Victor Harris (composer)
Encyclopedia
Victor Harris was an American composer
, conductor
, and music educator. He was one of the first staff members at the Metropolitan Opera
where he worked as a vocal coach
beginning in 1893. He notably founded The St. Cecilia Chorus & Orchestra
in New York City.
Composer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
, conductor
Conducting
Conducting is the art of directing a musical performance by way of visible gestures. The primary duties of the conductor are to unify performers, set the tempo, execute clear preparations and beats, and to listen critically and shape the sound of the ensemble...
, and music educator. He was one of the first staff members at the Metropolitan Opera
Metropolitan Opera
The Metropolitan Opera is an opera company, located in New York City. Originally founded in 1880, the company gave its first performance on October 22, 1883. The company is operated by the non-profit Metropolitan Opera Association, with Peter Gelb as general manager...
where he worked as a vocal coach
Vocal coach
A vocal coach is a music teacher who instructs singers on how to improve their singing technique, take care of and develop their voice, and prepare for the performance of a song or other work. Vocal coaches may give private music lessons to singers, or they may coach singers who are rehearsing on...
beginning in 1893. He notably founded The St. Cecilia Chorus & Orchestra
The St. Cecilia Chorus & Orchestra
The St. Cecilia Chorus was founded in 1906 as a women's chorus by Metropolitan Opera coach Victor Harris. Since then, the Chorus has evolved into one of the finest non-professional performing arts organizations in New York City, and has left its mark on American musical history...
in New York City.