News Archive
LSM 2019 Concerts and Events Archive
Whether or not you made it to LSM 2019 Festival Week, you can now experience every major concert and event in high definition video.
Whether or not you made it to LSM 2019 Festival Week, you can now experience every major concert and event in high definition video. It has never been easier to share LSM with your community! By sharing these excellent performances and meaningful worship services with others, you can welcome more people to the LSM community, and help ensure the legacy and traditions of LSM continue for generations to come.
Below each video is a link to the corresponding concert program or worship bulletin, so that you can follow along with the repertoire, participate in the liturgy, learn more about the performers, and see the names of hundreds of LSM supporters who made this Festival Week possible.
LSM 2019 Bach Cantata Eucharist Service
Hymn Festival presented by Lutheran Summer Music and the National Lutheran Choir
Lutheran Summer Music Festival Band Concert
Lutheran Summer Music Festival Choir Concert
Lutheran Summer Music Festival Orchestra Concert
Lutheran Summer Music 2019 Festival Eucharist
Lutheran Summer Music Guest Artist Concert: After Hours Barbershop Quartet
(No program)
LSM Scholarship support changes lives
Below, LSM alumni Kristina and Sophia Butler ask you to join them in ensuring that young musicians for years to come can have the same powerful LSM experience that they did.
Give to the LSM Scholarship Fund
National Lutheran Choir comes to LSM
This summer, LSM students will sing alongside members of the National Lutheran Choir under the direction of Dr. David Cherwien for the LSM Hymn Festival.
Lutheran Summer Music partners with the National Lutheran Choir
The National Lutheran Choir is at the forefront of preserving the Lutheran choral tradition. This Minneapolis-based ensemble directed by internationally acclaimed conductor and organist, Dr. David Cherwien, is an essential fixture of the choral world.
The many LSM alumni and friends who have sung in the National Lutheran Choir have once again felt the sense of sacred purpose and true belonging that they experienced at LSM.
Dr. David Cherwien to conduct LSM Hymn Festival
Members of the National Lutheran Choir will join LSM students in this meaningful event.
This summer, LSM students will sing alongside members of the National Lutheran Choir under the direction of Dr. David Cherwien for the LSM Hymn Festival. Sought after for his profound programming and artistry, Dr. Cherwien presents hymn festivals all over the US and abroad.
This inter-generational event will allow the National Lutheran Choir to pass down the sacred choral traditions we hold so dear to the next generation of leaders in music and the Church.
Do you want to be a part of this transcendent experience?
Nominate a student for LSM 2019. Share this rare opportunity with a young person in your life.
Join us for the Hymn Festival and be a part of the greater LSM community.
July 17, 2019
7:00 PM
Chapel of the Resurrection
Valparaiso University
National Lutheran Choir 2018-2019
New LSM Video
An inside look at Lutheran Summer Music, as told by LSM 2018 students and faculty.
See for yourself how LSM transforms, connects, and inspires. Filmed during LSM 2018 at Valparaiso University, this brand new video features students and faculty sharing the unique and wonderful experience that is LSM.
LSM Tuition Reduction
The Board of Directors is proud to take the first important step in a new key strategic initiative: removing the financial barrier to LSM attendance.
The Board of Directors is proud to take the first important step in a new key strategic initiative: removing the financial barrier to LSM attendance.
“I am so thankful for the opportunity to have been a student at Lutheran Summer Music. I have grown in so many ways from this experience, not only musically, but as a person”
Lutheran Summer Music is thrilled to launch a new tuition plan which will make LSM accessible to even more deserving students and build upon the growing enrollment of the past three years. David Krause, chair of the Board of Directors, says of this decision:
"By reducing the financial burden on families, we hope to open the doors wider and allow every young musician to see themselves at LSM".
Effective immediately for 2019, the total cost of tuition will be $2,495 for the full four weeks of LSM. This is a $1,000 reduction from the past several years. Thanks to the generosity of many supporters, LSM tuition is more accessible than ever.
