Composer, arranger, musical director, and choral singer. I am a recipient of national awards in Brazil
(Vocal Brasil CCBB 2012 and Nona Mostra FIL) and the US (MCE Composer Competition 2015-2016)
for my compositions, vocal arrangements and choral directing. I hold a Master's Degree in Music Composition from
Hunter College - NYC, and a Master's Degree in Voice Performance from University of Rio de Janeiro - Brazil.
About
“
Without Music, life would be a mistake.”
Friedrich Nietzsche
My compositions have been performed by ensembles across the US, France, Brazil, Portugal, and United Kingdom.
I have performed in several vocal ensembles such as the award winning “Choral Chameleon” the award winning “C4”,
and “New York Holiday Choristers”.
I have been hired as a professional singer by many other church choirs and community choirs in the Tri-State Area.
I have served as the accompanist for Hunter College’s Jazz Vocal Workshop and have worked as a freelance composer.
Currently, I am a soloist and section leader at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church and live in West New York, New Jersey.
News
The Revenger's Tragedy: A Jacobean Musical
September 11, 2016
Hi everyone! Despite the warm weather, the Summer is over and the Fall is around the corner. It is time to be prepared for ...
read more →
The concert was a blast!!!
July 2, 2016
“Jubilee Chorus in New York City presented a successful concert on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at St. Michael's Episcopal Church ...
read more →
Seasonal Concert with Jubilee Chorus
June 25, 2016
If you are in New York City this Saturday, come join me for a fun and nice concert. I have the pleasure to conduct the Jubilee Choir...
read more →
My piece won MCE's Audience Favorite award!
February 27, 2016
The Manhattan Choral Ensemble’s singular choral music competition, New Music for New York, returned Saturday, February 27 to the DiMenna Center...
read more →
I WON A PRIZE!!!!
January 14, 2016
“it is my pleasure to inform you that our competition committee has chosen your submissions as our 2015-16 selections. As a winner...
read more →
Merry Christmas!
December 21, 2015
"It is the most wonderful time of the year."
After a wonderful...
read more →
Wakeful and Wintry
December 5, 2015
Just as Spring looks different through Vivaldi's eyes than it does through Stravinsky's, the winter holidays look different in...
read more →
Tempus, Choral Chameleon
November 23, 2015
I've always had issues connecting with people. You know, sometimes it is just hard. I got kind of a "depressing resting face" ...
read more →
Paraclete Press
October 10, 2015
Happy to announce that 3 of my choral pieces will be published by Paraclete Press in 2016! The pieces are: "How Large The Promise"...
read more →
Jubilee - Assistant Conductor, Bill Heigen
July 22, 2015
I am so happy for this opportunity to work as a conductor! Here is what they wrote about me:...
read more →
2015 Choir Tour France
July 15, 2015
France is an amazing country. So much culture and history to be seen and felt. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to visit marvelous cathedrals...
read more →
Choral Chameleon Summer Institute
June 22, 2015
Last week I had the privilege to be part of something great. I was one of the singers at Choral Chameleon Summer Institute...
read more →
Choral Good Vibes - YouTube Channel
April 7, 2015
We live in a crazy world. Black people vs. white people, gay vs. religious, starvation, money, hot, cold, politicians, ...
read more →
Channel Trailer of my YouTube Channel
March 13, 2015
Hey guys! You know, being a composer nowadays is not about spending all day long writing new music (I wish...). In order...
read more →
5 Tips for Commissioning New Pieces
January 15, 2015
A couple of months ago, Fahad Siadat, the owner of See-A-Dot Music Publishing, wrote this article about commissioning...
read more →
Christmas time is here!
November 30, 2014
This group is the best! The New York Holiday Choristers are New York City's most fun & musical professional holiday carolers!...
read more →
"A perfect way to end the evening"
November 21, 2014
I couldn't be happier! Bubbles just got an awesome review by Jean Ballard Terepka! She is an archivist and intellectual ...
read more →
Writing choral pieces for IBOC's music program!
November 17, 2014
Two months ago I was invited by Mr. Joao Macdowell (Artistic Director of iBoc) to write three choral pieces for the Iboc Singers...
read more →
C4 will premiere my piece "Bubbles"
November 8, 2014
Hey guys, check this out! 2 really cool concerts next week!
C4: The Choral Composer/Conductor...
read more →
SAUDADE
October 26, 2014
SAUDADE. According to Wikipedia, “Saudade is a Portuguese or Galician word that has no direct translation in English. It describes a deep ...
read more →
Birthday Last Sunday
October 15, 2014
Last Sunday October 12th was my Birthday. For my entire life I have never liked this day. This date reminds me that I am getting older, that I ...
read more →
MY NEW BLOG
October 9, 2014
Hi everyone! This is my first post of my new blog on my official website! Here I will share with you some thoughts, cool stuff, and of course...
read more →
The Revenger's Tragedy: A Jacobean Musical
September 11, 2016
Hi everyone!
