Rev. Robert Bergt, artist in-residence at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and director of the American Kantorei, was honored with the Wittenberg Award by The Luther Institute on Oct. 23 in Washington D.C. The Wittenberg Award, instituted in 1990 to honor outstanding Lutheran laity and clergy, was presented in conjunction with a concert that Rev. Bergt and members of the American Kantorei performed. The concert took place at The Lutheran Church of the Reformation in Washington, D.C. and was followed by a reception and dinner.

"We join the entire St. Louis community in expressing congratulations to Rev. Robert Bergt," commented Dr. John F. Johnson, president of Concordia Seminary. "We are very grateful for all that he does to further the appreciation for Johann Sebastian Bach's music in our midst. Robert is best known in our Seminary community for his tireless efforts connected with the annual series of sacred concerts on our campus known as Bach at the Sem. His passion for this series and the leadership he has provided for it over the years have greatly enriched our lives."

The Luther Institute is an inter-Lutheran center in Washington, D.C. dedicated to fostering education and research on social, educational and ethical issues in the public sphere. The Institute conducts several programs to promote its mission and to encourage service to church and society.

Other Wittenberg Award honorees on Oct. 23 included Dr. Timothy Albrecht, professor, Emory University; Egil Hovland, composer and organist, Fredrikstad, Norway; Dr. Weston Noble, professor, Luther College, Decorah, Iowa; Dr. Anton Armstrong, director, St. Olaf Choir, St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn.; and Dr. Carl Schalk, professor emeritus, Concordia University, River Forest, Ill.

For more information, contact Rev. Glen Thomas, Vice President for Seminary Relations, Concordia Seminary, 801 DeMun Ave., St. Louis, Mo. 63105; 314-505-7371; [email protected].