Dan Forrest

Composer-in-Residence

Dan Forrest (b. 1978) has been described as having “an undoubted gift for writing beautiful music….that is truly magical” (NY Concert Review), with works hailed as “magnificent, very cleverly constructed sound sculpture” (Classical Voice), and  “superb writing…full of spine-tingling moments” (Salt Lake Tribune). His music has sold millions of copies, has received numerous awards and distinctions, and has become well established in the repertoire of choirs around the world via festivals, recordings, radio/TV broadcasts, and premieres in prominent international venues.

Dan’s choral compositions (published by Beckenhorst Press, The Music of Dan Forrest, and Hinshaw Music) range from small choral works to extended multi-movement works for chorus and orchestra. His major work Requiem for the Living (2013) has become standard choral/orchestral repertoire with nearly 1000 performances from ensembles around the world. His Jubilate Deo (2016) is following a similar trajectory, and his more recent major works LUX: The Dawn From On High (2018) and the breath of life (2020) have also received similar critical acclaim.

Dan holds a doctorate in composition and a master’s degree in piano performance, and served for several years as a professor and department head (music theory and composition) in higher education. He currently serves as Editor at Beckenhorst Press, Chair of the American Choral Director’s Association Composition Initiatives Committee, and Artist-In-Residence at Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church (Greenville, SC). Details about Dan and his work can be found at www.danforrest.com.