We have much to celebrate together as we reflect on 2024 and eagerly anticipate all that 2025 has in store. Through these pages, you’ll experience the profound and deeply personal impact LSM has on students, alumni, supporters, event attendees, schools, congregations, and more.

LSM is thrilled to announce the 2025 worship faculty of The Eugene and Mary Sukup Church Music Program under the direction of Chad Fothergill (LSM 2000), Cantor. Highly respected in their fields, these gifted leaders advance LSM’s legacy as a laboratory for creativity and innovation that fuels the future of sacred music and educates the next generation of church music leaders.

Since the founding of Lutheran Summer Music, churches from across the country have acted as Young Musicians Partner (“YMP”) congregations, sending students to LSM and financially supporting their attendance. These partnerships make LSM possible for dozens of students each year, as the majority of students who require financial aid have benefited from a YMP congregation’s support.

Lutheran Summer Music is pleased to present the recipient of the 2024 Carl Schalk Award: Naomi from Grand Marais, MN. LSM has established this award to recognize students who embody the same passion for church music, and by their desires to use their musical gifts to the service of the church. Read Naomi's full interview here.

LSM is pleased to present the recipient of the 2024 Peter Wessler Award: Nicolas from Palmetto Bay, Florida. LSM established this award to honor Peter Wessler, LSM's Academy director for 17 years before his death in 2020. Nicolas (Nico) was chosen as the designee for this award due to his notable contributions to the student community at LSM. Read Nico's full interview here.

Lutheran Summer Music has received a legacy gift from Peace Lutheran Church of Plymouth, a Twin Cities congregation that is closing and selling its building. This generous contribution will go a long way in supporting young musicians and ensuring the continuation of LSM's mission to educate future leaders in classical and sacred music.

The 2024 LSM Alumni Award was presented to Rev. Michael D. Costello during LSM 2024 at the annual Board of Directors Reception on Saturday, July 27, 2024. With over 100 guests in attendance, the event was an inspiring reminder that LSM touches the lives of countless people. Read Rev. Costello’s moving acceptance speech here.

Lutheran Summer Music is pleased to announce a transformational gift from the Christopher Family as part of the Strength and Stay Campaign. The Christopher Family’s longstanding support has been crucial in furthering the mission of Lutheran Summer Music, and their recent major gift has created eight new endowed faculty chairs, enriching the educational experience for students and nurturing musical talent for generations to come.

The 2024 LSM community had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Jennaya Robison, Artistic Director of the National Lutheran Choir, to campus this past week. During her visit, Dr. Robison fully embraced the non-stop LSM schedule, beginning each day with morning prayer, running off to rehearsals, enjoying performances, and ending with evening prayer. LSM students, faculty, and fellows learned from Robison during rehearsals, over meals, and in worship.

Dottie Burroughs, “Dean Dot” was there at the beginning of LSM, calling Dr. Carlos Messerli and asking where she could help in 1981. Throughout her time, she has served in various roles—from counselor to Dean of Students to an instructor. Dean Dot returned to LSM this summer to teach the Music Education Elective and a section of Musicianship.

LSM is pleased to announce that longstanding LSM supporters Mark and Kathy Helge of Rockford, Illinois, are this year’s recipients of the Dr. Carlos Messerli Service Award for outstanding service to the mission of Lutheran Music Program.

LSM is thrilled to announce Rev. Michael D. Costello as the 2024 LSM Alumni Award recipient. A conductor, composer, and church musician, Costello’s work has touched the lives of countless people, providing inspiration through powerful musical experiences in and out of worship.

We asked this summer’s incoming class, “why do you want to attend LSM?” Read their inspiring responses below.

A heartfelt thank you to the nearly 100 alumni, parents, friends, and families have committed three-year pledges or legacy (estate) gifts, bringing us to 95%, or $5.7 million of our $6 million dollar goal!

Lutheran Summer Music is pleased to announce its 42nd season, featuring over 30 free and open-to-the-public concerts, recitals, and worship services. All events will take place at Valparaiso University from July 1 to July 28. The majority will also be livestreamed, allowing those from around the world to experience LSM’s transformational program.

Lutheran Summer Music is thrilled to announce the launch of the Hymn Tune Project, with a second arrangement coming this summer. The Hymn Tune Project is a series of theme and variations on hymn tunes for solo instrument and keyboard. This new piece will build on the momentum of the inaugural arrangement from LSM 2023, Holy Manna, which has garnered hundreds of downloads since its premiere last summer.

Step Up LSM, the annual 24-hour student scholarship drive held on April 25th, was a resounding success raising $38,000 and exceeding the goal. With over 120 alumni, parents, and friends making a gift, LSM 2024 will be able to meet the financial needs of the 70% of students seeking assistance. 

Lutheran Summer Music, the nation’s premier faith-based music academy for high school students, announces its remaining sponsorship opportunities for its 2024 season. The organization invites alumni, friends, family, and foundations to support LSM, investing in the future of young musicians.

It is with immense pleasure that LSM announces the appointment of Dr. Christopher Aspaas as the Alumni Choir Director for the 2024 Alumni Gathering. Dr. Aspaas, who previously served as LSM Festival Choir Director in 2008, 2010, and 2012, is a highly accomplished and beloved conductor and educator. 

Singers from three Lutheran High Schools in the greater Milwaukee area recently came together for the “ONE Choir,” an inaugural joint choir festival. The festival was an opportunity to highlight and continue the Lutheran choral tradition and give students an opportunity to come together with new friends and share in music, faith, and community – all values reflected during LSM.