Role

:

Conductor

Period

:

Renaissance

 

 

Baroque

Genre

:

Choral

 

Dennis Keene was a renowned conductor, organist, and choral director who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on December 2, 1945, in New York City, Keene grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. His father was a professional singer, and his mother was a pianist. Keene began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Keene attended the Juilliard School, where he studied organ and conducting. He also studied with renowned choral conductor Robert Shaw, who would become a significant influence on his career. After completing his studies, Keene began his career as a church organist and choir director. He served as the organist and choir director at several churches in New York City, including the Church of the Resurrection and the Church of the Holy Trinity. In 1972, Keene founded the Voices of Ascension, a professional choir based in New York City. The choir quickly gained a reputation for excellence, and Keene became known for his innovative programming and meticulous attention to detail. Under his leadership, the Voices of Ascension performed a wide range of repertoire, from Renaissance polyphony to contemporary works. In addition to his work with the Voices of Ascension, Keene was also a sought-after guest conductor. He conducted many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He also conducted opera productions at the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Opera, and the Santa Fe Opera. Keene was particularly known for his interpretations of the music of Benjamin Britten. He conducted many of Britten's major works, including the War Requiem, the Spring Symphony, and the opera Peter Grimes. He also recorded several of Britten's works with the Voices of Ascension, including the Ceremony of Carols and the Hymn to St. Cecilia. Throughout his career, Keene received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 1999, he was awarded the Ditson Conductor's Award, which recognizes conductors who have made significant contributions to American music. He was also awarded the Handel Medallion by the City of New York, the highest honor given by the city for contributions to the arts. Keene continued to conduct and perform until his death in 2015. He was widely regarded as one of the most talented and influential choral conductors of his generation, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians and audiences around the world.

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