Michael Elsbernd, worship director and educator, will be featured at the college’s first Bach’s Lunch organ series recital of the 2023-24 season Friday, Sept. 15.

The concert will begin at 12:30 p.m. in Wartburg Chapel. It will be preceded by a noon lunch and conversation with the organist in the Chapel Commons. The program will feature J.S. Bach’s “Allegro” from Sonata V, BWV 529, as well “Wind of Ryukyu” by Shinji Inagi and “Joshua Fit the Battle ob Jericho” by Fela Sowande.

Elsbernd is director of worship and music at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Des Moines and teaches at Grinnell and Simpson colleges as well as Grand View University. He serves on the board for the After School Arts Program in Des Moines and was instrumental in the design and implementation of its piano lab program.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from Luther College, a Master of Music from the Westminster Choir College of Rider University and a Doctor of Musical Arts from University of Michigan.

Bach’s Lunch attendees are invited to bring a lunch. The series will continue Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Feb. 19, March 8 and April 12.