User:Ahouse2luv/Hans Jorgen Holman

It was on February 20, 1925, that Hans-Jorgen Holman was born in Drammen, Norway, and it was in Norway that he received his early education. Although a strong musical interest was exhibited early in his life, Hans-Jorgen also had interest in science, which led him to write examinations in chemistry, mathematics and physics. Later he passed the Piano Teacher’s Examination in the Oslo Conservatory of Music in 1950. At about the same time, he received his diploma as a pharmacist.

A resident of Norway during the Nazi German invasion of his country, Hans-Jorgen was an active participant in underground activities against those occupying his homeland.

After immigrating to the United States in 1950, Hans-Jorgen became a music student in the Department of Music at Columbia Union College. After graduating in 1951, he accepted an invitation to become Chairman of the Music Department at Indiana academy, Cicero, Indiana. Subsequently (in 1954) he earned a Master’s Degree in Music at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

In 1957 Holman joined the Andrews University department of music. While serving as Professor of Music at Andrews, Hans-Jorgen completed his studies at Indiana University and in 1961was awarded the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Medieval and Renaissance Music Paleography and Music Literature. His dissertation, The Responsoria Prolixa of the Codex Worcester F 160, (two large volumes), is still considered a masterpiece of musicological research and has often been quoted as an authoritative source in that field.

Post doctoral research and studies included music history and literature and harpsichord at Roosevelt University, the University of Oslo, the University of Vienna, and the Vienna Musikakademie.

Hans-Jorgen contributed articles to a wide range of professional publications including the Michigan Academician and the Harvard Dictionary of Music. He was fluent in five languages with a working knowledge of nine others.

Dr. Holman was an active member in seven professional societies, including the American and International Musicological Societies, Michigan Academy of Science, Arts and Letters, the International Folk Music Council, and others. Dr. Holman represented the United States at numerous international congresses under the sponsorship of the American Council of Learned Societies, the American Musicological Society, and Andrews University.

For over 30 years, Holman was involved in 20 to 200 musical performances yearly. He directed the Andrews University orchestra from 1965-67 and the Andrews Symphonic Band from 1964-65. He was frequently heard at home and abroad as a pianist and harpsichordist.

Dr. Holman produced special radio and television programs for CBS; CBS-TV, South Bend, Indiana; and the Norwegian, Swedish, and Austrian Broadcasting Corporations. In addition, he assisted with production of various concerts and television programs in connection with the United States bicentennial at Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago, Detroit, and elsewhere.

One example of Holman’s musical activities is that for the bicentennial year, Hans-Jorgen planned the United States tour of the well-known Norwegian Girls Choir conducted by Svere Valen and sponsored by Crown Princess Sonja of Norway. Three bus loads of singers performed across the country starting in Chicago and continuing in many cities. The singers were guests at the Norwegian Embassy and performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The Crown Princess was present at the Kennedy Center performance. The musical tour finally concluded at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Dr. Hans-Jorgen Holman married Dr. Rae Constantine, a graduate of Andrews University and former instructor of vocal music at Walla Walla College, Washington. They began a custom of conducting annual summer music study tours in many European countries, primarily in Vienna, Austria. Drs. Hans-Jorgen and Rae had two daughters, Kirsten, (now deceased), and Karen Holman-Cervera who were both graduates of Andrews University.

Dr. Holman’s contributions to music performance and education is immeasurable. His large circle of friends throughout the world will forever cherish his memory.