Giants in the Earth

Inspired by Ole Edvart Rølvaag's epic novel of 1870s immigration to South Dakota, Moore’s opera was premiered in 1951, winning a Pulitzer Prize; 'Giants in the Earth' received one performance in 1974 following Moore’s 1963 score revisions; the SDSO engraved the latter version for these 2025 performances.

“'Giants in the Earth' is rooted in this very place. There's clearly a real connection between Giants and many of those who call South Dakota home,” commented South Dakota Symphony Orchestra Music Director Delta David Gier. “When I learned of Moore’s opera, it seemed destined that our orchestra bring this work back to life... It is our hope that the Moore’s 'Giants in the Earth' can now be seriously considered by others for future productions.”

The SDSO’s revival of Moore’s 'Giants in the Earth' aligns with the 100th anniversary of the publication of Ole Edvart Rølvaag’s novel of the same name, on which the opera was based.

SDPB was on hand for the entire production, from dress rehearsals to the final show, capturing every riveting moment from the performances of this Pulitzer-prize winning American masterwork. A fully produced version of the performance, to be available below, will premiere in fall of 2025 on SDPB TV and be available on all of our streaming platforms, nationwide.

Rølvaag’s three-part novel chronicles the struggles of early Norwegian immigrants as they attempt to settle on the Dakota prairie. The SDSO’s April 2025 performances of Moore’s opera also align with the bicentennial of the start of Norwegian immigration to the North America.

Events and discussions related to the SDSO’s revival of Moore’s Giants in the Earth are being held in South Dakota, New York and via broadcast thanks to robust partnerships with several organizations, including: Augustana University, Columbia University, Douglas Moore Fund for American Opera, Norwegian-American Historical Association (NAHA), Norway House, Norwegian Embassy, Norwegian Emigrant Museum, Scandinavia House, Sons of Norway, South Dakota State Historical Society, South Dakota Historical Society Press, South Dakota Humanities Council, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, and St. Olaf College.

Ahead of the performance, SDPB's Lori Walsh sat down with musicians, scholars, and community members to discuss the opera, the book, our story of immigration and more.

From digital shorts to excerpts of past programs and local series such as Dakota Life, SDPB is here to help you explore beyond the music. Check out the resources below to learn more about Rolvaag, 'Giants in the Earth,' the Norwegian legacy in South Dakota and more!