New Music Director - Chris Shepard
The Dessoff Choirs is pleased to announce its new Music Director, Christopher Shepard. Mr. Shepard joins us as we end our 85th season, and he follows an illustrious list of conductors who have led Dessoff in uncovering rare gems of the choral repertoire.
Dessoff President Christopher Platt says, "We are thrilled to add a new name to the storied list of music directors of The Dessoff Choirs. Chris Shepard brings us energy and enthusiasm, impeccable musicianship, and an international perspective. Dessoff will continue to grow both musically and organizationally under his leadership and vision."
Mr. Shepard says, "It’s an honor to have been chosen to walk in the footsteps of Dessoff's past conductors, all of whom have contributed so much to American musical life. It’s especially exciting to assume the leadership of a choir whose legacy is so long and rich. I look forward to continuing the Dessoff tradition of exploring unusual music, seeking a contemporary meaning for Renaissance and Baroque music, and bringing new works to life with a choir that has long been one of New York's leading proponents of unheard choral works. Also, as an American who lived abroad for many years, I look forward to forging new partnerships with international musicians and organizations."
Watch this space for details on our first season together!
And read on for more about Mr. Shepard.
James Bagwell, Music Director
James Bagwell, music director of The Dessoff Choirs, maintains an active schedule throughout the United States as a conductor of choral, operatic, and orchestral works. He was appointed Dessoff’s seventh music director in 2005, and since then has led the choir in music ranging from 17th-century Venetian masterworks to 21st-century American premieres.
He is the director of Bard College’s music program, where he is spearheading the launch of a graduate program in choral conducting through the Bard Conservatory of Music. In the summer of 2009, he returned to the Bard SummerScape Festival as chorus master for Meyerbeer’s opera Les Hugenots, and served as director of choruses for the Bard Music Festival since 2004. He also prepared the Concert Chorale of New York, which he directs, for an appearance at Lincoln Center’s Mostly Mozart Festival.
Steve Ryan, Accompanist
Dessoff is honored that pianist Steven Ryan has been its regular accompanist, occasional sectional conductor, and featured keyboard soloist for ten seasons.