The third of four Langenberg Organ Recitals will be held Sunday, Feb. 18, at 5 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 621 N. Lincoln Ave., Hastings, Neb. The recital is free and open to the public. Following the recital, a light meal will be served in Fellowship Hall.
 Performing will be Dr. Michael Burkhardt, Kenosha, Wis., internationally known for his innovative and inspiring hymn festivals and creative work with children. He is in frequent demand as a clinician, recitalist and hymn festival leader.
 

Burkhardt, a faculty member at Carthage College, Kenosha, Wis., authored Singing with Understanding, a curriculum utilizing hymns, folksongs and spirituals of the church to share faith stories and to teach elements of music and worship. He is director of the Carthage Choir, is college organist, and is an artist in residence.

Burkhardt has performed and led seminars at national and regional events for the American Guild of Organists, the Hymn Society, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians and the American Choral Directors Association.
 

Burkhardt is a graduate of Carthage College. He completed a master’s degree at Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas; and a doctoral degree at Arizona State University, Tempe. 
 

The Langenberg Organ Recital Series commemorates the 50-year anniversary of First Presbyterian Church’s Austin organ. Through the generosity of the Langenberg Music Endowment, a four-year organ enhancement/renovation project began in 2002.
The Langenberg Music Endowment was established in 2001 following the death of Luella Langenberg. The endowment provides for special needs of the church’s music program including the purchase of Steinway piano, honoraria for collegiate chancel choir section leaders, and for the purchase of Orff instruments.

The organ recital series is co-sponsored by the Hastings College Department of Music, the Hastings College Vocation and Values Program, and First Presbyterian Church.