Transient Glory

Founded in 1988 by Artistic Director and MacArthur Fellow Francisco J. Núñez, harnesses the power of music to full the potential of children of any cultural or economic background, while heightening an awareness of the ability of young people to rise to unforeseen heights of artistry. Each year over 1,600 children benefit musically, academically, and socially through their participation in YPC’s after-school and in-school programs. With repertoire ranging from renaissance and classical traditions to gospel, folk, pop, contemporary, and world music, YPC has released nine CDs of music across the musical spectrum. Its newest recording, Transient Glory III, released this past November on Bang on a Can’s Cantaloupe Music label, was named WQXR, Q2’s Album of the Week with the comment: “Transient Glory III” offers a glimpse of what makes the Young People’s Chorus such outstanding interpreters: the solid, elegantly controlled and blended sound one would expect from a mature ensemble, combined with the bold and adventurous energy of youth.” YPC has won over a dozen gold medals in international choral competitions, and recently became the only American chorus to win first place in the 54-year history of the EBU’s Euroradio Competition in Munich… with two Transient Glory pieces.

A MacArthur “genius grant” Fellow, is a composer, conductor, visionary, leading figure in music education, and the artistic director/founder of the Young People’s Chorus of New York City. Mr. Núñez also leads the University Glee Club of New York City, its fifth conductor since the all-men’s chorus was established in 1894 and is sought after nationwide as a guest conductor by professional orchestras and choirs and as a master teacher. Through his Núñez Initiative for Social Change he is working to expand the YPC model to children’s choruses beyond New York City and is a frequent keynote speaker as a leading authority on the role of music in achieving equality and diversity among children in today’s society. Mr. Núñez composes countless compositions and arrangements in all musical formats and styles for choirs, orchestras, and solo instruments and has received an ASCAP Victor Herbert Award and the New York Choral Society’s Choral Excellence Award. ABC-TV honored him as its “Person of the Week,” and Fox News profiled him for “changing young lives with music.” Musical America Worldwide named him among 30 “Influencers” for his contributions to the music industry, NYU Steinhardt honored him with its Distinguished Alumnus Achievement Award, and most recently, he was presented with an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Ithaca College.