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Francisco J. Núñez

About this Artist

Francisco J. Núñez, a MacArthur Fellow and Musical America’s 2018 Educator of the Year, is a composer, conductor, visionary, leading figure in music education, and the artistic director/founder of the Young People’s Chorus of New York City (YPC).  Since he founded YPC in 1988, Núñez has heightened an awareness of the ability of children to rise to unforeseen levels of artistry. Núñez also leads the University Glee Club of New York City, its fifth conductor since the all-men’s chorus was established in 1894. He is sought after nationwide as a guest conductor by professional orchestras and choirs, as a master teacher, and a frequent keynote speaker as a leading authority on the role of music in achieving equality and diversity for children in today’s society. Núñez composes countless compositions and arrangements in all musical formats and styles for choirs, orchestras, and solo instruments; he has received an ASCAP Victor Herbert Award, the New York Choral Society’s Choral Excellence Award, and Bang on a Can’s Visionary Award. Musical America Worldwide named him among 30 “Influencers” for his contributions to the music industry; NYU Steinhardt honored him with its Distinguished Alumnus Achievement Award; and Ithaca College presented him with an honorary Doctor of Music degree.