The Opening Celebration for the 2008 National Convention will be a grand introduction to the week. Held at Central Lutheran Church in downtown Minneapolis, it will begin with a concert played by David Johnson on Central’s 47-bell carillon, followed by an organ prelude by the 2006 winner of the National Young Artists Competition in Organ Performance, Scott Montgomery.

Other musical highlights of the evening will include works by Minnesota composers Stephen Paulus, Dominick Argento, and Libby Larsen, as well as anthems by Steven Stucky and Stephen Fraser. Both the Larsen and Stucky pieces were commissioned for the 2008 National Convention. The Fraser anthem is the winning entry of the AGO/ECS Publishing Award in Choral Composition.

Along with greetings from national and convention officers, renowned theologian and teacher Martin E. Marty will present the keynote address.

The postlude will be presented by 2006 National Competition in Organ Improvisation winner Tom Trenney. Additional performers will include the Minnesota Boychoir, choirs from the downtown churches, as well as organists and conductors Melanie Ohnstad, Lynn Trapp, Philip Brunelle, and Mark Sedio. This rich yet fast-paced event will provide a memorable beginning to an invigorating convention.