Role

:

Composer Conductor Performer

Birth

:

1953

Genre

:

Choral

 

Rene Clausen is a renowned American composer and conductor, known for his contributions to the world of classical music. Born on April 21, 1953, in Clear Lake, Iowa, Clausen grew up in a musical family. His father was a choir director, and his mother was a pianist. Clausen began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Clausen attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1974. He then went on to earn a Master of Music degree from the University of Illinois in 1975. Clausen continued his education at the University of Minnesota, where he earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 1986. Throughout his career, Clausen has been a prolific composer, with over 100 published works to his name. His compositions have been performed by some of the world's most prestigious orchestras and choirs, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and the St. Olaf Choir. One of Clausen's most famous works is his setting of the traditional hymn "How Great Thou Art." Clausen's arrangement of the hymn has become a staple in many church services and has been performed by countless choirs around the world. Another notable work by Clausen is his "Memorial," a piece written in memory of the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The piece has been performed by numerous choirs and orchestras and has been praised for its emotional depth and beauty. Clausen has also composed several works for orchestra, including his "Variations on a Korean Folk Song," which was commissioned by the Minnesota Orchestra in 1984. The piece has since become a staple in the orchestral repertoire and has been performed by orchestras around the world. In addition to his work as a composer, Clausen is also a highly respected conductor. He has served as the conductor of the Concordia Choir at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, since 1986. Under his leadership, the choir has become one of the most renowned choirs in the world, with numerous recordings and performances at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Clausen has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the ASCAP Victor Herbert Award, the American Choral Directors Association's Brock Commission, and the St. Olaf College Distinguished Alumni Award. He has also been inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters, one of the highest honors in the arts. Overall, Rene Clausen's contributions to the world of classical music have been significant and far-reaching. His compositions and arrangements have become staples in the repertoire of choirs and orchestras around the world, and his leadership as a conductor has inspired countless musicians. Clausen's legacy as a composer and conductor will undoubtedly continue to influence the world of classical music for generations to come.

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