Role

:

Composer

 

Donald M. Kendrick is a renowned American composer and conductor, known for his contributions to the world of choral music. Born in 1947 in San Francisco, California, Kendrick grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at a young age. He attended San Francisco State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1969 and a Master of Music degree in 1971. Kendrick's early career was focused on teaching music, and he worked as a music teacher in the San Francisco Bay Area for several years. In 1978, he became the director of choral activities at Sacramento State University, a position he held for over 30 years. During his tenure at Sacramento State, Kendrick built a highly respected choral program and earned a reputation as one of the leading choral conductors in the United States. As a composer, Kendrick has written a wide range of works for choir, including sacred and secular pieces, as well as arrangements of folk songs and spirituals. His music is known for its lush harmonies, expressive melodies, and intricate rhythms, and has been performed by choirs around the world. One of Kendrick's most famous works is his setting of the "Magnificat," a hymn of praise from the Gospel of Luke. Written in 1989, the piece is scored for choir and orchestra and features a solo soprano part. The "Magnificat" has been performed by numerous choirs, including the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the San Francisco Symphony Chorus. Another notable work by Kendrick is his "Canticle of Mary," a setting of the "Magnificat" text for choir and organ. Written in 1995, the piece is a more intimate and contemplative take on the hymn of praise, and has been performed by choirs around the world. In addition to his original compositions, Kendrick is also known for his arrangements of traditional folk songs and spirituals. His arrangement of the spiritual "Deep River" is particularly popular, and has been performed by choirs of all levels. Throughout his career, Kendrick has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to choral music. In 2007, he was inducted into the American Choral Directors Association Hall of Fame, and in 2011, he received the Robert Shaw Choral Award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Today, Kendrick continues to compose and conduct, and his music remains a staple of the choral repertoire. His contributions to the world of choral music have helped to shape the genre and inspire countless musicians and audiences around the world.

More....