Role

:

Conductor

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Norman Scribner was a renowned classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of choral music. He was born on December 12, 1936, in New York City, and grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. His father was a professional musician, and his mother was a painter. Scribner's early exposure to music and the arts had a profound impact on his life and career. Scribner began his musical training at an early age, studying piano and voice. He attended the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance. He later earned a Master of Music degree in choral conducting from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Scribner's career as a choral conductor began in the early 1960s when he founded the Norman Scribner Choir in Washington, D.C. The choir quickly gained a reputation for excellence, and Scribner became known for his innovative programming and his ability to bring out the best in his singers. In 1971, he founded the Choral Arts Society of Washington, which became one of the most respected choral organizations in the country. Under Scribner's leadership, the Choral Arts Society of Washington performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the White House. The choir also toured extensively, performing in Europe, Asia, and South America. Scribner's innovative programming included collaborations with jazz musicians, dancers, and visual artists, as well as performances of new works by contemporary composers. Scribner's contributions to the world of choral music were recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1990, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President George H.W. Bush, the highest honor given to artists and arts patrons by the United States government. He was also awarded the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal by the Smithsonian Institution in 1996. In addition to his work with the Choral Arts Society of Washington, Scribner was also a respected educator and mentor. He taught choral conducting at the Catholic University of America and served as a guest conductor and clinician for choirs around the world. He was known for his ability to inspire and motivate his singers, and many of his former students went on to successful careers in choral music. Scribner's legacy in the world of choral music continues to be felt today. The Choral Arts Society of Washington, now under the leadership of Scott Tucker, continues to perform at the highest level and to promote the art of choral singing. Scribner's recordings with the choir are still widely admired for their beauty and artistry, and his influence can be heard in the work of many of today's leading choral conductors. Norman Scribner passed away on May 7, 2015, at the age of 78. His contributions to the world of choral music will be remembered for generations to come, and his legacy as a conductor, educator, and mentor will continue to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

More....