Lutheran Summer Music is committed to transparent pricing. While $2,495 is the absolute most any student will pay, every student has the opportunity to reduce their personal cost even further. To reward fundraising efforts and honor the students' supportive communities, Lutheran Summer Music is simplifying the process to acquire Matching Grants. Matching Grants available to students will be increased from 33% to 50% for funds raised in their communities. Students who take advantage of the Matching Grants can reduce their out-of-pocket cost to under $1,000.
It is the hope of Lutheran Summer Music that by reducing tuition and supporting fundraising efforts, we may welcome more young musicians to take part in the transformational experience of LSM.
LSM 2018 Festival Week Videos and Programs
Relive LSM 2018 Festival week through archived videos!
Relive LSM 2018 Festival Week
Watch Festival Week concerts and worship services captured through Facebook Live, and follow along with PDF programs and bulletins.
Hymn Festival, in memory of Dr. Carlos Messerli, July 25, 2018
Festival Band Concert, July 26, 2018
Festival Choir Concert, July 27, 2018
Festival Orchestra Concert, July 28, 2018
Festival Eucharist Service, July 29, 2018
The Gift of New Music: a Commission for LSM 2018
The Gift of New Music: a Commission for LSM 2018
This summer at LSM, students will have the exciting opportunity to premiere a brand new piece, commissioned and gifted to us by LSM Band Director, Dr. Jeff Doebler and his wife, Karen Doebler.
This year, all three large ensembles will come together to premiere a setting of O God, our Help in Ages Past by Michael Boo.
Dr. Doebler details how he came to commission this work:
My good friend Michael Boo is a composer, percussionist, church musician, and writer from Chesterton, Indiana, which is just north of Valparaiso. I have had the privilege of premiering more than 60 of Mike's compositions and arrangements all over the world. Audiences will remember Mike's For the Victims of Sichuan last summer with the LSM Concert Band. Mike visited Lutheran Summer Music several times when we were in residence at Luther College, and is a strong supporter of the program. Mike also understands how to write artistically, functionally, and respectfully for school ensembles, professional ensembles, and the church.
We could not be more grateful for this incredible gift, and for the many years of service and friendship that Dr. Doebler and his family have given to all of us at LSM.
"I have been involved with LSM in most years since 1994. I have served in many roles, including summer program director, handbell choir director (and founder), and concert band conductor. LSM is important. LSM matters. LSM is a model for what should be happening in our world. And LSM is a great example of music education in action. I am honored to have the privilege of serving LSM."
-Dr. Jeffrey Doebler
Visit LSM or tune in to the Facebook Live Stream to hear this new work!
LSM Half Session Concert
July 14th, 2018
7:00 PM
Chapel of the Resurrection
Valparaiso University
LSM 2018 Worship Theme: In all Times and Places
Each Sunday the liturgy reminds us that it is our duty and joy to give thanks and praise to God at all times and in all places.
Each Sunday the liturgy reminds us that it is our duty and joy to give thanks and praise to God at all times and in all places. This year’s LSM theme will consider our connection to the people of God through history and in all parts of the globe. Through scripture, reflection, and assembly song from diverse historical periods and cultures, we will delight in the ways the gospel is made ever new in every time and place.
A story of support: Don Christian and Jose Cordero
Both Don Christian, President and CEO of Concordia University Texas and a member of the board of directors at LSM, and his wife, Deb, served at Lutheran High North in Houston. Sponsoring Jose was a natural fit for them.
Both Don Christian, President and CEO of Concordia University Texas and a member of the board of directors at LSM, and his wife, Deb, served at Lutheran High North in Houston, Texas from 1999-2005--Don as the Head of School and Deb as the College Placement Coordinator. So, when Jose Cordero, a prospective LSM student from Luther North who plays trumpet needed an additional $1,000 to attend, it seemed a natural fit to ask the Christians to sponsor him.
