Michael Burkhardt

b. 1957

Michael Burkhardt is internationally known for his innovative and inspiring hymn festivals and for his creative work with children. He is in frequent demand as a choral clinician, organ recitalist, and hymn festival leader.

He is currently Director of Worship and the Arts at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Livonia, Michigan and Artistic Director for hearts, hands, and voices Fine Arts and Worship Program. From 2001 to 2007 he served on the faculty of Carthage College (ELCA) in Kenosha, Wisconsin, as Director of Choral Activities, College Organist, and Artist in Residence. He also served for several years as the Artistic Director of the Detroit Handbell Ensemble. Prior to his appointment at Carthage, he was a Faculty Associate in organ at Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.

Dr. Burkhardt has performed and led seminars at both national and regional events for the American Guild of Organists, the Hymn Society, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, the Presbyterian Association of Musicians, the Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts, and the American Choral Directors Association. Since 2003, he made six performance teaching tours to South Korea and Singapore. In addition, he is composer of two settings of the Eucharistic liturgy, A New Song and Missa St. Andrew, as well as numerous organ improvisations, choral octavos, and handbell compositions.