Lutheran Summer Music Relocates to St. Olaf College in 2026

Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (LSM), the nation’s premier faith-based summer music academy for high school students, announces that the 2026 program will return to St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, for the first time since 1994. This move marks a significant new chapter for LSM, returning the program to the site of its inaugural season in 1982.

St. Olaf College offers world-class music facilities that will support and expand LSM’s growing programs, including multiple large ensemble spaces, a recital hall for the full community and guests, the magnificent Boe Chapel, ample organ studios and individual practice rooms—an ideal home for LSM’s robust offerings.

"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 College President Susan Rundell Singer. "We are thankful for the opportunity to host a premier faith-based music academy that encourages participants to examine their faith, values, and vocation through music.”

LSM Executive & Artistic Director Thomas Bandar reflected on the significance of the move: “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, to our independent Lutheran identity, and to cultivating the next generation of classical and sacred musicians. The beautiful St. Olaf campus provides a picturesque landscape for LSM’s dedication to a nurturing community.”

The Twin Cities region, home to a vibrant Lutheran heritage and a rich musical landscape, has long been a vital part of LSM’s story. LSM draws students and faculty from across the country, as well as college and conservatory students through its tuition-free fellowship program. This move will help strengthen the program’s deep ties to both the Twin Cities region and the national music community.

Since its founding in 1981, Lutheran Summer Music has guided the lives of thousands of young musicians, many of whom credit LSM as the starting place for their professional careers and vocations. LSM was founded as an itinerant program, with the program being hosted on nine different campuses since inception, including Augsburg University, Augustana College-Rock Island, Augustana University-Sioux Falls, Concordia College, Gustavus Adolphus College, Luther College, Valparaiso University, St. Olaf College, and Wittenberg University.

Media Contact:

Eric Sayre

Alumni & External Relations Director

Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival 

(612) 879-9555

LSMacademy.org

About Lutheran Summer Music

Lutheran Summer Music (founded 1982) is a nationally recognized summer music academy bringing together 250 students, fellows, and faculty annually from across the United States for four weeks of intensive study, performance, and worship. Alumni of the program are active in leading orchestras, universities, churches, and ensembles worldwide.