“Gordon Nelson makes music with the Detroit Concert Choir that one simply listens to. There is a feeling for sound, melody, meter, effect, and spiritual presence, there is spirit and soul.”  Artistic Jury - Spittal an der Drau International Choral Contest.
 
Gordon Nelson, Founding Artistic Director of the international award-winning Detroit Concert Choir, built a truly great choral ensemble by challenging its members to reach beyond their own expectations to achieve extraordinary goals.
 
In 1987, Mr. Nelson created the Detroit Concert Choir to enhance the lives of others through music, and to provide a venue for musicians—professional and amateur—to share their talents with the community. It was Mr. Nelson's desire to enhance the lives of others through music became the foundation for a group that developed into local, national, and international pacesetters of choral music.
 
Under Mr. Nelson's leadership, the Detroit Concert Choir contributed greatly to the cultural vitality of the Metropolitan Detroit area, presenting 27 inspiring concert seasons, highlighted by performances with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and at National, Regional, and State American Choral Directors Association conventions.
 

In 1987, Mr. Nelson created the Detroit Concert Choir to enrich lives through music and provide a venue for musicians—professional and amateur—to share their talents with the community. His vision to enhance lives through music became the foundation and motivation for the group to develop into a local, national, and international pacesetter of choral music excellence.

"It was one of my greatest pleasures to know that through him (Gordon) and the Detroit Concert Choir, my music served as a vehicle for touching hearts around the world."
- Jackson Berkey American Composer 

Mr. Nelson led the choir for 27 seasons. Under his leadership, the Detroit Concert Choir contributed significantly to the Metropolitan Detroit area's cultural vitality, highlighted by performances with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and at National, Regional, and State American Choral Directors Association conventions.

 Mr. Nelson's passion for brilliance and his extensive musical knowledge led the Detroit Concert Choir to eighteen national and international honors, including:

  • "Choir of the World" title at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales
  • Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence
  •  Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Wales (1991, 1993, 1996, 2006)
  • Norwich-Sligo International Choral Festival, Ireland (1994)
  • Tolosa Choral Contest, Spain (1998)
  • Spittal an der Drau International Choral Contest, Austria (2001)
  • Seghizzi International Choral Competition, Italy (2004).

Mr. Nelson achieved his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wheaton College, a Master of Education degree from Wayne State University, and a Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan. Early in his career, he was a tenor soloist and served as the director of several church choirs. From 1961 to 1979, Mr. Nelson served as Choral Director of Denby High School in Detroit and established a high standard of excellence that included international travel and award-winning performances. Mr. Nelson was an active member of the American Choral Directors Association, Chorus America, and the Tuesday Musicale of Detroit. He served as President of the Rita Guy Christian Music Foundation for 25 years.

WRCJ Tribute to Gordon Nelson
 

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Watch a video from "Grant us Peace: Music to heal the world."

Watch and enjoy "The Parting Glass" sung by the Detroit Concert Choir - March 2022. Directed by Michael A. Mitchell, Artistic Director. Presented In loving memory of Russell Yamazaki (1942-2022).

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Thank you to our DCC@ Ford House Annual Auction Gala sponsors!

Thank you to all who made our 2023 Gala such a success! The setting was perfect and fun was had by all.  Special thanks to  our Event Sponsors.

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