Role

:

Composer Conductor

Birth

:

1953

Genre

:

Choral

 

Randall Stroope is a renowned American composer, conductor, and educator who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on October 25, 1953, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Stroope grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at a young age. His mother was a church organist, and his father played the trumpet, which inspired Stroope to pursue a career in music. Stroope attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1976. He then went on to earn a Master of Music degree in choral conducting from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1978. During his time at the university, Stroope studied under renowned composers and conductors such as Robert Shaw, Gregg Smith, and Dale Warland. After completing his studies, Stroope began his career as a music educator, teaching at various schools and universities across the United States. He also served as the director of choral activities at Rowan University in New Jersey and the director of choral studies at Oklahoma State University. Throughout his career, Stroope has composed numerous works for choir, orchestra, and band, many of which have been performed by prestigious ensembles around the world. His compositions are known for their emotional depth, intricate harmonies, and powerful lyrics. One of Stroope's most famous works is "Lamentations of Jeremiah," a choral piece that was commissioned by the Texas Choral Directors Association in 1993. The piece is based on the biblical book of Lamentations and features haunting melodies and complex harmonies that capture the sorrow and despair of the text. Another notable work by Stroope is "Amor de mi Alma," a choral piece that was commissioned by the Texas Music Educators Association in 2001. The piece is based on a poem by Garcilaso de la Vega and features lush harmonies and soaring melodies that express the beauty and passion of love. Stroope's compositions have also been featured in numerous film and television productions, including the soundtrack for the 2006 film "The Nativity Story." His choral piece "The Conversion of Saul" was also featured in the 2014 film "Heaven is for Real." In addition to his work as a composer, Stroope is also a highly respected conductor and educator. He has conducted numerous choral ensembles, including the Oklahoma State University Concert Chorale, the Rowan University Concert Choir, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chamber Singers. Stroope has also served as a guest conductor and clinician at various music festivals and conferences around the world, including the American Choral Directors Association National Conference, the International Choral Festival in Cork, Ireland, and the World Symposium on Choral Music in Sydney, Australia. Throughout his career, Stroope has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 2009, he was awarded the Oklahoma Governor's Arts Award for his outstanding contributions to the arts in the state of Oklahoma. He has also been awarded the American Choral Directors Association's prestigious Brock Commission and the Raymond W. Brock Memorial Commission. In conclusion, Randall Stroope is a highly respected composer, conductor, and educator who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music.

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