July 17, 2025 //
We are delighted to announce that long-time parishioner Helen Lofstrom has stepped into the role of Concert Coordinator for Concerts by the Creek! Helen’s journey in music education began in her childhood at St. Stephen’s during the 1950s, a time when the parish was actively involved in the Royal School of Church Music program. She continued with the program until she relocated from Minnesota after completing high school. But she never stopped singing.
“I’ve moved across the country, but I kept singing in every place I called home – from the West Coast to the East Coast – throughout the years I was away, until I returned to St. Stephen’s eleven years ago.”
Helen returned to the Parish Choir upon her arrival to Edina and she has been an involved member of our community ever since. Taking on the Concert Coordinator role is a new challenge but one that Helen is looking forward to. “This is a something interesting and new for me and I think I have the skills to do it,” remarked Helen. “This type of leadership can seem intimidating, but Ruth (Taylor) and David (Cooper) did such a good job in documenting, that it gives me a great plan to follow.”
In this leadership transition, we extend our sincere gratitude to David Cooper and Ruth Taylor, the founders and leaders of the Concerts by the Creek music series during its inaugural two seasons. Their dedicated guidance ensured the series thrived from its very first concert, evolving into a community outreach ministry that brings joy and connection to the broader community.
Reflecting on her experience with the series, Ruth expressed, “This role provided me with an incredible opportunity to lead something for St. Stephen’s and I was able to connect with many people in our parish that I hadn’t met before.”
“I’m really proud of the positive reception the concerts have received. We have so many repeat audience members from inside and ouside the church. Both Ruth and I have received so much positive feedback about the series,” David remarked. “It says a lot about the quality of the concerts and the strong interest for a series that offers a wide range of musical styles.”
We eagerly anticipate the upcoming season of Concerts by the Creek and are thankful for the Matson Music Fund. The continuing support of the fund keeps these vibrant concerts free of charge, enabling our church to welcome the Twin Cities community.
Learn more about the 2025 season of our Concerts by the Creek music series.
