EVENT DETAILS
Itinerary
Meet our Guest Conductors

Dr. Brandon A. Boyd enjoys a versatile career as a conductor, in addition to appearing regularly as a composer-in-residence, collaborative pianist, and presenter for conferences, conventions, collegiate choirs, church choirs, choral symposiums, and festivals. He is the Director of Choral...
Dr. Brandon A. Boyd enjoys a versatile career as a conductor, in addition to appearing regularly as a composer-in-residence, collaborative pianist, and presenter for conferences, conventions, collegiate choirs, church choirs, choral symposiums, and festivals. He is the Director of Choral Activities and Associate Professor of Choral Music Education at the University of Missouri, where he conducts MU University Singers and Choral Union. In addition to his conducting duties at the university, he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in choral conducting and choral music education. He holds two degrees from Florida State University (Ph.D. in choral music education and M.M. in choral conducting) and earned a B.S. in music education (emphasis in piano) from Tennessee State University.

Elaine Hagenberg’s music “soars with eloquence and ingenuity” (ACDA Choral Journal). Renowned for her ability to seamlessly weave lush harmonic landscapes, captivating melodies, and evocative piano and orchestral accompaniments, she offers a unique blend of artistic sophistication and universal appeal....
Elaine Hagenberg’s music “soars with eloquence and ingenuity” (ACDA Choral Journal). Renowned for her ability to seamlessly weave lush harmonic landscapes, captivating melodies, and evocative piano and orchestral accompaniments, she offers a unique blend of artistic sophistication and universal appeal. With notable performances across the Americas, Europe, Australia, and Asia, her works are frequently featured at regional symposiums, national American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) conferences, All-State festivals, as well as performance venues including Carnegie Hall in New York, Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, the Vatican in Rome, St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, and the upcoming Église de St-Sulpice in Paris. Elaine’s award-winning compositional style is profoundly influenced by her connection to nature, beauty, and spiritual reflection. Drawing inspiration from the vivid imagery and themes found in poetry, she crafts intricate musical textures that enrich her narratives and “pull at one’s heartstrings” (NY Concert Review), creating immersive experiences that connect listeners to both the complexity and awe of the natural world and the profound depths of shared human emotion. This is evident in her celebrated composition I Am the Wind, which earned first place in the American Choral Directors Association Brock Prize for Professional Composers. In addition to composing full-time, Elaine is a guest artist and clinician, seeking to foster meaningful connections through music and texts. Her recent and upcoming residencies and speaking engagements include ACDA conferences, Carnegie Hall Festivals, the Incanto Mediterraneo International Choral Festival in Milazzo in Italy, the Vox Anima London Choral Festival, and the Galway Choral Festival in Ireland. To learn more about Elaine, please visit: elainehagenberg.com

