Named for the founder of the Swarthmore Music Department, the Peter Gram Swing Lecture Series has long served as a unique learning experience in various fields of music. On Wednesday, October 29th at 4:30pm, the Department is excited to host composer, conductor, and music educator Francisco J. Núñez. Entitled Beyond the Notes, the lecture explores how Núñez forged his personal experience into a powerful mission that culminated in the creation of the world-renowned Young People's Chorus of New York City. The event will take place in the Scheuer Room at Kohlberg Hall, and is free and open to the public. 

As a conductor, Francisco J. Núñez has led the National Arts and Humanities award-winning Young People’s Chorus of New York City since founding the multicultural ensemble in 1988. Swarthmore Director of Choirs, Nathan Reiff, spent two immersive years conducting the Young People’s Chorus, working closely with Núñez and his artistic team. 

“[Núñez’s] work in the worlds of choral music and music education is deeply inspirational, and the Young People's Chorus of New York City has been transformative for a huge number of singers across the five boroughs and beyond. Whether those attending his lecture may be interested in exploring the path of music education or not, Francisco is a wonderful exemplar of visionary, creative leadership,” says Reiff.

Núñez also conducts the University Glee Club of New York City, serving as the ensemble’s fifth conductor since 1894. From 2003 to 2010, he directed choral activities at New York University. A frequent guest conductor of professional orchestras and chamber ensembles across North America and Europe, Núñez has built an impressive international reputation. His resume includes work with the New York Pops, Manhattan Philharmonic, Newfoundland Symphony, Geneva Chamber Orchestra, and Chamber Orchestra of San Antonio. He is also widely respected as a master teacher and advisor for choral workshops and festivals.

Núñez’s work isn’t confined to just conducting and teaching. “Francisco's career is multi-faceted, and in addition to his work as a conductor and artistic leader for the Young People’s Chorus, he is also a brilliant composer. I'm excited to learn about what he's been working on in that area and how he might connect with the composers (or composers-to-be!) on our campus,” Reiff explains.

Núñez gained early recognition for his compositions that blend diverse cultures and musical styles, writing his first choral work, Misa Pequeña, at age 15. He has since created a wide range of works and arrangements from classical to pop for choirs, orchestras, and solo instruments. In 2011, the Coca-Cola Company named him as the music director for its 125th anniversary. Núñez was commissioned for a new arrangement of the company’s iconic “Buy the World a Coke” jingle. 

A vocal advocate for equality and diversity in music, Núñez has delivered keynote addresses for various organizations including Chorus America, Yale University, and the Conservatory of Music in Beijing. His aforementioned work with the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, especially in regard to accessibility, now serves as an example for many ensembles across the country.

“When Francisco began his work [with the Young People’s Chorus], there were very limited opportunities in New York City for young singers that didn't already have connections to established school choirs or prestigious extracurricular programs. His work has opened many doors and helped to make fun, rigorous, and thoughtful music-making possible for a huge number of singers who may not have otherwise had the chance,” says Reiff.

Francisco Núñez’s lecture takes place Wednesday, October 29th at 4:30pm in the Scheuer Room at Kohlberg Hall. The event is free and open to the public, no reservation required.