Vi Messerli Memorial Lectures in Church Music
Under the leadership of Carl Schalk and the music department, Lectures in Church Music began in the mid-1960s as an offering to lift up and encourage church musicians in their craft and calling and to build community with others who share common concerns for the church’s music. Throughout the years, the conference has engaged presenters on topics ranging from the practical to the philosophical. In 2000, Concordia received a generous endowment from Dr. Jonathan Messerli, Concordia (then Teachers College) Class of 1949, in memory of his wife Vi, which continues to financially support the conference.
Many outstanding scholars have presented at the Vi Messerli Memorial Lectures in Church Music over the years, including Christoph Wolff, Karl Geiringer, Michael Hawn, Paul Westermeyer, Gordon Lathrop, Paul Grime, John Witvliet, and Robin Leaver. Clinicians offering practical, helpful workshops have included Anton Armstrong, James Litton, Helen Kemp, Alice Parker, John Feierabend, Kevin Hildebrand, Zeb Highben, and Bruce Chamberlain. Recitalists have included Gerre Hancock, Paul Jacobs, Craig Cramer, Peter Hurford, Mark Laubach, Robert Hobby, Charles Ore, Paul Manz, and many others. Visiting choirs have included Gloria Dei Cantores, Bella Voce, Chicago Choral Artists, Chicago a cappella, and several exceptional children’s choirs. Each conference also offers sessions in conjunction with the Center for Church Music.
