Voices will join together this fall to celebrate the Reformation on the Luther Seminary campus.
On Sunday, Oct. 28, the seminary will host Singing the Faith, an annual festival featuring a service of choir anthems, hymns and readings. This year’s worship service and dinner will take place in the Luther Seminary Olson Campus Center.
“This year is the 25th annual celebration of Singing the Faith, created by Gracia Grindal and sponsored by the FRIENDS of Luther Seminary as a means of remembering our Lutheran heritage and raising funds for the FRIENDS endowed scholarship fund,” said Lynne Moratzka, donor relations coordinator at Luther Seminary.
Previous years’ themes have included “The Apostles’ Creed and the Hymnody of Paul Gerhardt” with the Augsburg Choir, “From Repentance to Joy” with Magnum Chorum and a celebration of Grindal’s birthday featuring the Nordic Choir from Luther College.
This year, the Valparaiso University Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Christopher M. Cock, will lead the community in song as the guest performer. The Valparaiso University Chorale is one of the country’s most recognized Lutheran choirs. The 48-member chorale performs both traditional songs, often in the original languages, as well as contemporary music.
Cock is a professor and conductor at Valparaiso University. Under his leadership, the Valparaiso University Chorale has toured both in Europe and the United States. Throughout his career, he has also performed as a soloist, appearing at Carnegie Hall both as a singer and conductor.
“We are honored to welcome the Valparaiso University Chorale and alumni/ae to this year’s concert and dinner,” Moratzka said.
Singing the Faith is free and open to the public. A free-will offering will be taken, with a cost of $17 for a German buffet dinner. Meal reservations can be made by contacting Lynne Moratzka at lmoratzk@luthersem.edu or 651-641-3419.
Proceeds from Singing the Faith benefit the FRIENDS Endowed Scholarship fund. Each year, the FRIENDS provide scholarship support for two Luther Seminary students. Visit the FRIENDS online for more information.