Role

:

Composer Conductor

Birth

:

1957

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Donald McCullough is a renowned American composer, conductor, and educator who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 11, 1941, in Little Rock, Arkansas, McCullough grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. His mother was a pianist, and his father was a lawyer who played the violin as a hobby. McCullough's parents encouraged him to pursue music, and he began playing the piano at the age of six. McCullough's early musical education was primarily focused on the piano, but he also played the trumpet and sang in his church choir. He attended Little Rock Central High School, where he was a member of the school's band and orchestra. After graduating from high school, McCullough attended the University of Arkansas, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance. After completing his undergraduate studies, McCullough continued his musical education at the University of Michigan, where he earned a Master of Music degree in composition. While at Michigan, he studied with renowned composers Leslie Bassett and Ross Lee Finney. McCullough also studied conducting with Elizabeth Green, who would become a significant influence on his career. In 1966, McCullough began his teaching career at the University of Arkansas, where he taught music theory and composition. He also served as the conductor of the university's symphony orchestra and opera program. During his time at Arkansas, McCullough composed several works, including his Symphony No. 1, which was premiered by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra in 1970. In 1972, McCullough moved to California to pursue a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in composition at the University of Southern California. While at USC, he studied with composers Halsey Stevens and Ingolf Dahl. McCullough also continued to conduct, serving as the assistant conductor of the USC Symphony Orchestra. After completing his doctoral studies in 1975, McCullough joined the faculty of the University of North Texas, where he taught composition and conducting. He also served as the conductor of the university's symphony orchestra and opera program. During his time at North Texas, McCullough composed several works, including his Symphony No. 2, which was premiered by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in 1980. In 1983, McCullough was appointed the director of choral activities at the University of Oklahoma, where he remained until his retirement in 2006. During his tenure at Oklahoma, McCullough conducted the university's choral ensembles and taught conducting and composition. He also continued to compose, with works such as his Symphony No. 3, which was premiered by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic in 1992. McCullough's compositions are characterized by their lyricism, rhythmic vitality, and emotional depth. His works often incorporate elements of American folk music and jazz, as well as influences from the classical tradition. McCullough's choral music is particularly notable, with works such as his Holocaust Cantata, which was premiered in 1998 and has since been performed by choirs around the world. In addition to his work as a composer and conductor, McCullough has also been an influential educator. He has mentored countless students over the course of his career, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in music. McCullough has also served as a guest conductor and clinician for numerous choral and orchestral ensembles.

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