Join us for a captivating performance that explores the journey of life through song. The concert features a breathtaking work by Elaine Hagenberg, Illuminare, performed by chorus and professional orchestra. This piece takes us on a journey through a season of beauty and goodness, interrupted by moments of darkness and confusion.

The first half of the concert will highlight the National Concert Chorus, led by composer/conductor Ryan Main, with a program centered around the theme “The Journey: Life’s Path in Song.” Each work represents a different stage in our journey through life, from the youthful exploration of Volta Do Mar Largo, to the tumult of Il Lampo, and the awakening to community in Susan LaBarr’s premiere work. The program culminates with Children Go Where I Send Thee, a reflection on the entirety of life’s journey, embracing both the unknown and the comfort of faith in the face of life’s uncertainties.

JEFFREY BENSON, GUEST CONDUCTOR

Jeffrey Benson is currently Director of Choral Activities at San José State University in San José, California and serves as Artistic Director of Peninsula Cantare, a community chorus based in Palo Alto. The Washington Post hails his choirs for singing “with an exquisite blend, subtlety of phrasing, confident musicianship and fully supported tone.”
 
Dr. Benson made his international conducting debut with the Irish Chamber Orchestra and the SJSU Choraliers in Limerick, Ireland in 2016, and he made his Carnegie Hall conducting debut in 2015 with the SJSU Choirs and the New York Festival Orchestra. He has served as cover conductor for the Grammy award-winning Washington Chorus, where he helped to prepare the ensemble for Maestros Leonard Slatkin and Marvin Hamlisch. Choirs under his direction have performed at multiple state and regional conferences and have toured throughout the United States and Europe, including invited performances at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The White House and Washington National Cathedral. Recently Dr. Benson’s choirs have been invited to perform with the Rolling Stones, Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli, Sarah Brightman, the Los Angeles Festival Orchestra and the Skywalker Orchestra.
Dr. Benson is a published composer and arranger, and is editor of the Jeffrey Benson Choral Series with Gentry Publications. He has compositions published with Colla Voce Music and Santa Barbara Music Publishing, under the Charlene Archibeque Choral Series.
Dr. Benson currently serves on the National Advocacy and Collaboration Committee for the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and is a Past President of the California Choral Directors Association (CCDA). In addition, he is an active member of the National Association for Music Education and the National Collegiate Choral Organization. ACDA recognized Benson with the first annual Colleen Kirk Award for his outstanding achievement as a young conductor.
Benson received his Masters degree and his Doctorate in Choral Conducting/Music Education from The Florida State University and his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from New York University.

RYAN MAIN, GUEST CONDUCTOR

Ryan Main (b. 1984) is an award-winning composer, director, and clinician whose music for choirs and bands is performed at all levels worldwide. His compositions have been performed in 34 countries and extensively throughout the United States, frequently showcased at prestigious events such as national and regional American Choral Directors Association Conferences, festivals, Carnegie Hall, and other distinguished venues.

Born in Independence, Missouri, Ryan began his post-secondary music education at the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri–Kansas City (2003–2006), earning a Bachelor of Music in Music Composition. He continued his studies at the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University (2006–2009), completing dual Master of Music degrees in Music Composition and Music Education. His mentors included Kevin Puts, Michael Hersch, and Chen Yi.

With 31 titles published in over 100 voicings for choir, Ryan maintains a robust schedule of commissions. His works have received numerous accolades, including multiple Editor’s Choice distinctions from J.W. Pepper and 5-star feature distinctions from Stanton’s, two of the largest international sheet music retailers. His compositions are regularly highlighted at professional state, national, and international choral conferences.

Ryan’s writing spans a dynamic range of styles, often pushing the boundaries of the art form by delving into its darker, uncharted corners. His works explore themes such as horror (Dolly Waits), the existential risks of artificial intelligence (Human-like), and the advent of nuclear war (Destroyer of Worlds).

Ryan is a sought-after honor choir director, clinician, and presenter, frequently sharing his expertise on leadership strategies, choral classroom engagement, composition processes, and choral literature. He travels extensively for composer residencies and has been featured on podcasts such as Choralosophy, Music (Ed) Matters, Choir Director Corner, Choir Ninja, and Choral Catalogue.

Passionate about ensuring access to quality music education for all, Ryan founded the Youth Chorus of Kansas City, a non-profit organization serving youth from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds throughout the Kansas City metro area. As artistic director, he leads the organization in providing meaningful musical opportunities to students who might not otherwise have access to them.

Beyond his work with young singers, Ryan is dedicated to fostering the next generation of composers. He mentors aspiring creators across the United States and serves as Professor of Choral Arranging at the University of Missouri–Kansas City's Conservatory of Music and Dance, where his students have gone on to successful careers in composing and arranging. He also founded Endeavor Music Publishing, a fair-pay publishing company that ensures composers receive the majority of proceeds from each sale.

Ryan is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, the Missouri Choral Directors Association, the National Association for Music Education, and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. He currently serves on the National Association for Music Education's Council on Music Composition.

PROGRAM

Sunday June 8, 2025 at 8:30 PM
CARNEGIE HALL

National Masterwork Chorus 
HAGENBERG ILLUMINARE
Jeffrey Benson, Guest Conductor

National Youth Chorus 
Ryan Main, Guest Conductor/Composer
JARMAN Volta Do Mar Largo
MAIN Il Lampo
LABARR COMMISSION
MAIN Home
BARRETT Ndikhokhele Bawo
JOHNSON Children Go Where I Send Thee