معرفی
Michael Elsbernd serves as the College Organist and Applied Music Associate at Grinnell College, teaching organ and providing ceremonial music for Herrick Chapel. He also holds roles as Director of Worship and Music at St. John’s Lutheran Church (Des Moines), Lecturer in Music History at Grand View University, and Teaching Artist of Organ at Simpson College. His academic background includes a D.M.A. in Organ Performance from the University of Michigan (2002), an M.M. from Westminster Choir College (1999), and a B.A. from Luther College (1997), with additional studies in Germany.
Research focuses on North German Baroque musician Johann Adam Reincken, supported by a 2001 Presser Foundation grant. Performance highlights include a 2023 Mahler transcription at the University of Iowa, Bach’s Easter Oratorio, and a 2024 adjudication role at the National Undergraduate Organ Competition. He has presented lectures on Eastern European organ music and Bach’s works, including a 2023 C-HOP Festival appearance and a 2023 Wartburg College lecture.
Additional roles include conducting the Cathedral Choir and String Scholars at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Beyond academia, he enjoys road cycling with family on Iowa trails like RAGBRAI.
