“Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to us that we should proclaim the Word of God through Music.”
Martin Luther

Integral to the worship and mission of the congregation, Luther Memorial’s music program is strongly rooted in the rich Lutheran musical tradition and ancient liturgy of the church. Chant, cantatas, chorales, anthems, motets, and hymns of various times and places are sung passionately by the the congregation with the leadership of several outstanding choral groups. We believe that music exists to aid God’s people in worship and thus the music at Luther Memorial is offered at the highest standard, ennobling the liturgy through sacred song.

Choirs & ensembles

Luther Memorial has several choirs and instrumental ensembles, including Adult Choir, Youth Choir, Children’s Choir, Bell Choir and Recorder Ensemble. As scheduled, these ensembles provide leadership to the Sunday liturgy as well as festivals.

Music at Midday concert series

Luther Memorial holds a weekly 30-minute concerts at noon on Wednesdays during the UW term. The church also hosts concerts by guest choirs from around the world, particularly many of the Lutheran colleges in the U.S.

Pipe organs

Music at Luther Memorial has a foundation in the magnificent sound of its pipe organs. The church has three organs:

• A 56-rank Austin organ built and installed in the rear balcony in 1966
• A 1893 Steere and Sons tracker action organ of 19 stops, restored and installed in the east transept in 1997
• A 1986 Bedient portative organ of three stops

Grand piano

Luther Memorial is proud to own a rare 1913 Mason & Hamlin CC concert grand piano. The instrument was thoroughly restored by Farley’s House of Pianos in Madison and purchased thanks to the generosity of many members of the congregation in 2019. The piano’s primary function is to support the many concerts held in the nave, but it is also occasionally used for liturgies.

Luther Memorial’s organs

Music at Luther Memorial has a foundation in the magnificent sound of its organs. The church has three pipe organs:

• A 56-rank Austin organ built and installed in the rear balcony in 1966
• A 1893 Steere and Sons tracker action organ of 19 stops, restored and installed in the east transept in 1997
• A 1986 Bedient portative organ of three stops

› Read the full history of the Austin, Steere and Bedient organs at Luther Memorial.

A History of Church Ceremonies in Saxony

What was worship like in 17th-18th century Lutheran Germany? Christian Gerber tells us in his 1732 book A History of Church Ceremonies in Saxony, parts of which have been translated by Bruce Bengtson.

› Read Bruce Bengtson’s selected translations from A History of Church Ceremonies in Saxony.