Gerald
Near is considered one of the finest composers of church
music writing today. He first studied theory and composition
at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago with Leo
Sowerby, and continued those studies with Leslie Bassett
at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. While at the University
of Michigan, he also studied organ with Robert Glasgow, published
organ and choral music, and completed his Master’s
degree in orchestral conducting while studying under Gustav
Meier.
In
1982, he was one of the first recipients of a McKnight Foundation
Fellowship. That year also saw two commissioned works for
the American Guild of Organists (AGO) National Convention
in Washington, D.C. The following year he moved to Dallas,
where he was appointed organist/choirmaster of St. Matthew’s
Cathedral, later becoming Canon Precentor.
In
1989, Gloriae Dei Cantores commissioned Mr. Near to compose
a work for the choir, Resurrexi, based on Gregorian
chant motifs. The choir premiered the work, performed it
in concerts, and recorded it. It has been broadcast by the
BBC and sung in Moscow’s Tchaikovsky Hall and in Leningrad’s
Capella Hall.
At
the 1998 Denver AGO National Convention, Mary Preston premiered
his organ concerto. Pamela Decker premiered his Sonata
Breve (Second Sonata), written for her, at the Tucson
Chapter's (AGO) Mid Winter Conclave in January of 2008. His
works have been heard on NPR’s A Prairie Home Companion,
and his Magnificat & Nunc dimittis has been
performed at the prestigious Southern Cathedrals Festival
in England. The St. John’s College Choir sang his St.
John’s Service at Sydney’s Opera House.
The
Tucson Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI) designated
him a National Arts Associate in May of 2008.
Choral
music by Gerald Near
Organ
music by Gerald Near