Despite the warm weather, the Summer is over and the Fall is around the corner. It is time to be prepared for the upcoming season! This is gonna be the first time I am working with Musical Theater in the US! The Revenger’s Tragedy is one of my newest projects, and I invite all of you to take a look at the following video and donate through the link below!
“The Revenger’s Tragedy:The Musical tells the story of what would happen if a tyrant was leading a corrupt government, or when the Church is corrupted and the citizens are fighting for change to the system. The citizens rebel and take matters into their own hands, often finding vengeance against their leader or even each other. It’s amazing that a play that's over 400-years-old is still relevant to today’s world and we believe now it's time to bring this piece to audiences in the 21st Century.”
The Revenger's Tragedy: A Jacobean Musical Book by Michael Wysong Lyrics by Greg Kefalas Music by Bill Heigen Creative Producer: Craig M. Rosenthal Executive Producer: Matt McKenna
“Jubilee Chorus in New York City presented a successful concert on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at St. Michael's Episcopal Church. The recital hall filled with choir members' families and friends. The concert featured choral repertoires that include gospel, popular, Broadway, a cappella, and sacred styles of music. A number of soloists also performed songs with which they resonated and identified.”
“Song after song, the audience responded joyfully with applause. Families and friends greeted singers with smiles and congratulatory remarks. A Chinese member of New York Immanuel Church enjoyed the concert with her young daughter and husband. "I brought my daughter because she loves to sing," she shared. "When she heard Jubilee Chorus sing as she entered, she was so excited. Praise and worship before God is truly a beautiful thing."
I am so grateful for still being able to make music with great people for a greater purpose. This world needs more music, and as long as I am able to provide it, I will be just fine!
Please, take a moment to visit Jubilee’s website at http://www.jubileechoir.org/ and take a look at the following video from one of the songs performed at the concert!
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Seasonal Concert with Jubilee Chorus
June 25, 2016
If you are in New York City this Saturday, come join me for a fun and nice concert. I have the pleasure to conduct the Jubilee Choir. On its all female version, the choir have worked hard to put together a pleasant repertoire of some old and new standard gospel songs. We will have solo numbers, duets, and even brand new choral arrangements. And the best part is: FREE ADMISSION! Put some live music on your Saturday night!
When: Saturday, June 25, 2016, at 7:30 PM
Where: St. Michael's Episcopal Church (225 W 99th Street, New York, 10025).
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My piece won MCE's Audience Favorite award!
February 27, 2016
The Manhattan Choral Ensemble’s singular choral music competition, New Music for New York, returned Saturday, February 27 to the DiMenna Center for Classical Music. In this interactive concert, the choir premiered three compositions selected by our artistic panel, and audience members each voted for their favorite. The program included Benjamin Britten’s “Flower Songs” as well as beloved folk songs. Bill Heigen’s “Refuge”, a setting of the Sara Teasdale poem, won our Audience Favorite distinction, earning an encore performance and an additional prize.
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I WON A PRIZE!!!!
January 14, 2016
“it is my pleasure to inform you that our competition committee has chosen your submissions as our 2015-16 selections. As a winner, you will be awarded a prize. Congratulations!”. After everything I went through since I decided to move to US to work on my musical career in a foreign land, these words made my cry like a baby. They were sent by the people from Manhattan Choral Ensemble. This prestigious choir will premiere one of my choral pieces, and this means that my music is somehow worth listening to. This reminds me that I should never give up, and you know, I am just happy. I WON A PRIZE IN THE US! This is a HUGE accomplishment, and yes, I wanna share this with all of you, my dear friends, who have been so supportive all along the way! THANK YOU!!! More details about the performance you can find by clicking on the image below:
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Merry Christmas!
December 21, 2015
"It is the most wonderful time of the year."
After a wonderful concert with Chameleonic singing my own piece, I spent the holidy season caroling all over the city with The New York Holiday Choristers. I have been singing with them since 2013, and they are so funny! Take a look at those videos and you will see what a mean by "funny"!
Professional Carolers - Part 1 - Training
Part 2 - Details
Part 3 - Scarves
Also, I had the pleasure to conduct The Jubilee Choir in a glorious Christmas Concert:
And for last but not least, Choral Chameleon, one of the best professional choirs in the country, just released a music video in which I took part as a singer:
Many videos, many music, many great moments that I want to share with you all.
"May your days be merry and bright, and may all your christmases be white"!
Happy Holidays!!!
