Vi Messerli Lectures in Church Music 2026

October 18-20, 2026

Presenters include

Featured presenters and program highlights include:

• The Rev. Dr. Dien Ashley Taylor, senior pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in The Bronx and president of the LCMS Atlantic District, will deliver the Monday keynote address.
• Marin Jacobson, director of choral activities at Valparaiso University, will lead the Tuesday plenary session.
• Sunday Choral Evening Prayer will be led by the Kantorei of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, under the direction of Kevin Hildebrand.
• Monday’s Hymn Festival will feature Daniel Schwandt, cantor at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The event will also include workshops, choral and organ reading sessions, and publishers’ exhibits.

Registration materials available mid-July

Program Highlights:

• The Rev. Dr. Dien Ashley Taylor, Monday plenary speaker
• Marin Jacobson, Tuesday choral plenary speaker
• Sunday choral evening prayer with Kantorei of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, under the direction of Kevin Hildebrand
• Monday hymn festival, Dan Schwandt, organist
• Workshop leaders: Mark Bender, Barry Bobb, Sean Daenzer, Sam Eatherton, Anne Krentz Organ, David Porth, Peter Reske, Matthew Rosebrock, Emily Solomon, Stephen Starke, Elizabeth Urtel, Emily Woock
• Liturgical art exhibit by Matthew Rosebrock
• Choral reading sessions; publisher exhibits; worship with the campus community.

Brochure Download

Registration 

Scholarship Application 

Please join us for a time of professional growth, Christian fellowship and worship, and inspiring music-making!

Contact the Music office if you have any questions: Music@CUChicago.edu or 708-209-3060.