Korn, Michael (1948-29th August 1991)

Choral director and organist from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, who attended The Curtis Institute of Music, concentrating on conducting.

In 1971, he started The Philadelphia Singers, and they have performed and recorded for nearly four decades. He also established The Bach Festival of Philadelphia in 1976. On 20^th April 1984, Michael and the Singers premiered Vincent Persichetti’s Cantata No. 6, known as “Flower Songs”. Other recordings on which they have performed, under Michael’s direction, include Ceremonies of Carols, Gloria! Gloria!, and Handel: Roman Vespers.

He also co-founded Chorus America and served as President from 1977 to 1985. In 1986, he received a citation for his important contributions to the choral arts. The Founders Award for Development of the Professional Choral Art has since been named after him, as has the Founders Award for Philanthropic Contribution to the Arts.

In 1981, he became an Associate Conductor for Opera Company of Philadelphia, where he conducted performances of The Barber of Seville, Carmen, Death in Venice, Madama Butterfly, and Peter Grimes.

In August 1991, he died of AIDS in Pennsylvania Hospital, where he was being given radiation therapy. He was only forty-four years of age.

In addition to the aforementioned awards, The Michael Korn Society and The Michael Korn Trust were established in his honour. The Michael Korn Society acknowledges those who have given money to The Philadelphia Singers via planned arrangements such as life insurance, trusts, and wills. The Michael Korn Trust is self-explanatory, and has helped to keep the Singers afloat, well after his death.

Philadelphia Singers recordings
Adeste Fidelis (John Francis Wade)
RCA 6559-2-RC (Gloria! Gloria!)
Soprano – Benita Valente
Concerto Soloists Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Singers
Conductor – Michael Korn

Sources:

Korn, Michael (1948-29th August 1991)

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