Harold Rosenbaum- Maestro of Choral Performance
Dr. Harold Rosenbaum is widely regarded as one of the leading choral conductors of his generation, known for his expressive interpretations and deep commitment to both contemporary and classical repertoire. As founder and conductor of the acclaimed New York Virtuoso Singers and The Canticum Novum Singers, he has shaped vibrant musical experiences that engage singers and audiences alike.
He is a frequent host on Sounds Choral, a radio program on www.wwfm.org, The Classical Network.
Leading Ensembles
- Founder & Conductor
- The New York Virtuoso Singers (NYVS) – A celebrated professional choir performing with top orchestras and at prestigious venues like Tanglewood and Juilliard. Over its 38 seasons, NYVS has premiered more than 500 works by composers such as Berio, Zwilich, Harbison, Henze, Pärt, Tower and many others.
- The Canticum Novum Singers (CNS) – Established in 1973 as a volunteer ensemble that gave over 500 concerts. This “elite chorus” has premiered more than 60 pieces by Handel, Fauré, Bruckner, Schnittke, Rorem, and others.
Critical Acclaim
- Praised by The New York Times for being an “astute programmer with an ear for the unusual” and delivering “an exquisitely blended sound”.
Prestigious Collaborations
- With renowned orchestras and conductors, including:
- New York Philharmonic (James Conlon)
- Brooklyn Philharmonic (Robert Spano, Lukas Foss)
- American Symphony Orchestra (Leon Botstein)
- Orchestra of St. Luke’s (Sir Charles Mackerras)
- Other notable partners: Riverside Symphony, Juilliard Orchestra Mark Morris Dance Company,, Concerto Köln.
- Collaborated extensively with contemporary composers: Ennio Morricone, John Adams, Ned Rorem, Osvaldo Golijov, Milton Babbitt, David Lang, and hundreds of others.
- Brought vocal works to life with esteemed actors and directors, including F. Murray Abraham, Michael York, Jonathan Miller, and François Girard.
Global Reach & Landmark Projects
- Led choral tours across Europe, Canada, and Central America—close to 200 international concerts.
- Featured at major music festivals: Ludlow, Cheltenham Fringe, Madeira Bach, Siracusa, and more.
- Orchestrated signature events such as performances of Mozart’s Requiem in Israel, Verdi’s Requiem in Italy, and Haydn’s Creation at St. Stephen’s in Vienna.
Educator & Innovator
- Academia: Professor Emeritus at SUNY Buffalo; former faculty at Juilliard, Queens College, and Adelphi.
- Choral Conducting Institute: Founded in 2014, nurturing national and international conducting talent.
- Publishing & Advocacy: Editor of 2 contemporary choral series (G. Schirmer, Peermusic); commissioned over 120 composers, leading more than 600 world premieres.
- Recording: Produced 49 albums of modern choral works on labels including Sony Classical, Bridge, Naxos and 4Tay, Albany Records, and American Classics.
Honors & Legacy
- Accolades:
- American Composer Alliance Laurel Leaf Award (2008)
- ASCAP Victor Herbert Award (2010)
- Ditson Conductor’s Award (2014)
- Multiple Chorus America and ASCAP awards for adventurous programming.
- Publications:
- A Practical Guide to Choral Conducting (Routledge)
- Choralstration and My Choral Journey.
- Honorary Doctorate from Queens College in 2011.
Harold Rosenbaum’s visionary artistry, pedagogical excellence, and unwavering support for new music have shaped the choral landscape. Through leadership, collaboration, and mentorship, he continues to inspire generations of performers and audiences alike.