In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Jake Runestad, featuring a performance by the composer himself.
Jake Runestad
Photos by Travis Anderson.
b. 1986
The prolific Minnesota-based composer Jake Runestad composes for virtually all types of classical genres and ensembles and is especially praised for his choral music. He was born in Rockford, Illinois, and wrote his first compositions for band as a high school student. He studied music education at Winona State University and composition at the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University with Kevin Puts and privately with Libby Larsen. In addition to his work as a composer, Runestad frequently serves as a guest conductor and clinician for student, community, and professional ensembles across the United States. His compositions are performed and commissioned by leading ensembles around the world. Through his choral music, he connects to the human spirit with captivating melodies, interesting harmonies, and highly relevant choices of text. He has been honored with a Grammy Award nomination, the Raymond W. Brock Commission, a McKnight Fellowship, a Morton Gould Young Composer Award, and numerous other accolades.
Suggested choral pieces:
- Fear Not, Dear Friend (JR Music JR0027)
- Nada Te Turbe (JR Music JR0028)
- Alleluia (JR Music JR0035)