Role

:

Composer Conductor

Birth

:

February 20, 1955 in Price, UT

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

 

Mack Wilberg is a renowned American composer, arranger, and conductor of choral music. He was born on February 20, 1955, in Price, Utah, and grew up in a musical family. His mother was a pianist, and his father was a singer and choir director. Wilberg started playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Wilberg attended Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, where he earned a bachelor's degree in music. He then went on to earn a master's degree in music from the University of Southern California. While at USC, he studied under the renowned composer and conductor, Halsey Stevens. After completing his studies, Wilberg returned to BYU, where he joined the faculty as a professor of music. He also became the conductor of the BYU Men's Chorus, a position he held for over 20 years. Under his leadership, the Men's Chorus became one of the most respected and acclaimed male choirs in the world. Wilberg's career as a composer and arranger began to take off in the 1990s. He started writing music for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, one of the most prestigious choral ensembles in the world. His arrangements of traditional hymns and folk songs quickly became popular with audiences and performers alike. One of Wilberg's most famous works is his arrangement of "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing." This hymn has been a staple of Christian worship for centuries, but Wilberg's arrangement gave it a fresh and modern sound. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has performed this arrangement numerous times, and it has become one of their signature pieces. Wilberg's other notable works include his arrangement of "All Creatures of Our God and King," which features a lively and energetic melody, and his setting of "The Lord Is My Shepherd," which is a beautiful and moving piece for choir and orchestra. In addition to his work with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Wilberg has also composed music for other ensembles, including the King's Singers, the Utah Symphony, and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. He has also written music for film and television, including the soundtrack for the PBS documentary, "The American West." Wilberg's music is known for its rich harmonies, lush textures, and emotional depth. He has a gift for taking traditional melodies and giving them a contemporary twist, making them accessible to modern audiences while still honoring their roots. In addition to his work as a composer and arranger, Wilberg is also a respected conductor. He has led numerous choral ensembles, including the BYU Men's Chorus, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and the Utah Symphony Chorus. He is known for his ability to bring out the best in his performers, and his passion for music is evident in every performance he conducts. Wilberg's contributions to the world of choral music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. He has received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from both BYU and USC, and he has been inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. In 2008, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President George W. Bush, the highest honor given to artists and arts patrons by the United States government. Today, Mack Wilberg continues to compose, arrange, and conduct music that inspires and uplifts audiences around the world. His music has become a beloved part of the choral repertoire, and his legacy as a composer and conductor will continue to influence generations of musicians to come.

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