Inaugural Annual Alumni Composition Commission

LSM is excited to launch the Annual Alumni Composition Commission project, which aims to support and showcase alumni composers through commissioned works. This year's inaugural alumni composer, Lawton Hall (LSM 2005-2006), has been commissioned to write a new work for brass that will be premiered at the Praetorius Brass Faculty Recital at LSM 2024.

Lawton Hall (LSM 2005-2006)

The commission project is a part of LSM's ongoing initiatives to support its alumni and promote their work. Following the premiere, the new work will be available for free download on LSM's website.

Lawton Hall is a Milwaukee-based composer and researcher whose creative practice includes chamber music, multimedia and visual works, and electronic music. Inspired by music history as well as his research on musical algorithms, social agency, and sonic perception, his works explore rhythm, harmony, and timbre with a focus on the intersubjective dimensions of music. Recent projects include works for Akropolis Reed Quintet, 5th House Ensemble, Hypercube, Khemia Ensemble, DanceWorks Milwaukee, cellist Ashley Walters, and percussionist Abby Fisher. 

"I am honored to be the inaugural alumni composer for LSM's Annual Alumni Composition Commission project," shared Lawton. "LSM has been an important part of my musical journey, and I am excited to contribute to its legacy through this commission."

Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) is the nation’s premier faith-based music academy for high school students. In addition to advanced musical instruction and numerous performance opportunities, LSM students form an intentional community, living together for four weeks on a Lutheran college campus. Since 1981, this unique and immersive program has guided the lives of thousands of young musicians, many of whom credit LSM as the starting place for their future careers and vocations.

Listen to one of Lawton’s recent works performed at the 2023 Akropolis Chamber Music Institute: