Lutheran Summer Music Returns to St. Olaf in 2026
Lutheran Summer Music (LSM), the nation’s premier faith-based music academy for high school students, will return to St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, for its 2026 program—a significant move marking both a homecoming and a bold step forward.
The 2026 relocation brings LSM back to its inaugural host site from 1982, and coincides with the biennial conference of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM). Together, these two key partners will create a vibrant summer hub for sacred music, intergenerational learning, and artistic renewal.
St. Olaf College offers exceptional facilities, including Boe Chapel, spacious ensemble rooms, recital and practice spaces, and a rich Lutheran heritage deeply embedded in its campus culture. “Welcoming back Lutheran Summer Music to campus illustrates both organizations’ commitment to musical excellence and inspiring the next generation of classical musicians,” said St. Olaf President Susan Rundell Singer.
Thomas Bandar, LSM’s Executive & Artistic Director, noted: “Returning to St. Olaf after more than 30 years is both a homecoming and a leap forward… This move strengthens our commitment to musical excellence, our independent Lutheran identity, and the nurturing community LSM provides.”
Founded in 1981, LSM has shaped the lives of thousands of young musicians by combining musical rigor with deep spiritual formation. The program continues to draw worship faculty from both the ELCA and LCMS traditions, ensuring worship remains both inclusive and thoughtfully led.
The move from Valparaiso University, LSM’s host since 2017, comes with gratitude. LSM’s eight-year tenure at Valpo saw tremendous growth, doubling enrollment and expanding artistic offerings—including a 2024 performance of Bach’s St. John Passion. Valpo will remain a close institutional partner through shared faculty and outreach.
As LSM prepares to plant roots again at St. Olaf, the return to Minnesota—home to a rich musical and Lutheran tradition—positions the program for a strong, faithful future.
For more on LSM or to explore summer 2025 opportunities, visit lutheransummermusic.org.
