Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

 

Orchestral

 

McHenry Boatwright was a renowned classical music artist who made a significant contribution to the world of music. He was born on August 22, 1939, in Birmingham, Alabama, to a family of musicians. His father, McHenry Boatwright Sr., was a well-known gospel singer, and his mother, Lillian Boatwright, was a pianist. Growing up in a musical family, Boatwright was exposed to music at an early age and showed a keen interest in it. Boatwright began his musical journey by learning to play the piano at the age of six. He later switched to the organ and became a church organist at the age of 12. He continued to hone his skills and went on to study music at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1961 and later earned a Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music in 1963. Boatwright's talent as an organist was recognized early on in his career. He won several awards and competitions, including the prestigious National Young Artists Competition in Organ Performance in 1962. This award helped launch his career and led to several major performances. One of Boatwright's most significant performances was at the inauguration of President Jimmy Carter in 1977. He played the organ for the ceremony, which was broadcast live on television to millions of viewers around the world. This performance helped to cement his reputation as one of the most talented organists of his time. Boatwright was also known for his work as a conductor. He served as the music director of the New York City Gay Men's Chorus from 1980 to 1986. During his tenure, he helped to transform the chorus into one of the most respected and acclaimed gay men's choruses in the world. He also conducted several other choirs and orchestras throughout his career, including the New York Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his work as a performer and conductor, Boatwright was also a respected music educator. He taught at several institutions, including the Manhattan School of Music, the Juilliard School, and the University of Michigan. He was known for his dedication to his students and his ability to inspire them to achieve their full potential. Boatwright's contributions to the world of music were recognized with several awards and honors throughout his career. In 1991, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President George H.W. Bush. This award is the highest honor given to artists and arts patrons by the United States government. He was also inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1998. Boatwright continued to perform and teach until his death on December 26, 2014, at the age of 75. His legacy lives on through his recordings, which continue to inspire and delight music lovers around the world. He will always be remembered as one of the most talented and influential classical music artists of his time.

More....