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Composer  

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1949

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Daniel E. Gawthrop is a renowned American composer of classical music, known for his choral works and sacred music. Born on August 23, 1949, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Gawthrop grew up in a musical family. His father was a church organist, and his mother was a singer. Gawthrop started playing the piano at the age of five and began composing music when he was in high school. Gawthrop attended the University of Illinois, where he studied music composition with Salvatore Martirano and Ben Johnston. He received his Bachelor of Music degree in 1971 and his Master of Music degree in 1973. After completing his studies, Gawthrop worked as a freelance composer and arranger in Chicago. In 1980, Gawthrop moved to Washington, D.C., where he became the composer-in-residence at the National Presbyterian Church. He held this position for 25 years, during which time he composed numerous choral works and sacred music pieces. Gawthrop's music is known for its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and expressive use of text. One of Gawthrop's most famous works is "Sing Me to Heaven," a choral piece that has become a staple in the repertoire of choirs around the world. The piece was commissioned by the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, D.C., and premiered in 1991. "Sing Me to Heaven" is a setting of a poem by Jane Griner, which speaks of the power of music to heal and uplift the soul. The piece is characterized by its soaring melodies and lush harmonies, which build to a powerful climax. Another notable work by Gawthrop is "Mary Speaks," a choral cycle based on the Magnificat, the Song of Mary from the Gospel of Luke. The cycle consists of six movements, each of which sets a different portion of the Magnificat. The piece was commissioned by the Choral Arts Society of Washington and premiered in 1997. "Mary Speaks" is known for its intricate choral writing and its use of Gregorian chant melodies. Gawthrop's music has been performed by numerous choirs and orchestras around the world, including the National Symphony Orchestra, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award and the John Ness Beck Foundation Award for Choral Composition. In addition to his work as a composer, Gawthrop is also a respected music educator. He has taught at the University of Maryland, the Catholic University of America, and the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music. He has also served as a guest lecturer and clinician at numerous universities and music festivals. Gawthrop's music continues to be performed and admired by musicians and audiences around the world. His contributions to the choral and sacred music repertoire have earned him a place among the most respected composers of his generation.

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