The organ is a nice instrument to showcase holiday music, and members of the community will get a chance to listen to that this weekend at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

At 2 p.m. on Sunday, organist Kalle Akkerman will present a festival of hymns celebrating Christ. The public is invited to Our Savior’s to participate in the music. Akkerman has selected hymns from a variety of Christian traditions including African spirituals, German chorales, French carols, and jazz anthems. Austin community members will perform the hymns of faith with Akkerman.

Akkerman is a native of Austin, was raised on a farm, and is a 2011 graduate of Austin High School. He credits many Austin teachers and musicians with inspiring his interest in pursuing a career as a performer and educator. He began piano lessons at age 5 and studied with Joyce Edlund for 14 years. He was trained to play the organ by Neal Erickson at St. Olaf Lutheran Church where he is a member and currently studies the organ with Dr. Gregory Peterson at Luther College. Akkerman credits his interest in chorale music to Brian Johnson, the Director of the Austin High School choir, as well as Coni Nelson, Sonia Larson, Nancy Dolphin and Margo Bissen. He will graduate with a music degree from Luther College is 2015.

The festival is open to everyone without charge, although there will be a free will offering.