LSM Announces Second Annual Alumni Composer Commission
Jonathan Bartz at LSM 2002 (left) and today (right)
Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) is thrilled to announce that Jonathan Bartz has been selected as the recipient of the second annual Alumni Composer Commission. This initiative, launched in 2024, is a part of LSM's ongoing efforts to highlight its alumni, support their creative contributions, and continue to serve as a laboratory for musical artistry and learning by developing new music during each summer’s Academy & Festival.
Bartz will write a new work for a string chamber ensemble, which the Omega String Faculty will premiere at LSM 2025. Following the debut, the new piece will be available for free download from The LSM Press.
Jonathan Bartz, an award-winning composer based in Los Angeles, has built an impressive career in film and concert music. He has worked on major motion pictures, including blockbuster films such as the recent Star Wars Trilogy (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, LucasFilm) and Marvel’s Avengers series (Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame). He has worked with directors and artists from Steven Spielberg and J.J. Abrams to Cheyenne Jackson and Mariah Carey. Bartz has a passion for innovative composition that blends classical and contemporary elements, making him an exciting choice for this year’s commission.
Upon receiving this commission, Bartz shared “LSM has always held a deeply special place in my heart. At an early age, it instilled a disciplined approach to music-making and offered the most incredible opportunities to participate in a community of shared faith and craft. I’m very much looking forward to returning as an alumni composer and can’t wait to hear this new work come alive with the exceptional Omega String Faculty!"
LSM’s Alumni Composer Commission was established to celebrate the diverse talents of its alumni and to support the creation of new music. The initiative underscores LSM’s commitment to fostering lifelong involvement for its alumni. Last year’s inaugural commission, Gray Overtures, composed by Lawton Hall, was met with great enthusiasm. Listen to and download that work for free from The LSM Press.
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.
More details about the performance date and participating ensembles will be announced in the coming months. Stay connected with LSM for updates and opportunities to experience this exciting new work by Jonathan Bartz.