Last December, the Unionville High School winter choir concert featured “Sanctus: London,” by Grammy Award-winning choral composer Ola Gjeilo.  

Jason Throne, UHS’s vocal music director, was so moved by the performance that he decided to send Gjeilo a video recording.  Much to Throne’s surprise, Gjeilo responded to his email and praised the UHS students’ skill and composure, and offered to join the group on stage at their upcoming spring concert featuring many of his works.

“I almost fell out of my chair when Gjeilo offered to attend our spring performance,” Throne said.  “He will rehearse with the students and accompany them on stage, playing piano. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the students to work with a composer of his caliber.”

Gjeilo was born in Norway in 1978 and moved to the United States in 2001 to begin his composition studies at the Julliard School in New York City. His concert works are performed all over the world and his debut recording as a pianist-composer, “Stone Rose,” was followed by its 2012 sequel, “Piano Improvisations.”  Many of his choral works are featured on Phoenix Chorale’s Grammy Award-winning best-selling “Northern Lights” album, which is devoted entirely to his music for choir.

A full-time concert music composer, Gjeilo is also very interested in film, and his music often draws inspiration from movies and cinematic music. He lives in New York City with his wife, Laura.

The concert is scheduled May 7 at 7 p.m. at Unionville High School (750 Unionville Rd., Kennett Square). Admission is free. 

The Unionville High School choir will be joined by renowned composer Ola Gjeilo at their May 7 concert.