Guest Artist: Dalton Baldwin, Westminster Choir College
Overview: Singers are invited to participate in this fascinating exploration of the Mélodies of Claude Debussy. Claude Debussy was one of the most prominent composers of the 19th and 20th centuries, and is a staple of French art song repertoire. Dalton Baldwin, professor of accompanying and coaching at Westminster Choir College of Rider University, has worked with many of the great singers of our time: Gerard Souzay, Elly Ameling, Arleen Auger, Jessye Norman, Theresa Berganza, Frederica von Stade, Nicolai Gedda and Jose van Dam. Mr. Baldwin was permanent pianist of Gérard Souzay for over three decades, during which time they toured extensively on five continents and made numerous prize-winning recordings.
Dalton Baldwin, professor of accompanying and coaching at Westminster Choir College of Rider University has received critical acclaim. The New York Times review of April 1995 cited their partnership as a “musical marriage made in heaven.”
In addition to his duties at Westminster and busy accompanying schedule, Mr. Baldwin gives master classes throughout the United States, Europe and Asia, directing much of his energy towards discovering and developing the talents of young musicians. He considers the term “accompaniment” misleading. It is, in his opinion, a subtle and fascinating art form that strives for a perfect synthesis of music, poetry and the artist’s personalities.
A native of Summit, New Jersey, Dalton Baldwin studied at the Juilliard School of Music and Oberlin Conservatory. He continued his studies in Europe with Nadia Boulanger and Madeleine Lipatti and frequented the classes of Walter Gieseking and Alfred Cortot. He was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Music from Oberlin College and received the title Chevalier de L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French government. Dalton Baldwin's playing is characterized by subtle changes of tonal color and sensitivity to the needs of the performer.
He has a wonderful control of dynamics and never allows the piano to overshadow the singer. He is on the Board of Directors of Joy In Singing and whenever possible, Baldwin returns to the Himalayas and the wildlife preserves of Africa to replenish his need for natural beauty.
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