Grammy-Winning Conductor To Lead Rider’s Westminster Choir

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — Grammy-winning conductor Donald Nally will conduct both the Westminster Choir and the Westminster Symphonic Choir, Rider University said.

Nally joined the faculty this academic year as a full-time visiting professor.

“Returning to Westminster as a full-time faculty member is both an unexpected and joyfully welcome development,” Nally said in a statement.

“I hope I am able to give to our students what, many years ago, I gained from the incredible investment of faculty and colleagues at the school, while bringing my own specializations — particularly contemporary music and texts of social relevance — into the mix.” Nally earned his Master of Music from Westminster Choir College while studying with renowned conductor Joseph Flummerfelt.

He previously served as an artist-in-residence for the past two years. Nally will also work with graduate students in the choral conducting program. “Dr. Nally is one of the nation’s leaders in the field of conducting,” says Dr. Jason Vodicka, associate dean of Rider's College of Arts and Sciences and associate professor of music education at Westminster Choir College.

“Having him here full time to lead our choirs and conducting program is a testament to his belief in the mission of Westminster Choir College. Our students are incredibly fortunate to learn from him.” Nally, who holds the title of John W. Beattie Chair of Music Emeritus at Northwestern University, is a frequent guest artist at universities.

His previous academic appointments include Yale, Harvard and the University of Chicago. He has commissioned nearly 200 works and produced 33 recordings with his ensemble, The Crossing, winning three Grammy Awards for Best Choral Performance.

In 2019, Rider University awarded Nally an honorary Doctorate of Humanities.

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