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.

We invite you to relive your favorite moments from 2022 in these pages and gain an even deeper insight into the impact of LSM from first-hand accounts of students, faculty, fellows, families, and supporters.

LSM is excited to continue to build upon its nationally renowned faculty with the addition of Dr. Shannon Gravelle as the Phyllis and Richard Duesenberg Endowed Festival Choir Director for LSM 2023. Having previously served as Dean of Students (2007 & 2008) as well as a counselor (2005 & 2006), Dr. Gravelle knows and understands the LSM community well.

Over 80 alumni from every year of LSM joined the students, faculty, and staff during LSM 2022 Festival Week for their first reunion. As alumni shared memories, connected with old and new friends, and made music together, the 40-year history of LSM was brought together through each person’s unique experience.

This 40th anniversary year, the LSM choir has the honor of premiering the piece “The Lily and the Bird,” composed by LSM’s composer-in-residence Benjamin Krause and commissioned by the David Krause family. The choral work includes a string quartet and oboe, and is based largely on Christ's words in Matthew and Luke: "Behold the birds of the air…consider the lilies of the field…"

Performing a Bach cantata within worship is long-standing tradition and special treat for the LSM community every summer. Bach cantatas provide a wide range of musical challenges and delights, from beautiful chorales to energetic fugues, as well as poignant texts sung enthusiastically in their original German. 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 172.