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Wakeful and Wintry
December 5, 2015
Just as Spring looks different through Vivaldi's eyes than it does through Stravinsky's, the winter holidays look different in beautiful New York City than they do anywhere else. A metropolitan Christmas is a special one that can't be compared. The vast and sleepless city of eight million changes its air and becomes a little more caring, a little more loving and a little more personal than at other times. From the echoing halls and corridors of Manhattan, in the rush of day or lit up at night, any moment is a New York Moment at Christmas. This momentariness is captured eloquently and equally in the music of Bach, Mathias, Sondheim, Corigliano, Billings and more. I wrote a piece for this concert called "Wintry and Wakeful". My dear friend Greg Kefalas wrote the lyrics. I could not be happier by conducting my own piece among great singers and dear friends. If you are in NYC area, you should come and see this. You can by tickets online through the link below: http://www.chameleonicnyc.org/current-season.html
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Tempus, Choral Chameleon
November 23, 2015
I've always had issues connecting with people. You know, sometimes it is just hard. I got kind of a "depressing resting face" that pushes people away, and my love for sarcasm is something that a lot of people do not enjoy. Anyway, I am saying this because last Monday, after a long time, I felt connected! I sang with amazing singers from Choral Chameleon under the guidance of Vince Peterson. I am still the "new guy" in the group, but I felt a great energy surrounding everybody in the room. In my live, Music has always been a tool for building connections (actually, one of the few tools I still know how to use for this purpose), and last Monday, making music with those people felt so f**king good! For a world with more connections. For a world with more music. For a better world.
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Paraclete Press
October 10, 2015
Happy to announce that 3 of my choral pieces will be published by Paraclete Press in 2016! The pieces are: "How Large The Promise", "Psalm 23" and "Ave Verum Corpus". More details yet to come. In the meantime, visit www.paracletesheetmusic.com.
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Jubilee - Assistant Conductor, Bill Heigen
July 22, 2015
I am so happy for this opportunity to work as a conductor! Here is what they wrote about me:
Jubilee Chorus announces the new appointment of an assistant conductor, Bill Heigen. Heigen is noted to be a very talented Christian musician among the communities of choral conductors, composers, singers and producers. Bill Heigen exuberantly shares about the privilege given by God on becoming the new assistant conductor.
"To become an assistant conductor at Jubilee Chorus is truly a blessing! Choral music is my life. I have been working as a choral singer, choral arranger and choral conductor since 1999. It is a privilege to be able to spread a message of love, equality, and tolerance through choral music. I am looking forward to performing this sacred art and to touch people's hearts and souls. We live in a world where so many people still suffer because of hunger, violence, and poverty. In order to comfort all of those hearts, I hope that we can 'proclaim a message of hope, healing, and spiritual freedom through music.' May this season be a blessing for all of us!"
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2015 Choir Tour France
July 15, 2015
France is an amazing country. So much culture and history to be seen and felt. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to visit marvelous cathedrals and make my music heard for so many people. Last week I had one of the greatest accomplishments of my career: I travelled to France with St. Michael’s Choir and witnessed 2 of my pieces being performed in stunning venues by amazing singers. “Set me as a Seal” was premiered at Basilique Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d’Orléans in Orleans, and “Psalm 23” got performances at Normandy American Cemetery, Basilique Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d’Orléans in Orleans, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres, and Notre-Dame de Paris. I felt like the time has stopped, and I was living in a perfect world in which all I could see is beauty, and all I could hear is music. This trip was a life changing experience! This month, the piece "Set me as a Seal" is available for FREE DOWNLOAD at the main page of this website! Enjoy!
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Choral Chameleon Summer Institute
June 22, 2015
Last week I had the privilege to be part of something great. I was one of the singers at Choral Chameleon Summer Institute. We spent the whole week rehearsing brand new choral pieces, talking about many aspects of today’s choral music, sharing ideas and opinions about conducting a choir, meeting many talented people and having fun. Of course, all of those things are enough to describe any experience as something great. However, I think there is another aspect that made everything that I experienced there even greater: I was surrounded by people that respect each other, that care about the other’s development and success. That is something hard to find nowadays, and I am glad to be part of an organization that makes so much for so many people. It is all about collaboration, art, music. Thank you, Vince Peterson, for giving me the opportunity to be part of this organization.
Many thanks to the 5 stars faculty and the amazing singers.
If you want to develop your skills as a composer or conductor, YOU HAVE TO MEET THESE PEOPLE. I am serious about it. You will be glad you did!
We live in a crazy world. Black people vs. white people, gay vs. religious, starvation, money, hot, cold, politicians, CEOs ruling the world, people killing each other and dying for many different reasons. People are very stressed nowadays. We have to pursue our dreams, to take care of ourselves, to study, to work, to pay the bills, to have fun, to take care of our families, and on the top of that share all of this in our social media profiles.
I am just tired. Because of that, I started to think about a way to simply slow down, to relax, and to try to spend my time with activities that I enjoy!
Then I had an idea! I thought about it, I searched for many ways to make it happen, I learned how to do other things that I’ve never done before, and after all of this my idea was BORN:
CHORAL GOOD VIBES PROJECT!
