Leonard De Paur facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leonard De Paur
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De Paur conducting
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| Background information | |
| Born | November 18, 1914 Summit, New Jersey, United States |
| Died | November 7, 1998 (aged 83) Manhattan, New York, United States |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Choral director, composer, conductor |
| Years active | 1936–1988 |
| Associated acts | De Paur Chorus De Paur Opera Gala Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors Festival |
Leonard Etienne De Paur (born November 18, 1914 – died November 7, 1998) was an American musician. He was a talented composer who wrote music. He also directed choirs and orchestras, and helped manage arts events.
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About Leonard De Paur
His Early Life and Musical Start
Leonard De Paur was born in Summit, New Jersey. His parents were Hettie Carson de Paur and Ernst Leonard. He began studying music at the Manual Training Institute in Bordentown, New Jersey. He studied there with Frederick Work, who came from a famous musical family.
Starting His Career in Music
De Paur started writing and arranging music while he was part of the Hall Johnson Choir. He sang in the baritone section. He also helped the main conductor, Jester Hairston.
In 1936, De Paur became the music director for the Negro Unit of the Federal Theatre Project in New York City. This project helped artists find work during a tough time. While working, he also studied at Columbia University and later at the Institute of Musical Arts, which is now the famous Juilliard School.
Working with Other Artists
In 1941, he worked with conductor Alexander Smallens. They put on an opera called Four Saints in Three Acts by Virgil Thomson. This show was held at Town Hall in New York City.
Serving in the Military
De Paur joined the United States Army Air Forces in 1942. He became a Lieutenant. He was the music director for a play called Winged Victory. Later, he was put in charge of an all-male chorus.
The De Paur Infantry Chorus
The De Paur Infantry Chorus had 35 men from the 372nd Glee Club. They performed many types of music. This included classical songs, Caribbean folk music, spirituals, and military songs.
In 1946, the De Paur Infantry Chorus became very popular. They signed with Columbia Artists Management and Columbia Records. The chorus grew to include men from other military groups and even regular citizens. For ten years, this chorus was one of the best performing groups at Columbia.
After the Chorus
In 1957, De Paur stopped the chorus. He then created the De Paur Opera Gala. This show featured famous operas like Four Saints in Three Acts, Porgy and Bess, and Carmen Jones.
In the early 1960s, a new group called the De Paur Chorus was formed. They toured 18 African nations to share American culture. After this chorus ended in 1968, De Paur became a director for the Lincoln Center International Choral Festival.
A few years later, he became the director of community relations at Lincoln Center. He started two popular events: the Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors Festival and the Community Holiday Concert Series. He retired from Lincoln Center in 1988.
Awards and Recognition
During his career, Leonard De Paur received special honors. He earned an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Lewis & Clark College. He also received an award from the University of Pennsylvania Glee Club. He was made an honorary member of the Morehouse College Glee Club.
Leonard De Paur passed away in Manhattan on November 7, 1998.
