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Composer Conductor

 

Philip Barnes is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of choral music. He was born on August 23, 1952, in Sheffield, England. Barnes grew up in a musical family, and his parents were both amateur musicians. His father played the piano, and his mother sang in a local choir. Barnes showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. Barnes attended the University of Cambridge, where he studied music and was a member of the choir at King's College. After completing his studies, he moved to the United States to pursue a career in music. He earned a Master of Music degree from the University of Illinois and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Barnes began his career as a choral conductor and has since become one of the most respected figures in the field. He has conducted numerous choirs, including the Saint Louis Chamber Chorus, the Kansas City Chorale, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory Singers. He has also served as the Director of Music at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis since 1994. Barnes has received numerous awards and accolades for his work in choral music. In 2000, he was awarded the Louis Botto Award for Innovative Action and Entrepreneurial Zeal by Chorus America. In 2003, he was named the Missouri Arts Council Individual Artist of the Year. In 2010, he was awarded the Robert Shaw Choral Award by the American Choral Directors Association. Barnes has also been involved in the creation of new choral works. He has commissioned and premiered works by many contemporary composers, including Libby Larsen, Stephen Paulus, and Chen Yi. He has also arranged many pieces for choir, including a collection of spirituals titled "Deep River." One of Barnes' most notable performances was the premiere of "The Seven Last Words of Christ" by James MacMillan. The piece was commissioned by the Saint Louis Chamber Chorus and premiered in 1994. Barnes conducted the performance, which was widely praised for its emotional depth and musical complexity. Barnes has also been involved in the recording of many choral works. He has recorded over 30 albums with various choirs, including the Saint Louis Chamber Chorus and the Kansas City Chorale. Many of these recordings have received critical acclaim and have been nominated for Grammy Awards. In addition to his work as a conductor and arranger, Barnes is also a respected educator. He has taught at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance since 1985 and has served as the Director of Choral Activities since 1994. He has also taught at the University of Illinois and the University of Iowa. Barnes' contributions to the world of choral music have been significant and far-reaching. His work as a conductor, arranger, and educator has inspired countless musicians and has helped to shape the direction of choral music in the United States. He continues to be an active and influential figure in the field, and his legacy is sure to endure for many years to come.

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