Samuel Libra

Samuel is a native of Minnesota, where he got his start in music as a chorister of the Minnesota Boys Choir. Following studies at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, as a student of Gregory Peterson, he relocated to pursue graduate study with Carole Terry at the University of Washington. Formerly the Assistant Organist and Administrative Assistant for Music at St. James Cathedral, Seattle, Sam has enjoyed a number of opportunities to perform and interface with local musical ensembles. He has performed with PNW groups such as Seattle Bach Choir, reSound: a Northwest Vocal Ensemble, the St. James Cathedral Chamber Orchestra, UW Baroque Ensemble, UW Symphony, and as a solo performer at a number of area churches.

His research focuses on organ and symphonic music of the 19th century, especially that of the French Symphonic School of composers and performers in late 19th century Paris. In the summer of 2016, he was the recipient of a grant from the McManus Endowed Organ Graduate Student Teaching Development Fund, which allowed him to participate in masterclasses at the Royaumont Abbey and Foundation in Asnières sur Oise, France, as a student of Jean-Baptiste Robin.