Cantor
Ricardo Ramirez (he/him) is former Director of Music and Organist for the Cathedral of the Holy Name, Chicago Illinois where he directed four choral ensembles and performed on the Cathedral’s three mechanical instruments, including the West Gallery’s 111-rank organ built by Flentrop Orgelbouw, Zaandam, Netherlands.
Born in Eagle Pass, Texas, Dr. Ramirez attended the University of Notre Dame earning two undergraduate degrees simultaneously: B.S. in electrical engineering, and B.M. in organ performance. He later received a Master of Music degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and he earned the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from the Eastman School of Music, Rochester, New York. His teachers included Daniel H. Pedtke, Susan Seid Martin, Robert Anderson, and, David Craighead (organ). Other teachers include Lloyd Pfautch (choral conducting), Gerald Plain (composition) and William Dobbins (improvisation).
A prolific composer, he has composed sacred works for chorus and organ as well instrumental music. His oratorio, Huei tlamahuicoltica – The Great Event, was 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 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. The Flint Journal’s review of his performance of Louis Vierne’s “6th Symphony was impressive and exciting…(and)…the improvised set of variations on ‘Veni Creator’ should be written down as a model for improvisation.” Dr. Ramirez has been awarded prizes in organ playing and composition including National hymn Competition sponsored by the Diocese of Rochester, New York; 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.
Parish Administrator
Julia Steiner (she/her/hers)hails from the northern wilderness of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She 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.
Contact Julia at 773-743-1820
Parish Nurse
Our Parish Nurse, Marcia Smith (gender pronouns: she/her/hers-what’s this?) 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.