What a joy to see so many LSM alumni, staff, and students come together for a Hymn Festival at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Roseville, MN! Organist David Cherwien (LSM Faculty 2024) and Jennifer Baker-Trinity (LSM 1992-1994) led the festival, which featured LSM alumni and students among the instrumentalists.

The LSM community mourns the passing of Dr. Lorraine Brugh (1952 + 2025), a beloved faculty member and mentor. Dr. Brugh served LSM as Chapel Choir Director and Organ Faculty in 2000 and 2001, returning as Organ Faculty in 2016. Her musical leadership and deep commitment to worship left a lasting impact on countless students and colleagues, both at LSM and among the several LSM alumni who studied with her at Valparaiso University.

Dr. Brandon Dean, Conductor of the Gustavus Choir (LSM Festival Choir Director, 2018), will lead the Gustavus Choir alongside the internationally acclaimed VOCES8 in two captivating performances on Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 7:00 PM CT in Christ Chapel, Gustavus Adolphus College.

LSM collegiate partner Waldorf University will host its annual Community Masterwork Festival, bringing young musicians of all levels together to perform great repertoire. This year’s festival will feature Dvořák’s Te Deum, on March 6 at 7:00 p.m. at the Boman Fine Arts Center in Forest City, IA.

LSM alumni Eric Sayre (LSM 2004, 2005) and Erin Bonawitz Roe (LSM 2004, 2005) recently reunited for a weekend filled with music and memories, celebrating two decades of friendship that began at LSM 2004! Both went on to major in music at St. Olaf College and have stayed connected ever since, grateful for the lifelong community LSM fostered. Their story is a testament to the enduring bonds formed through music and faith at LSM.

The Windiana Concert Band, directed by Dr. Jeffrey Scott Doebler (LSM Festival Band), recently celebrated its 25th season with an inspiring tour of Costa Rica. This marked Windiana’s 15th tour and included performances in La Fortuna, Punta Leona, and the breathtaking Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles in Cartago.

LSM is honored to announce a $5,000 grant from the First Citizens Bank Charitable Foundation in Mason City, Iowa, given to LSM in honor of Charles Sukup’s board service to the bank. Charles is a former LSM Board member and the 2023 Dr. Carlos Messerli Service Award recipient.

On Friday, January 17, LSM Cantor Chad Fothergill and past LSM Chapel Choir conductor Zebulon Highben joined musicians and worship leaders at Duke Divinity School’s Goodson Chapel for an extraordinary 11-hour event: the praying of all 150 Psalms!

February 8, 2025, marks the thirteenth year of collaboration between the bands from Valparaiso High School and Valparaiso University to present epic film music in the Chapel of the Resurrection. 

Michael Schaner (LSM 2005-2006, Advisory Council) will present a solo organ recital at Carroll University featuring a dynamic program of works by Bach, Ives, Manz, Shearing, Price, Hancock, Duruflé, and more. The performance will showcase the beautiful Schantz pipe organ in Shattuck Auditorium.

LSM Worship Faculty member Ezechiel Daos will perform in the AAM/STC Gerre Hancock Intern Recital, showcasing exceptional music in the stunning setting of St. Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue, NYC. This recital, presented by the Association of Anglican Musicians and Saint Thomas Church, highlights the extraordinary talents of the Gerre Hancock Interns. Don't miss the opportunity to hear Ezechiel Daos in this inspiring evening of music.

The Synergy Musicians’ Collective finished their Fall Concert featuring LSM 2024 Voice Fellow Johanna Makela singing Mozart’s “Si ma d’un altro amore” from Ascanio in Alba, under the guest direction of Rand Matheson.

LSM piano faculty Nicole Lee will be performing a duo piano recital with Joseph Bognar, former LSM piano faculty and colleague at Valparaiso University. Don’t miss this special evening of music! Join in person or online.

Olivia Remak (LSM Flute Fellow 2022-23) performed with the Las Vegas Philharmonic at Andrea Bocelli’s Christmas concert in Las Vegas. Robert Chambers (LSM 2000-03, Staff 2024), Senior Director of Business and Artistic Operations for the Las Vegas Philharmonic, served as the Musician Contractor for the performance.

Addie Nass (LSM 2023-2024) recently performed with the Wisconsin State Honors Choir as part of the prestigious mixed choir. The concert, held at the Madison Overture Center, is available for streaming on the WI PBS website and will also air on PBS during the Christmas break.

Voice Faculty member Daniel Greco performs in All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914, a poignant musical performance that recounts the historic Christmas truce between enemy soldiers during World War I. Through moving melodies and narration, the production explores themes of peace and humanity, offering a powerful tribute to this brief but remarkable moment of unity amidst the horrors of war.

LSM student Austin (LSM 2023–present) will perform with his high school band, the Dawson High School Wind Ensemble, at the prestigious Midwest Clinic in Chicago on December 18. This incredible opportunity showcases the hard work of Austin and his ensemble as they take the stage at one of the world’s premier music education conferences.

LSM alumni and Concordia University Irvine music professor, Dr. Jeff Held (LSM '90, '92, Counselor '96, '97, and former Board member) has recently released a new book titled, Listening to the Sacred Seasons: Music and Commentary to Accompany Your Devotional Journey from Epiphany through Easter.

Two LSM 2024 voice fellows, Aiden Kocian (League City, TX) and Johanna Makela (Cologne, MN) performed in the 2024 St. Olaf Christmas Festival. Under the direction of Dr. Anton Armstrong, the St. Olaf Choir offered a vibrant performance of Ding Dong! Merrily on High, a French carol arranged by Carolyn Jennings.

Thomas Baker-Trinity (LSM 2021-2024) was a Project DJ co-host for classical Minnesota Public Radio on December 6, 2024. During his hour, Thomas talked about LSM and presented a request sent in by Naomi Tracy-Hegg (LSM 2023-24).