Role

:

Conductor

Birth

:

1950

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Symphony

 

Richard Sparks is a renowned conductor, educator, and scholar in the field of classical music. Born in 1951 in Seattle, Washington, Sparks grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at a young age. He later studied music at the University of Washington, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1973 and a Master of Music degree in 1975. After completing his studies, Sparks began his career as a conductor, working with various orchestras and choirs throughout the United States. In 1980, he was appointed the conductor of the Seattle Symphony Chorale, a position he held for 20 years. During his tenure, he led the chorale in numerous performances and recordings, including collaborations with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra and other major orchestras. In addition to his work with the Seattle Symphony Chorale, Sparks has conducted many other choirs and orchestras, both in the United States and abroad. He has served as the conductor of the Pacific Lutheran University Choral Union, the Northwest Chamber Chorus, and the Oregon Bach Festival Chorus, among others. He has also conducted performances at major venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Royal Albert Hall. Sparks is also a respected educator and scholar in the field of choral music. He has taught at several universities, including the University of Washington, Pacific Lutheran University, and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He has also written numerous articles and books on choral music, including "The Choral Experience: Literature, Materials, and Methods" and "The Anatomy of Conducting: Architecture and Essentials of Conducting Technique." Throughout his career, Sparks has received many awards and honors for his contributions to the field of classical music. In 1991, he was awarded the Outstanding Choral Conductor Award by the Washington State Music Educators Association. In 2001, he received the Robert Shaw Conducting Award from the National Endowment for the Arts. He has also been recognized for his work as a music educator, receiving the Outstanding Faculty Award from Pacific Lutheran University in 1998 and the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Washington School of Music in 2005. Despite his many accomplishments, Sparks remains dedicated to his work as a conductor, educator, and scholar. He continues to conduct performances and teach students, sharing his passion for classical music with audiences and musicians around the world.

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