Role

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Conductor Performer

 

James Litton was a renowned conductor, organist, and choral director who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on September 25, 1931, in Orange, New Jersey, Litton showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. He later learned to play the organ and became a choirboy at the age of nine. Litton attended the Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, where he studied organ and choral conducting. He graduated in 1952 and went on to earn a master's degree in music from the same institution. Litton also studied at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he received a diploma in organ performance. In 1954, Litton became the organist and choirmaster at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Paterson, New Jersey. He held this position for six years before moving to New York City to become the organist and choirmaster at St. Bartholomew's Church. Litton remained at St. Bartholomew's for 32 years, during which time he established the church's choir as one of the finest in the country. Litton was also a prolific conductor and choral director. He served as the conductor of the American Boychoir from 1980 to 1991, during which time he led the choir on numerous tours and recordings. Litton also served as the conductor of the New York Choral Society from 1991 to 2003, during which time he led the choir in performances of major choral works such as Handel's Messiah and Verdi's Requiem. In addition to his work as a conductor and choral director, Litton was also a respected organist. He performed recitals throughout the United States and Europe and recorded several albums of organ music. Litton was particularly known for his performances of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Throughout his career, Litton received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 1986, he was awarded the prestigious Ditson Conductor's Award, which is given annually to a conductor who has made significant contributions to American music. Litton was also awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1994, which is the highest honor given to artists and arts patrons by the United States government. One of Litton's most notable performances took place in 1984, when he conducted the American Boychoir in a performance of Benjamin Britten's War Requiem at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. The performance was a tribute to the victims of the Vietnam War and was attended by numerous dignitaries, including former President Jimmy Carter. Litton retired from his position at St. Bartholomew's Church in 1990 but continued to perform and conduct throughout his retirement. He passed away on December 16, 2019, at the age of 88. In conclusion, James Litton was a highly respected conductor, organist, and choral director who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His work with the American Boychoir and the New York Choral Society, as well as his performances as an organist, earned him numerous awards and honors throughout his career. Litton's legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians and music lovers around the world.

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