Founded by Harold Rosenbaum, The New York Virtuoso Singers (NYVS) is one of the nation’s leading professional choral ensembles, known for its artistry, precision, and dedication to contemporary American choral music. What began as a chorus-in-residence for the Brooklyn Philharmonic has grown into a cornerstone of New York’s musical life, admired for tackling an ambitious repertoire with passion and excellence.

Harold Rosenbaum, Conductor

Founder of Two Renowned Choirs

In 1973, Rosenbaum founded The Canticum Novum Singers, hailed by The New York Times as an “elite chorus.” Over 50 years, the group performed more than 600 concerts, premiering about 60 works and inspiring more than 100 singers to pursue professional careers in music. Building on that success, he established The New York Virtuoso Singers, now in its 38th season, performing with major ensembles at Lincoln Center, Tanglewood, and The Juilliard School, and premiering more than 550 modern works by composers such as Luciano Berio, Thea Musgrave, Ellen Taaffe Zwilich and John Corigliano.

Appearances & Collaborations

Rosenbaum has appeared with the New York Philharmonic, Brooklyn Philharmonic, American Symphony Orchestra, and Mark Morris Dance Group, among many other esteemed organizations. His television and radio appearances include The Late Show with David Letterman and CBS’s 48 Hours. He has led more than 1,900 concerts worldwide and worked with renowned composers including John Adams, David Lang, and Osvaldo Golijov.

Educator & Advocate

A lifelong New Yorker and Professor Emeritus at SUNY Buffalo, Rosenbaum founded the Harold Rosenbaum Choral Conducting Institute and ChoralFest USA, a celebration of choral diversity. His publishing partnerships with G. Schirmer and Peermusic Classical have advanced dozens of contemporary choral works. His books, A Practical Guide to Choral Conducting, Choralstration, My Choral Journey and the Harold Rosenbaum Cookbook, are available on Amazon.

Honors

Rosenbaum’s many awards include ASCAP’s Victor Herbert Award, the American Composer Alliance Laurel Leaf Award, the Ditson Conductor’s Award, and four Chorus America/ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming. He holds an honorary doctorate from Queens College, his alma mater.