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Composer

 

Dan Forrest is a contemporary classical music composer who has gained recognition for his choral works. He was born on July 31, 1978, in Orlando, Florida, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a church music director, and his mother was a piano teacher. Forrest began playing the piano at the age of six and started composing music when he was in high school. Forrest attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance and a Master of Music degree in Piano Pedagogy. During his time at Bob Jones University, he studied composition with Dan Kreider and Paul Elwood. He also studied conducting with Warren Cook and participated in the university's choral program. After completing his studies, Forrest worked as a church music director and piano teacher. He also continued to compose music, and his works began to gain recognition. In 2001, he won the John Ness Beck Foundation Award for his choral work "The Rose of Calvary." This award is given to young composers who show promise in the field of sacred choral music. Forrest's choral works are known for their rich harmonies, lyrical melodies, and emotional depth. Many of his works are based on sacred texts and themes, but he has also composed secular works. His music has been performed by choirs around the world, including the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Kansas City Chorale, and the Westminster Choir. One of Forrest's most well-known works is "Requiem for the Living," which was premiered in 2013 by the University of South Carolina Symphony Orchestra and Choir. The piece is a five-movement work that explores the themes of life, death, and the afterlife. The work has been praised for its emotional depth and its ability to connect with audiences. Another notable work by Forrest is "Jubilate Deo," which was commissioned by the Baylor University School of Music in 2016. The piece is a multicultural celebration of Psalm 100, with text in seven different languages. The work has been performed by choirs around the world and has been praised for its ability to bring people together through music. Forrest's other works include "Good Night, Dear Heart," a lullaby for choir and piano that was written in memory of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, and "The Sun Never Says," a setting of a poem by Hafiz that explores the themes of love and devotion. In addition to his work as a composer, Forrest is also a sought-after clinician and conductor. He has conducted choral workshops and festivals around the world and has served as a guest conductor for many choirs. He is also a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). Overall, Dan Forrest is a talented composer who has made a significant contribution to the world of choral music. His works are known for their emotional depth and their ability to connect with audiences. He continues to compose music and inspire musicians around the world.

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