Robert Nordling
Professor Robert Nordling
Office: Spoelhof Center 351
Phone: (616) 526-6258
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Biographical Information
Robert Nordling serves in the Calvin Music Department where he conducts the Calvin College Orchestra and Calvin Alumni Orchestra and teaches in the areas of music history, conducting and music and worship. Prior to his appointment at Calvin he was the founder and music director of the San Francisco area Bay Chamber Symphony Orchestra. Additional conducting credentials include appearances with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Institute Orchestra, the Cedardell Opera Festival Orchestra, the Wheaton Symphony Orchestra and chamber orchestras in Chicago and San Francisco.
A native of New Jersey, Nordling studied at the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music with Rex Hicks, Howard Whitaker and Stephen Cushman. After completing his studies at Wheaton he went to San Francisco to continue his orchestral training with David Ramadanoff and James Wimer. He was awarded conducting fellowships to the Los Angeles Philharmonic Institute where he worked with Leonard Bernstein, Michael Tilson Thomas and Herbert Blomstedt. He also received conducting fellowships to work with Helmuth Rilling and Boris Goldovsky.
Having also worked in the discipline of liturgical music ministry for many years, Nordling has held music ministry positions in California, Washington and Reigate, England.
He also serves as Resource Development Specialist for the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. Along with his expertise in standard symphonic literature, his areas of interest also include instrumental liturgical music, worship design and leadership across a broad spectrum of traditions and styles and Christian discipleship.
From 2002 - 2007, Mr. Nordling was the Co-Director of Christian Formation at Calvin College, working in conjunction with his wife, Dr. Cherith Nordling. Together, they created and directed the Barnabas Team - a team of student staff who oversee the activities for Christian formation for the on-campus Calvin community.
