PORTLAND, Ore.-One of the best known composers of music for prayer and worship, Dan Schutte counts "Here I Am, Lord," "City of God" and "Sing a New Song" among his celebrated works from years of collaboration with the St. Louis Jesuits. Now liturgists, musicians and communities seeking a renewal of faith through music and prayer are discovering the inspiring power of a concert or workshop with Schutte.
"While my evening events are often advertised as a concert, they are quite different from most concerts," says Schutte. "At the conclusion of these evenings, people often comment that they feel like they've been on retreat. I'm glad when that's what they experience. These 'concerts' are a combination of music, stories and reflections on our common journey of faith."
Schutte's music continues to be part of the standard repertoire for Christian worship worldwide. He is one of the best-known, most prolific and influential composers of Catholic music for the liturgy. Table of Plenty, an anthology of favorite Schutte songs published from 1985 to 2000, is slated for release in the fall.
"A Dan Schutte concert unites generations in song," says Ken Canedo, youth ministry advisor for Holy Trinity Church in Beaverton, Ore. "Today's teens are still singing 'Here I Am, Lord' and 'City of God,' just like their parents did. Dan's spirituality and musicianship ground the event, but he also knows when to step back and let his audience carry the singing."
"We attach graced memories to Dan Schutte's songs: First Communion, Confirmation, youth ministry, weddings, RCIA," continues Canedo. "An audience walks home from his concerts with new memories as the People of God united in song."
These events are rare opportunities to tap into the experience of an award-winning liturgical music legend. Worship communities interested in booking Schutte for a concert or workshop should contact OCP Events at 1-800-548-8749 or events@ocp.org.
About OCP
OCP, a not-for-profit publisher of liturgical music and worship resources based in Portland, Oregon, has been in operation for more than 80 years. Worship programs produced by OCP are used in two-thirds of Catholic churches in the United States and are distributed worldwide.News Release
July 23, 2008
For immediate release
Media Contacts:
Ben Peterson, 503.460.5363, benp@ocp.org
Kelcee Marcum, 503.460.5358, kelceem@ocp.org
