are general admission and will be available at the door. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and Northern State University faculty and staff. All students will be admitted free. The concert will be livestreamed on the Northern State University Music Department Facebook page.
For more information, contact the Northern State University School of Fine Arts at 605-626-2497 or visit northern.edu/artsnsu.