Students Debut Works at Spring 2023 Composers Recital

Concordia University, Nebraska's music department held its Spring Composer’s Recital on Tuesday, March 24 at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward, Nebraska. 

Included in the program were premiere performances of pieces written by five Concordia student composers, comprised of a variety of music written for vocals, organ, winds, and piano.  

John Kosch, current professor of composition, reflects on the variety students can produce when they have the opportunity to create. Kosch stated, “All the pieces were very different."

Our selections included a brass chorale, a recomposition of the famous hymn from “Titanic,” a virtuosic organ solo, a 9-minute choral epic on the wonders of nature, and a humorous piece for trombone about climbing a tree (and occasionally falling). The diversity of our program is a testament to our students’ willingness to explore different methods of connecting with audiences through music. It’s invigorating to see our students try new things and develop new skills!” 

The music is listed by program order, with the composer first, followed by the performances 

“Tocatta on a Chant Tune” 

Composed and performed by Ethan Gillespie, sophomore, Random Lake, Wis., organ 

“Nearer My God to Thee” 

Composed by Gillian Mettenbrink, senior, Seward, Neb. 

Jenny Horne, senior, Seward, Neb., soprano 

Kirsten Horne, sophomore, Seward, Neb., soprano 

Gabbi Krutsinger, junior, Imperial, Neb., alto 

Gillian Mettenbrink, alto 

Isaac Weander, junior, Norfolk, Neb., tenor 

Caleb Zeckzer, junior, New Haven, Ind., tenor 

Joshua Jurchen, freshman, Seward, Neb., bass 

Calvin Rohde, junior, Reed City, Mich., bass 

Nathan Pennington, senior, Lincoln, Neb., bass 

“Chorale in F Minor” 

Composed by Nathaniel Mars, senior, Seward, Neb. 

Samuel Dunbar, sophomore, Lambertville, N.J., trumpet 

Matthew Feusse, junior, Clearwater, Neb., trumpet 

Colin Thuringer, sophomore, Sioux Falls, S.D., trombone 

“To Climb a Tree” 

Composed by Nathan Pennington  

Jackson Munter, sophomore, Ithaca, Neb., trombone 

Elizabeth Grimpo, piano 

“Let the Wind Lead”  

Composed by Ryan Edinger, sophomore, Wentzville, Mo. 

Logan Edinger, sophomore, Wentzville, Mo., soprano 

Sadie Henson, sophomore, Herrin, Ill., alto 

Logan Walgate, sophomore, St. Charles, Mo., tenor 

Ethan Gillespie, bass 

Emilee Price, sophomore, Columbus, Neb., flute 

Ryan Edinger, piano  

Interested in being a part of Concordia's music department? Learn more here.