Cantor
Born in Eagle Pass, Texas, Ricardo Ramirez (he/him) attended the University of Notre Dame earning two undergraduate degrees simultaneously– a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering and a Bachelor of Music in organ performance. He later received a Master of Music degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas and earned his Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.
A prolific composer, he has composed sacred works for chorus and organ as well instrumental music. His oratorio Huei tlamahuicoltica (The Great Event) premiered on the Feast of the Virgin Guadalupe on December 12, 2008. Based on the Codex Escalada, the oratorio relates the story of the apparition of the Virgin Mary (Lady of Guadalupe) to Juan Diego in 1531. The choruses, arias and recitatives combine folkloric elements with modern musical styles and are in the languages of English, Spanish and Nahuatl. While in Rochester, he also continued extensive studies in choreography and theater with Garth Fagan (The Lion King) and Elizabeth Clark, as well as further studies in aboriginal dance with Bill Crause (Iroquois song leader). Dr. Ramirez provided the choreography for the opera Killbear Comes Home by composer Paul Stuart which was hailed as “a charming, visceral combination of Native American and modern dance” (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle).
Among Dr. Ramirez’ specializations in organ repertoire is French organ music of the twentieth century, including the complete organ works of Maurice Duruflé and the six symphonies for organ of Louis Vierne. Dr. Ramirez has been awarded prizes in organ playing and composition including the Dioscese of Rochester’s National Hymn Competition, the Flint, Michigan International Organ-Playing Competition, and the Fort Wayne, Indiana National Organ Playing Competition.
Dr. Ramirez is past Dean of the Chicago Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Prior to arriving at Immanuel Lutheran Church, he was Organist for Barrington First Methodist Church and the Director of Music and Organist at the Cathedral of the Holy Name in Chicago.
Parish Administrator
Julia Steiner (she/her/hers) has degrees in vocal performance and political science from Lawrence University and a Master’s in voice from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. From 2016-2021, she has served as the soprano section leader in Immanuel’s choir and remains unable to resist a good hymn descant.
Julia has previously served as an administrator for small businesses and nonprofits around Chicago, most recently as a bookseller at an independent bookstore on the North Side. She still maintains an elaborate spreadsheet of all the books she reads each year and enjoys seeing as many movies and live productions around the city as possible with her fiancée.
Parish Nurse
Our Parish Nurse Marcia Smith (she/her/hers) is trained in Faith Community Nursing, which is a specialty practice of professional nursing. Marcia has been a member at Immanuel for twenty-some years and a registered nurse for 40. She became the Parish Nurse in 2017. She started out life as a suburbanite but now loves living in the city. Marcia’s favorite activities include reading, birdwatching, and botanizing. She is an avid environmentalist and can be seen biking around the neighborhood.
Contact Marcia at 773-743-1831
Getting Here
Public Transportation: We are conveniently located about two blocks from the #22 Clark bus and a ten-minute walk from the Thorndale red line station.
Parking: On Sundays, parking is available at Senn High School (5900 N Glenwood Ave) half a block south of the church. An accessible drop-off location is located directly in front of the church entrance on Elmdale Ave.