In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Larry Farrow.
Larry Farrow
b.
Larry Farrow is an American composer, arranger, producer, conductor and keyboardist, clinician, and teacher known for his compositions rooted in the southern gospel tradition. He began taking lessons on the piano as a child and later went on to perform and tour the world with the Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers, and study at the University of Southern California. As a conductor, he has worked with many notable American orchestras and Pops orchestras including Buffalo, Denver, New Orleans, Rochester, and San Francisco. Farrow’s works include Spiritual Roots for chorus and orchestra, premiered by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, as well as various religious and secular choral works and music that was used on the TV series “Los Angeles History Project: Ode to Central Avenue.” He composed the original music for What Would Jesus Do? as well as taking on the role of Minister of Music at the National Black Theater Festival productions which led to the Los Angeles NAACP Theater Awards giving him a nomination for Best Producer. He also had his “Fanfare for the Caregivers” for orchestra and chorus performed at the Capitol Building on Memorial Day in 2009 with the narration being given by General Colin Powell. He has worked as a musician, arranger, and producer for many popular acts including Bill Cosby, Aretha Franklin, and The Jacksons. He currently serves as a Professor of Contemporary Media at Florida State University’s School of Music.
Suggested Choral Works:
- Rise Up Shepherd and Follow (unpubl.)
- Reign On, King Jesus (Gentry JG2217)
- He is Risen (Gentry JG2232)