Role

:

Conductor

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

Donald Neuen was a renowned conductor, composer, and educator in the field of classical music. He was born on September 10, 1927, in Lincoln, Nebraska, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a church organist, and his mother was a pianist. Neuen started playing the piano at the age of four and began singing in the church choir at the age of six. Neuen attended the University of Nebraska, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1949. He then went on to study at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he earned a Master of Music degree in 1951. Neuen continued his studies at the University of Southern California, where he earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 1961. Neuen began his career as a conductor in 1951 when he was appointed the director of music at the First Presbyterian Church in Hollywood, California. He then went on to serve as the director of music at the First Congregational Church in Los Angeles from 1953 to 1961. During this time, Neuen also served as the conductor of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, which he founded in 1964. Neuen's tenure as the conductor of the Los Angeles Master Chorale was a highlight of his career. Under his leadership, the choir became one of the most respected and acclaimed choral ensembles in the world. Neuen's innovative programming and meticulous attention to detail earned him a reputation as a master of choral music. Neuen's work with the Los Angeles Master Chorale led to many high-profile performances and collaborations. In 1984, he conducted the choir in a performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony at the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He also conducted the choir in performances with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his work with the Los Angeles Master Chorale, Neuen was also a prolific composer and arranger. He wrote over 200 works for choir, orchestra, and solo voice, many of which have been performed by ensembles around the world. Neuen's compositions are known for their lyrical melodies, lush harmonies, and expressive use of text. Neuen was also a dedicated educator and mentor. He taught at the University of Southern California, the University of California, Los Angeles, and the California State University, Fullerton. He was known for his passionate and inspiring teaching style, and many of his students went on to successful careers in music. Neuen's contributions to the field of classical music were recognized with many awards and honors. He was inducted into the American Choral Directors Association Hall of Fame in 1997 and received the Robert Shaw Choral Award in 2001. He was also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Church Musicians in 2003. Neuen continued to conduct and compose music well into his later years. He passed away on October 3, 2015, at the age of 88. His legacy lives on through his music, his students, and the countless musicians and audiences who have been inspired by his work.

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