“We gave because we were asked,” says Don, “but what was especially meaningful, was that our gift was connecting us to our past at Lutheran High North, a school we both love and care about.” Don also had the opportunity to meet Jose at LSM this past summer. “It was great to meet Jose in person and feel his genuine appreciation for what our gift meant to him, as well as to watch him perform and interact with his LSM friends. Deb and I feel a deep satisfaction knowing that wherever his future leads, Jose will take the gift of music with him.”
Don recently shared a Facebook post from Lutheran High North which indicates Jose continues to excel musically. “Congratulation to Jose Cordero who made The Texas Private School Music Educators Association All State Jazz Band. He won the honor of lead trumpet and did Lutheran High North proud! Three days of music, making new friends and lots of fun! He can’t wait to do it again at the Association of Texas Small School Bands All State in a few short weeks! “
If you are interested in supporting a student like Jose for LSM 2018, e-mail or call Development Manager Lisa Hartwig at lhartwig@lutheransummermusic.org or 612-877-9555, ext. 7. Or, look for our annual LSM scholarship request in your mail in mid-April and consider making a donation.
LSM Welcomes Back Sophia Butler!
Sophia Butler is a Minnesota-born and raised musician and 2009 and 2010 alumnus of LSM. She is passionate about creating social change and community through music and loves learning about music and cultures from around the world.
Sophia Butler
Dean of Students
Sophia Butler is a Minnesota-born and raised musician and 2009 and 2010 alumnus of LSM. She is passionate about creating social change and community through music and loves learning about music and cultures from around the world. After graduating from St. Olaf with a bachelor's in music, she went to Juneau, Alaska, to work with an El Sistema-inspired program teaching violin and viola to young Alaskans. After finishing her master's in teaching at the University of Alaska Southeast she was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to teach for a year in Malaysia. While there, she started a choir with 50 students at a rural school in Sarawak, land of the orangutans and hornbills. When she isn’t thinking about music for social change Sophia enjoys drinking coffee, knitting, running, and attending live music shows. She is incredibly excited to be back at LSM this summer to be part of an amazing community of musicians.
A Reflection on Dr. Carlos Messerli
Gary and Allison (Tannis) Yee have taken time to reflect on their family's long relationship with Carlos.
It is with a heavy heart we share with you the news that our founding Executive Director Carlos Messerli passed away on Thursday, November 9. Fittingly, the LMP Board of Directors was meeting in Chicago at the same time and, being apprised of Dr. Messerli's condition, paused the meeting to enfold him in our prayers.
Carlos truly transformed the lives of countless people, families, and communities during his tenure as an educator and especially as the founding Executive Director of Lutheran Music Program. Gary and Allison (Tannis) Yee have taken time to reflect on their family's long relationship with Carlos.
Carlos Messerli has been part of our family’s life since Day One….that is to say, Day One of Lutheran Summer Music!
Allison (Tanis), participated as an LSM student in 1982 at St. Olaf College. She returned as a counselor in 1989 (Augustana-Sioux Falls), 1992 (St. Olaf College), and again in 1993 (Augustana-Sioux Falls). In 1992 and ’93 Gary also served as a counselor. In fact, we celebrated our first wedding anniversary at LSM! Although LSM didn’t benefit from a 2-for-1 discount, Carlos had indeed recruited a family unit. In time, this compact grew to involve our daughter, Evelyn, as a student in 2011 (Luther College) and our son, Matthew, who attended LSM 2017 (Valparaiso) and eagerly anticipates LSM 2018 next summer.
Over the years, our relationship with Carlos transitioned from LSM “boss” and church music/choral/liturgical mentor to family friend. Carlos was always a wealth of information just a phone call away, and his interest in people and furthering liturgical worship often resulted in great generosity of time and assistance.
