Role

:

Composer Conductor

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Symphony

 

 

Vocal

 

Duain Wolfe is a renowned conductor and choral director who has made a significant impact on the world of classical music. Born on August 22, 1954, in Wichita, Kansas, Wolfe grew up in a musical family and began singing in choirs at a young age. He attended Wichita State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1976 and a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting in 1978. After completing his studies, Wolfe began his career as a choral director, working with various choirs and orchestras across the United States. In 1985, he was appointed the director of the Chicago Symphony Chorus, a position he held for over 25 years. During his tenure, Wolfe led the chorus in numerous performances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, including Mahler's Symphony No. 8, Beethoven's Missa Solemnis, and Verdi's Requiem. Wolfe's work with the Chicago Symphony Chorus earned him widespread recognition and numerous awards. In 1996, he received the Grammy Award for Best Choral Performance for the chorus's recording of Brahms' Ein Deutsches Requiem. He also received the Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence from Chorus America in 2000 and the Michael Korn Founders Award for Development of the Professional Choral Art in 2011. In addition to his work with the Chicago Symphony Chorus, Wolfe has also served as the director of the Colorado Symphony Chorus and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus. He has conducted numerous other choirs and orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Wolfe's repertoire is vast and includes works from a wide range of composers and musical periods. He has conducted performances of Handel's Messiah, Bach's St. Matthew Passion, and Mozart's Requiem, among many others. He is also known for his work with contemporary composers, including John Adams, Osvaldo Golijov, and Jennifer Higdon. In addition to his work as a conductor, Wolfe is also a respected educator and mentor. He has taught at various universities and conservatories, including the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the University of Colorado Boulder, and the Aspen Music Festival and School. He has also served as a guest lecturer and clinician at numerous institutions and events. Throughout his career, Wolfe has been recognized for his contributions to the world of classical music. In addition to his Grammy Award and other accolades, he was inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame in 2010. He has also been honored by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Illinois Arts Council. Today, Wolfe continues to be an active and influential figure in the world of classical music. He remains committed to promoting the art of choral music and inspiring the next generation of musicians and conductors. His legacy is one of excellence, dedication, and passion for the art form he loves.

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