Bio
†Richard Hillert (1923–2010) enjoyed a distinguished career as a composer and teacher of composition that spanned over four decades. His songs are featured in worship resources from many Christian denominations. One of his most popular compositions is “Festival Canticle: Worthy Is Christ.” A prolific composer, Hillert also published choral motets, hymns, psalm settings, organ works, concertati and cantatas in addition to his liturgical music. He was a longtime professor of music at Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Illinois, scholarly author and associate editor of the journal Church Music (1966–80). He received an honorary doctor of sacred music degree from Valparaiso University, and honorary doctor of letters degrees from Concordia University at Seward, Nebraska and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He was an honorary life member of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians.