Peter Wessler served as the LSM Academy Director for 17 years before his death in 2020. LSM established the Peter Wessler Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund to honor him and to ensure his legacy continues into perpetuity. Henry was chosen as the designee for this award due to his warm presence and leadership among students during the 2023 Academy.

LSM’s inaugural Alumni Award was presented to Dr. Sangeetha Rayapati during LSM 2023 at the annual Board of Directors Board of Directors Reception on Saturday, July 22, 2023. Dr. Rapayati delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech that expounded on the fortuitous ways LSM comes into our lives, continues to shape us, and leads us down paths of service and meaning. Read her touching full speech here.

Lutheran Summer Music is pleased to present the recipient of the 2023 Carl Schalk Scholarship Award: Eliana from Kirkwood, Missouri. LSM has established the Dr. Carl Schalk Scholarship Endowment fund to honor Dr. Schalk’s legacy not only in name, but in the promise that the future of music and the Church which he served so faithfully will be preserved through the training and nurturing of young people.

Performing a Bach cantata within worship is a long-standing tradition and special treat for the LSM community every summer. This experience connects LSM to generations of the church dating back to Bach’s first known cantata in 1707. This year, LSM will perform Cantata BWV 18. The service will include other Bach movements, including his famous “Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring” from BWV 147. 

The value of the LSM experience and its transformational impact are immeasurable. LSM is committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of their financial circumstances, can be part of this life-changing community of music and faith. The 2023 Faculty & Studio Sponsors help ensure that ALL students are able to confidently dedicate time to building genuine relationships, pursue excellence in music, search for meaning, explore vocations, prepare for college and young adulthood, and obtain a sense of belonging and renewed faith.

This summer, Lutheran Summer Music expanded its efforts with an extensive outreach initiative, bringing the LSM experience off campus and into the local and global community. Faculty, students, and fellows are offering their musical gifts in church services, retirement communities, and even full-length recitals off campus. LSM also enhanced the livestream experience for over 20 recitals and concerts that serve the national and international audience of LSM.

In recognition of the deep importance of LSM and the work of our faculty and students, the Rupert Dunklau Foundation has awarded LSM a $25,000 match grant for any new, increased, or renewed gift (if it has been more than 36 months) to LSM!

LSM is thrilled to announce Dr. Sangeetha Rayapati as the inaugural LSM Alumni Award recipient. A professor, performing artist, and the mayor of Moline, IL, Dr. Rayapati is an exemplary model of a collaborative leader and humble servant working for positive change in her community.

LSM is pleased to announce that longstanding advocate, leader, and supporter Charles Sukup of Sheffield, Iowa, is this year’s recipient of the Dr. Carlos Messerli Service Award for outstanding service to the mission of Lutheran Music Program.

LSM Fellows serve as teaching assistants to the faculty and role models to the students. Fellows demonstrate high-caliber musicianship and a commitment to an inclusive and welcoming community. Our 2023 Fellows were selected for these prestigious positions after a rigorous application and audition process, and are excited to play an important role in the 2023 community and program.

Musicians from the award-winning Apollo’s Fire ensemble will be joining LSM on Valparaiso campus working with our students and performing this summer June 30 - July 2.

Because of the generosity of many donors, the vast majority of LSM 2023 faculty studios, concerts, and events have been sponsored. Several sponsorships are still needed- are you able to help LSM ensure all events are supported for 2023?

LSM is excited to introduce the first inaugural LSM Annual Alumni Award. Nominations are due by May 31, 2023.

In an outpouring of generosity and enthusiasm, over 140 alumni, parents, and friends Stepped Up and supported LSM students during the inaugural Step Up LSM initiative.

The Eugene and Mary Sukup Church Music Program renews LSM’s focus on preparing the next generation of church musicians and organists and expands LSM’s curriculum and educational offerings.

Many students are finding newfound success in earning their tuition through crowdfunding. A new initiative provides an opportunity to raise funds that might not have otherwise existed.

LSM is now hiring for seasonal staff positions as well as accepting applications for our tuition-free Fellowship program. Spend a rewarding summer immersed in music within a caring and supportive environment at LSM 2023.