Z. Randall Stroope is an internationally recognized composer and conductor, having conducted concerts in 26 countries and published over 200 musical works. Randall is the Artistic Director of an international summer music festival in Rome, and has directed music for...
Z. Randall Stroope is an internationally recognized composer and conductor, having conducted concerts in 26 countries and published over 200 musical works. Randall is the Artistic Director of an international summer music festival in Rome, and has directed music for Vatican mass 12 times. Recent guest conducting engagements include Jakarta (Indonesia), Milan, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Barcelona, Dublin, Stockholm, Berlin, and Tallinn. In the United States, Randall has directed 41 performances at Carnegie Hall and numerous other conducting workshops, clinics, and performances at universities and festivals. Randall has his own publishing entity for several of his newest works (w.zrstroope.com) as well as publishing through several other companies, including Oxford, Walton, and Alliance Music Publishing. The Conversion of Saul, Lamentations of Jeremiah, Amor de mi alma, Tarantella, Dei Matris Cantibus, Christi Mutter, We Beheld Once Again the Stars, The Pasture, Revelation, I Am Not Yours, Hodie! (This Day), and the 30-minute choral/orchestral work, In Paradisum, are among his best known works. Besides maintaining a very active guest conducting schedule throughout his career, Randall was also as a Distinguished Professor of Music at three universities. He holds degrees in music education, voice performance, piano performance, and conducting. He did post graduate conducting/score study with Margaret Hillis, Chorus Master of the Chicago Symphony and over a decade of composition study with Normand Lockwood (Prix de Rome winner) and student of the famous French teacher, Nadia Boulanger (who studied with Gabriel Fauré). Randall has a home/studio near Santa Fe, New Mexico and one on Merritt Island, Florida.
Lynda Hasseler
"I appreciate all the countless behind the scenes details that you are constantly managing for so many people. I am grateful to you and for all you do."
Lynda Hasseler, Director of Choral Activities
Pearl Shangkuan
"The artistic and educational goals that drive MCP events are always clearly evident and greatly appreciated."
Pearl Shangkuan, President
Anthony Trecek
"Throughout the weekend, I felt cared for and couldn't help but notice how it was impeccably organized. Once again, please accept my heartfelt thanks to you all and the rest of the MCP team for making this exceptional experience possible"
Anthony Trecek-King, Guest Conductor
Everett Yamashita
"As a repeat performing group, I continue to enjoy the professionalism and excellence in quality. The guest clinicians have always been great to work with and the students take away a lot from them. Having the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall is every serious musician's dream, so to be able to have high school students experience performing in such a legendary hall is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and MCP has always made the experience special for our students and directors."
Everett Yamashita
David Merrill
"I am thoroughly exhausted today, but I'm very happy and satisfied. I really feel like this trip is a turning point for how I view band trips. To be honest with you, it's hard to plan a Disney Trip after this when I see what potential there is out there for some grand musical experiences. This was the first trip where I really felt that music was the most important aspect; usually the destination is first and foremost. I do think this will forever change the way I view our trips."
David Merrill
Robert Vogel
"From first conversations with MCP representatives through follow-up communications after the trip, it has been clear that MCP is a first-class organization. Students stayed in a fabulous NYC hotel in the heart of Times Square, expressed sincere appreciation for the instruction provided by a terrific clinician, and benefitted greatly by performing in Carnegie Hall. MCP representatives were always available and extremely helpful and knowledgeable in planning meals and activities to meet our needs and preferences. This truly was a life-changing experience for students and tremendously beneficial to our music program and community."
Robert Vogel
Kelly Mclaughlin
"Oh my! There aren't enough good things to say! The professionalism and quality of all aspects of the event were beyond measure. As an educator, I truly felt valued and appreciated by MCP. Hearing my students sing in such a prestigious venue made my heart soar."
Kelly Mclaughlin
David Wallis
"Our Carnegie Hall concert experience was exceptional. The staff did an amazing job of walking us through the planning process, of having logistics locked down and prepared for us, and of ushering us through the concert all the while meeting the needs of the Carnegie staff. Thoroughly professional and knowledgeable, MCP proved they are excellent at presenting wonderful opportunities."
David Wallis
Thomas Bookhout
"In my opinion, Manhattan Concert Productions is the very best company of its type. From the outstanding guest conductors, the venues, and the quality of the performance, to the preparation, organization, and helpfulness of the staff (who all are choral musicians themselves), I cannot imagine how this could have been a better event for my singers! Thank you, MCP!"
Thomas Bookhout
Dr. Edie Copley
"Thanks for a wonderful experience in New York at Carnegie Hall! I so appreciated the entire staff for their attention to detail, and their friendly and efficient manner. I am so thankful you asked me to do this. It was a truly memorable event in my career."
Dr. Edie Copley
Caleb Pillsbury
"What sets this performance experience as exemplary is the combination of outstanding conductors, the finest repertoire, and world-famous venues; it really is the trifecta. Combine this with a production company who knows all the details a director needs and is ready with answers to all questions. Directors will find that their collaboration with MCP will enrich their students with a superlative performance experience."
Caleb Pillsbury
Rick Bjella
"MCP is remarkable in their attention to detail and to people that others ignore. They have a strong dedication to musical excellence as well. From Craig Arnold to the rest of his colleagues - all are the finest of people and terrific musicians who understand the difficulties having lived in the real world. They are organized and generous human beings that will go out of their way to make this a remarkable experience for all involved."
Rick Bjella
Singer
"I can't say enough positive things about the opportunity to participate in a residency with MCP. Everything from the beginning invitation to participate all the way to the last minute of the experience at the afterparty was full of memory-making moments to last a lifetime. Can't wait to do another one very soon!"
Singer
Judith Leopold
"I would urge conductors to bring their ensembles to MCP. After 40 years of teaching and traveling with my choirs to festivals and competitions, I can unhesitatingly say our repeated experiences with MCP far exceed any other!"
Judith Leopold
clinician
"The clinician was fabulous. He was able to bring out the best of the musicians in a short time"
Glenn Block
"MCP continues to set the bar for quality tours and musical concert experiences for secondary and university ensembles searching for an unforgettable music experience. Their director and staff are all dedicated to providing rewarding experiences that provide excellent performing opportunities in some of the nation's finest concert halls."
Glenn Block
Maia Zander
"MCP is an extremely well-run company that made every aspect of this trip and performance as smooth as possible. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and professional, and they made this residency a life-changing experience for my students."
Maia Zander
Ruthie Tutterow
"MCP did a phenomenal job in preparing what was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all of us who went on the trip."
Ruthie Tutterow
Maureen Callan
"This is an excellent organization. Timely, friendly communication, excellent repertoire, conductors, and venues. The best festival organization I have worked with. I highly recommend MCP."
Maureen Callan
Carol Thomas Downing
"Go to New York ... but only with MCP! The best conductors, the best service, the best hotels, competitive pricing, and the best venue - Carnegie Hall! In a word, MCP is tops!"
Carol Thomas Downing
Student
"Walking out onto stage for the first time is just a breathtaking experience. A moment that cannot be forgotten."
Student
Robert Vogel
"From first conversations with MCP representatives through follow-up communications after the trip, it has been clear that MCP is a first-class organization. Students stayed in a fabulous NYC hotel in the heart of Times Square, expressed sincere appreciation for the instruction provided by a terrific clinician, and benefitted greatly by performing in Carnegie Hall. MCP representatives were always available and extremely helpful and knowledgeable in planning meals and activities to meet our needs and preferences. This truly was a life-changing experience for students and tremendously beneficial to our music program and community."
Robert Vogel
Timothy Mahr
I've been impressed by the focus within the clinic sessions. It would be easy for the students and conductors to treat the clinic lightly before exploring the city, but MCP engenders an attitude that makes these clinics exciting and meaningful, geared toward heightening the eventual appearance on the concert stage. "
Timothy Mahr
Michael Fleischmann
"MCP's staff was very professional, patient, and easy to work with. As band directors with a million other things going on, it's nice to know that the people working with you on a tour are always there to help! I appreciate how quickly communication moved back and forth between us. It gave me much needed peace of mind during the planning process.