When our congregation began its search for a new organ, Carlos assisted us with an introduction to Nebraskan organ builder, Gene Bedient. With Carlos’ years of experience in church music, he offered helpful insights and could pose all of the hard questions for our committee to consider. During our visit to the Lincoln area, he assisted Allison and a musical colleague further by arranging for them to play and compare organs in the practice rooms of Concordia University-Seward. The trip was most productive! Our congregation in California eventually ordered a beautiful tracker instrument from the Bedient Organ Company which was installed by Gene himself.
Another gesture of hospitality was extended while Allison and Evelyn were touring colleges in the Chicago area, specifically Concordia University. By this time Carlos and Susan had moved to Oak Park, and he was more than pleased that Evelyn was considering his alma mater for college! Carlos, ever thoughtful, arranged particular meetings at the college during our campus visit and insisted upon playing chauffeur after their evening at the Lyric Opera production, Showboat. He did not want the girls to take a late train from downtown. He and Susan also kindly transported them to O’Hare after church to return home. Carlos claimed, “I do not want Chicago’s frightfully cold weather this week to unduly influence Evelyn’s college decision.” Indeed, it did not; Evelyn graduated from CUC this past spring. During her four years at CUC and over our many trips to Chicago, visits with Carlos and Susan have been a delightful part of the trip. We would all look forward to worshipping together at Grace and enjoying brunch afterwards. We will always remember Carlos’ intense interest in our activities at the school we served as educators, Matthew’s musical and educational activities, and of course, the worship life of our home congregation. As musicians in our home congregation, we must attribute much of our liturgical practice to our experiences at LSM and the vision Carlos put into motion all of those years ago.
Thanks to an interview for “Profiles in American Lutheran Music” (2015) we can still see the quiet twinkle in Carlos’ eye as he speaks about LSM, the Lincoln Choir, liturgy and music. We can hear the call to musical excellence and be reminded of the powerful effect that music and music teachers have on students. During the interview, Carlos describes his musical upbringing, which clearly impacted him and his life’s work.
“I was raised in a musical family. My father was a Lutheran pastor, musician, violinist. My mother was a music teacher. Everybody in our home did something in music and practiced a lot. There was always this word of excellence – try to do the best you can.”
Thank you, Carlos, for bequeathing us a legacy of musical excellence through the establishment of Lutheran Summer Music. We will strive to do the best we can.
Gary and Allison Yee
Auburn, CA
Meaningful LSM Partnership!
For the past several years, we at LSM have been fortunate to grow our partnership with Providence St. Mel
For the past several years, we at LSM have been fortunate to grow our partnership with Providence St. Mel, a college preparatory school on the West Side of Chicago. Students at Providence are set up for success through rigorous academic and enrichment opportunities, which include LSM. When three Providence students attended LSM for the first time in 2014, we knew this relationship would be a great one. In 2017, eight students from Providence had the opportunity to attend LSM. These students come to us with a strong musical background thanks to Providence St. Mel choir director, Dr. David Baar. After the immersive experience of LSM they return to school ready to be musical leaders.
Dr. Baar details where this relationship began:
LSM supporter Dieter Nickel was introduced to Providence St. Mel (PSM) by his sister, Le Ganschow, who was hosting the PSM Chamber Choir tour at her church in Minocqua, Wisconsin. Dieter was impressed by the quality of the PSM performance and saw an opportunity to enable these worthy students to attend LSM. This past summer, eight PSM students enjoyed performing with the choirs, taking private lessons, participating in the musical theatre program, and making new friends.
The high standard of excellence upheld by Dr. Baar in his choir classroom makes PSM students especially successful at LSM. Their leadership was evident this past summer, whether they were leading in worship, debuting a brand new composition, serving on the Dorm Council, or simply leading by example in their dedicated practice and studying.
After seeing the impact of this partnership, generous supporter and longtime friend of LSM, Jay Christopher, was also moved to sponsor several PSM students in 2017.
Donations large and small make a direct impact on students' ability to attend LSM.