My years at Lehigh were devoted to showing how knowledge in the classroom is enlivened through the depth and discipline of live performance, balancing the study and recreation of masterworks from the past with the excitement of creating new music.
Steven Sametz
Professor Emeritus
sps0@lehigh.edu
Education:
DMA – University of Wisconsin-Madison/Choral Conducting
MM – University of Wisconsin-Madison/Choral Conducting
BA –Yale University
Diploma – Frankfurter Hochschüle für Musik und darstellende Arts
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Focus Areas
Personal Statement
Biography
Sametz is originally from Connecticut, but spent the majority of his professional career at Lehigh. During his tenure the choral program grew from one ensemble to four; the Choral Union became one of Lehigh’s most successful community outreach programs. National and international tours (including Carnegie Hall and Geffen Hall), frequent premieres of new works, and innovative presentations and theatrical stagings were hallmarks of Sametz’s work. For 26 years, Sametz served as Artistic Director of the professional choral ensemble, The Princeton Singers, recording six CDs. He was the first Lehigh professor to be named to the Fulbright Specialist program, teaching and performing in China. His works have been performed and commissioned internationally. Sametz founded and directed the Lehigh Summer Choral Composers Forum, mentoring aspiring composers from around the world and premiering over 300 new works.
Research & Creative Work
A Child’s Requiem (2014)
in memoriam for students and teachers killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
A Child’s Requiem (2014)
Carmina amoris (2002)
Choral Symphony in six movements
Carmina amoris (2002)
For the earth (2022)
Created with the Lehigh Choral Arts during remote teaching during Covid.
For the earth (2022)
Birds of Paradise (2024)
Commissioned by Chanticleer.
Birds of Paradise (2024)