The American Composers Forum has announced the establishment of the
Dale Warland Singers Fund for New Choral Music as part of its Whitaker Endowment Fund.

Created with the endorsement of the Dale Warland Singers (DWS) board as a legacy of the ensemble and its music director, Dale Warland, the fund will be used for the commissioning, performance and recording of new choral work. The new fund was announced at the Dale Warland Singers' final concert in Minneapolis on May 30, 2004.

The Dale Warland Singers earned a worldwide reputation for its commitment to commissioning and performing new choral music. The list of composers commissioned by Warland includes some of the finest living composers working today. Works by Dominick Argento, Stephen Paulus, Libby Larsen, Carol Barnett, Aaron Jay Kernis, Brent Michael Davids, Randall Davidson, Mary Ellen Childs, Steve Heitzeg, Augusta Read Thomas, Janika Vandervelde, Chen Yi, George Shearing, Peter Schickele, Cary John Franklin, Bernard Rands, Emma Lou Diemer, Alice Parker, Frank Ferko and many others gained widespread attention during the three decades the Dale Warland Singers was active.

During his 31-year tenure as director of the ensemble, Warland commissioned more than 270 new works for chorus, many of which have become staples of the choral repertoire.

"New choral music is my passion," said Warland. "It is an honor to have this ACF fund created in the ensemble's name to support the composition and performance of great new choral works. As I move into the next phase of my career as teacher, guest conductor and composer, I am most gratified to know this endowment will help the world continue to hear the musical ideas of emerging choral composers today and tomorrow."

ACF President John Nuechterlein commented, "Dale Warland has been a dedicated champion of emerging composers for his entire career. Commissioning new work has become a hallmark of conductors throughout this country because of his inspirational leadership, and we are delighted to establish this fund to recognize his long-standing contributions to the field." Donations to the fund will be permanently restricted for the ongoing commissioning, performance and recording of new choral repertoire.

If you are interested in contributing to the Dale Warland Singers Endowment Fund, please call Julie Stroud at 651.251.2822 or email her at: jstroud@composersforum.org.