Jordan Sramek is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of choral music. He was born in 1969 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. His parents were both musicians, and they encouraged him to pursue his passion for music from a young age. Sramek began his musical journey by learning to play the piano and the cello. He also sang in his church choir and participated in various musical productions in school. His love for choral music grew as he became more involved in singing and performing with different choirs. After completing his high school education, Sramek went on to study music at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance and choral conducting in 1991. During his time at St. Olaf, Sramek was a member of the renowned St. Olaf Choir, which is known for its exceptional choral performances. Following his graduation, Sramek continued his studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he earned a Master of Music degree in choral conducting in 1993. He then went on to pursue a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in choral conducting at the University of Minnesota, which he completed in 2000. Throughout his academic career, Sramek had the opportunity to work with some of the most renowned choral conductors and composers in the world. He studied under the guidance of such luminaries as Helmuth Rilling, Dale Warland, and Dominick Argento, among others. Sramek's professional career as a choral conductor began in 1993 when he was appointed as the artistic director of the Rose Ensemble, a vocal ensemble based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Under his leadership, the Rose Ensemble became one of the most respected and innovative choral groups in the country. Sramek's work with the Rose Ensemble was characterized by his commitment to exploring the rich and diverse musical traditions of different cultures and time periods. He led the ensemble in performances of music from the medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, as well as music from various world cultures, including African, Middle Eastern, and Native American music. One of the highlights of Sramek's tenure with the Rose Ensemble was the ensemble's performance at the 2007 American Choral Directors Association National Conference. The ensemble's performance was widely praised for its technical excellence and its innovative programming. In addition to his work with the Rose Ensemble, Sramek has also been involved in various other choral projects throughout his career. He has served as a guest conductor for numerous choral groups, including the Minnesota Orchestra, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Oregon Bach Festival. Sramek's contributions to the world of choral music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 2005, he was awarded the prestigious McKnight Fellowship for Performing Musicians, which is awarded annually to outstanding musicians in Minnesota. He was also named a Bush Foundation Fellow in 2008, which is awarded to individuals who demonstrate exceptional creativity and leadership in their field. In 2012, Sramek was appointed as the artistic director of the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, a professional choir based in Minneapolis.

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