2009 Westminster Commencement

Westminster Choir College of Rider University held its 80th annual Commencement ceremony Saturday, May 16, in the Princeton University Chapel. 

Nigel Redden, director of the Lincoln Center Festival and general director of the Spoleto Festival USA, delivered the Commencement address.  Mr. Redden has also served as a consultant to the chairperson of the New York International Festival of the Arts, and he was director of the National Endowment for the Arts’ Dance program.

Head of Opera Studies at Westminster Daniel Beckwith delivered the Charge to the Graduating Classes.  Mr. Beckwith has conducted in most of the major opera houses throughout North America and Europe.  With a repertoire that spans the 17th through the 20th centuries, he has been hailed as one of the most exciting conductors of his generation.

The Rider Distinguished Teaching Award was presented to Dr. Joel Phillips, professor of Music Theory.

An honorary Doctor of Music degree was presented to Gerre Hancock, recognized as one of the finest organ improviser in Americabeen heard.  He has performed in recital in many of the great cities throughout the United States and the world. Professor of Organ and Sacred Music at the University of Texas at Austin, he has served as assistant organist at Saint Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in New York, organist and choirmaster of Christ Church Cathedral in Cincinnati, and organist and master of the choristers at Saint Thomas Episcopal Church in New York.

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Commencement Program

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