As fall approaches and students acclimate to the semester, members of the Music Department make their first public performances of the school year. With a season that ranges from hymns, orchestra tours, commercial projects, to handbells, the Music Department is preparing for another vibrant year of concert offerings to all students, faculty and audiences beyond Concordia. 

For The Concordia Choir, directed by Dr. Michael Busch, students were met with a challenging repertoire and a full season of performances very early in the semester. “This year is more challenging than any of the four years that I have been in The Concordia Choir. But we are pulling up, showing up, and rising to the occasion,” said senior Olivia Thoelke. 

As the premier choir of Concordia, The Concordia Choir is active outside of campus and frequently performs for events in the community. On Fri., Sept. 12, singers from The Concordia Choir sang at the Orange County Mayor's Prayer Breakfast at the Irvine Marriott. “This event is a high-profile gathering of local political and church leaders, and we’re grateful that Concordia University will be represented by some of our very best students,” said Director of Choral and Vocal Activities, Dr. Michael Busch. 

In addition to mayors from cities across Orange County, Robert Pelinka, president and general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, was the keynote speaker and in attendance. The Concordia Choir performed a set of three pieces, including spirituals, choral anthems, and a rendition of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. “It was nice to sing in a smaller setting for people who have the power to make change in Orange County. I am not from California, but I still got to see some of the political leaders from an opportunity with The Concordia Choir, which is not something that I expected,” said Theolke. 

After a successful performance at the Orange County Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, students in The Concordia Choir have no time to waste as they prepare for the annual Fall Festival of Hymns 2025: “Hymns of Light and Love.” On Oct. 4, The Concordia Choir and The Master Chorale will fill St. John's Lutheran Church in Orange with sounds of hymns and sacred music. Sophomore Emma Martinez said her favorite piece is, “I think ‘Seek Him the Seven Stars’ is the best because it is magical, whimsical, and takes you on a journey.”

Accompanying The Concordia Choir as a guest artist, organist, and composer, Benjamin Culli will work with the students to perform select works from over four hundred of his own compositions. “I think pieces like ‘Seek Him the Seven Stars’ will sound really cool with a live organ. It will add to the ambience of the concert and the music,” said Martinez. 

With more than 100 voices lifting praise, the Fall Festival of Hymns continues to be a concert that is a favorite for many students and faculty at Concordia.

Tags: choir, music, Orange County, Concert

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About Rebekah Michel

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