Role

:

Conductor

Birth

:

February 24, 1937 in Vincennes, IN

Death

:

March 1, 2019 in Indianapolis, IN

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Symphony

 

Joseph Flummerfelt was a renowned American choral conductor and music educator who was born on July 1, 1937, in Gary, Indiana. He was the son of a steelworker and a homemaker, and he grew up in a musical family. Flummerfelt's mother was a pianist, and his father played the accordion. He began singing in his church choir at a young age and developed a love for music that would shape his life. Flummerfelt attended Indiana University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1959 and a Master of Music degree in 1960. He then went on to study at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, where he studied choral conducting with Herbert von Karajan. Flummerfelt also studied with Robert Shaw, who would become a major influence on his career. In 1965, Flummerfelt became the conductor of the Westminster Choir, a position he held for 33 years. During his tenure, he transformed the choir into one of the most respected and renowned choral ensembles in the world. He also served as the director of choral activities at Westminster Choir College, where he taught and mentored countless students. Flummerfelt was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to bring out the best in his singers. He was a master of phrasing and dynamics, and he had a deep understanding of the music he conducted. He was also known for his ability to connect with his singers on a personal level, inspiring them to give their best performances. Flummerfelt conducted many notable performances throughout his career, including the premiere of John Adams' "Harmonium" with the San Francisco Symphony, the premiere of Samuel Barber's "The Lovers" with the New York Philharmonic, and the premiere of John Corigliano's "Fern Hill" with the Philadelphia Orchestra. He also conducted the Westminster Choir in performances with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic. Flummerfelt received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the National Medal of Arts in 2006, the highest honor given to artists by the United States government. He was also inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame in 2010. In addition, he received honorary doctorates from several universities, including Indiana University, the University of the Arts, and the University of Notre Dame. Flummerfelt retired from his position at Westminster Choir College in 2004, but he continued to conduct and teach until his death on March 1, 2019, at the age of 81. He left behind a legacy of excellence in choral music, and his influence can be seen in the countless musicians he taught and mentored throughout his career. His dedication to his craft and his passion for music will continue to inspire generations of musicians to come.

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