Role

:

Composer Conductor Performer

Birth

:

April 3, 1937 in St. Paul, MN

Death

:

February 18, 2010 in Chicago, IL

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Choral

 

Richard Proulx was a renowned American composer, conductor, and organist who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He was born on April 3, 1937, in St. Paul, Minnesota, and grew up in a family that valued music. His father was a church organist, and his mother was a singer, which inspired Proulx to pursue a career in music. Proulx began his musical education at the age of six when he started taking piano lessons. He later learned to play the organ and became a church organist at the age of 14. He attended the University of Minnesota, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in organ performance. He continued his studies at the University of Michigan, where he earned a Master of Music degree in choral conducting. After completing his education, Proulx began his career as a church musician. He served as the organist and choirmaster at several churches, including St. John's Episcopal Church in Detroit, Michigan, and St. Thomas Church in New York City. He also worked as a music editor for several publishing companies, including GIA Publications, where he served as the director of music. Proulx was known for his innovative approach to church music. He believed that music should be accessible to everyone and that it should be used to enhance the worship experience. He was a pioneer in the use of contemporary music in church services and was instrumental in the development of the "folk mass" movement in the 1960s. Proulx's contributions to the world of classical music were recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1990, he was awarded the prestigious George Peabody Medal for outstanding contributions to music in America. He was also awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance in 2001. Proulx's compositions were performed by some of the world's leading orchestras and choirs. His works include "Mass for the City," "Requiem," and "Missa Emmanuel." He also wrote numerous hymns and anthems, many of which are still sung in churches today. One of Proulx's most significant achievements was his work as the director of music for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago. He held this position from 1977 until his retirement in 2001. During his tenure, he oversaw the music for all of the archdiocese's liturgical celebrations, including the installation of two popes, John Paul II and Benedict XVI. Proulx was also a respected conductor and led several choirs throughout his career. He was the founder and conductor of the Cathedral Singers, a professional choir based in Chicago. He also conducted the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Chorus on several occasions. In addition to his work in classical music, Proulx was also an advocate for social justice. He was a member of the Catholic Committee on Urban Ministry and worked to promote racial and economic justice in Chicago. Richard Proulx passed away on February 18, 2010, at the age of 72. His contributions to the world of classical music and his innovative approach to church music continue to inspire musicians and worshipers around the world.

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