Grace University Lutheran Church
Grace University Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Composer in residence program

Begun in 2007

Grace University Lutheran Church’s composer residency program creates a valuable partnership with the University of Minnesota School of Music. Grace’s residency employs a graduate student in music composition from the University to create several new works that are premiered in the church’s worship services throughout the academic year.

Eric Brook, a M.M. student at the University, served as the church’s first resident composer. He created a work for brass and organ that was premiered on Reformation Sunday and a choral setting of "O Magnum Mysterium" that was premiered during the Epiphany season. His other two projects include a work for piano trio based on the passion hymn "Ah, Holy Jesus" for Palm Sunday, and a work for combined adult and youth choirs that was presented in May.

At the conclusion of the residency, the church presented a recital of Brook’s works that included works from the residency year as well as other works from his catalog.

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Composer in residence (cont'd)

Selection process

In 2007 the selection process began with a brief presentation by Stephen Self, the organist/choir director at Grace, to the composition students from the University. Students who were interested in being considered submitted a résumé and two representative works. Each student was interviewed in person. The final decision was made in consultation with the composition faculty from the University.

The residency has been highly successful in every respect. Eric Brook has commented frequently that it has been a very valuable learning experience for him. The ensembles for which works have been composed have grown musically and in their appreciation for new music. The congregation has been reminded that new music appropriate to both worship and the concert hall is still being created and can still have the depth associated with treasured worship repertoire. The church has also been reminded that part of our mission is to serve and strengthen ties with the University’s constituencies. And the University has taken note of the openness of Grace church to nurture young and promising composers.

If you are interested in more information about the residency, please e-mail Steve Self at music@graceattheu.org.