Sandström mentored and inspired numerous young composers and performers at the IU Jacobs School of Music for two decades. Sandström was a professor of music (composition) at the Jacobs School from 1999 to 2008. He returned to Bloomington in 2012 and served as a faculty member until 2018. An exemplary model of the artist-teacher, he left a legacy of powerfully expressive music and utmost commitment to his students.

Over 50 years, Sandström composed nearly 300 musical works, with pieces in virtually all genres of the Western art music tradition. Never content to rest on his laurels, Sandström let his music and artistic philosophy evolve over time. His controversial Requiem (1982) was a seminal work. Twelve years later, he composed his powerful and frequently performed High Mass. He composed many works for choir, both a cappella and with orchestra. Other significant works from his time at IU include the Magnificent (2005), several motets, a Christmas Oratorio (2005), the passion oratorio, The Word (2004), and his opera, Batseba, premiered in December 2008 at the Royal Swedish Opera in Stockholm.

Thank you for honoring this profound legacy by supporting the next generation of musicians and composers!

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