The idea is simple: if you are stressed out and in need of some relaxation, just go to the channel, put your headphones on, and relax. You will be able to listen to an original a cappella arrangement of an excerpt from a well-known song with uplifting lyrics and in a very different version from the original one. For instance, a Jessie J’s song being sung in a relaxing choral setting. Four parts vocal arrangements, well-known songs, positive messages (no sex, butts, bad words, you name it), and short videos (1 minute length)! Do you want to send a cool message to someone? Share the video!
You also can download all the scores by accessing my website! Every Tuesday a new video will be posted!
You know me. I don’t go to parades, I don’t fight, I am not rich, I am not a politician. I am an artist. However, the fact that I am an artist doesn’t make me unaware of everything that happens in this world. So many bad things are going on, and this bothers me. The Choral Good Vibes Project is just an attempt to use my art for sending good vibes to everyone, and consequently to contribute to making this world a better place by making music. If you read everything I wrote, THANK YOU for taking the time to know about this idea.
I will never get tired of being grateful for all your support! THANK YOU!!
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Channel Trailer of my YouTube Channel
March 13, 2015
Hey guys! You know, being a composer nowadays is not about spending all day long writing new music (I wish...). In order to get my music out there I need to spend most of my time in many other things such as building a website, promoting my music on social media, engaging my audience, updating stuff, you name it. My most recently creation is a channel trailer for my official YouTube Channel. There you will find some live performances of my works and studio recordings. Please, take a look at it (only 40 seconds in length) and share your thoughts! Hope you like it!
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5 Tips for Commissioning New Pieces
January 15, 2015
A couple of months ago, Fahad Siadat, the owner of See-A-Dot Music Publishing, wrote this article about commissioning new pieces on a small budget. If you are planning on commissioning new pieces, these are good tips! Take a look!
"I can’t stress enough the importance of commissioning for composers. Based on my experience, those who make their living as composers do so by writing music, not selling their existing works, licensing it out for movie scores, etc. I run into many conductors and ensembles who want to support new music, and I tell them the single best way to do so is by commissioning. Buying scores is great, but if you want to support composers, pay them to write something new.
I recently sat on a panel for the New York Choral Consortium about the commissioning process. There was a lot of enthusiasm and interest from local choirs, but finances were the dominant barrier. In fact, many of the ensembles with the biggest need and hunger for new repertoire (public school choirs, for instance) are often the ones in the worst financial position to generate those works. Here are some of the great ideas that came from that conversation, along with a few of my own. Don’t be Afraid to Start the Conversation Commissioning Consortiums Payment Plans / Layaway Performance Royalties and Tours Trades
Your choir has a lot to offer, what can you trade in exchange for a new work? Are you planning a recording? Performing at a festival or conference where lots of conductors will be present? What exposure can you offer the artist and their work? Does your institution offer an artist-in-residence program? Get creative! Money’s not the only way to compensate a composer; the right opportunity for exposure and prestige might be the perfect motivation for them to write for your group.There are tons of creative solutions to commissioning work, many of which will be unique solutions for your particular community. Try brainstorming with your choir, fellow directors, and local composers to see what ideas you come up with. You’ll find these relationships with composers to be unique and lasting throughout the life of your ensemble."
more: www.seeadot.com
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Christmas time is here!
November 30, 2014
This group is the best! The New York Holiday Choristers are New York City's most fun & musical professional holiday carolers! I made an audition last year, and they invited me to be part of the group! I couldn’t be happier! Now I am in my second season singing with them, and having the opportunity to sing Christmas songs in this time of the year is just a blessing!
The New York Holiday Choristers are the only Christmas caroling group built to make booking your holiday and Christmas party entertainment as hassle-free as possible, combining fresh versions of cherished standards & truly contemporary music in a single acapella group with an innovative online booking system and unprecedented flexibility.
If I were you, I would definitely invite them to make your Christmas event MAGICAL!
http://www.newyorkholidaychoristers.com/
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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"A perfect way to end the evening"
November 21, 2014
I couldn't be happier! Bubbles just got an awesome review by Jean Ballard Terepka! She is an archivist and intellectual historian from New York City! Last week C4 (www.c4ensemble.org) premiered my piece Bubbles on the first two concerts of their 2014-2015 season. Ms Terepka was in the audience. Take a look at what she wrote:
"Bubbles proved to be a perfect way to end the evening. The text, as C4 composer and Bubbles poet Bill Heigen, noted, is “an attempt to compare life with a bubble.” Bubbles shimmer, float and fly; they bump into other bubbles (and things), and then, with a pop we imagine we hear, they’re gone. Though bubbles contains a familiar carpe diem message, the music’s exploration of particular moments of life–a bubble’s and our own–by means of distinct, though often overlapping singing by choir sections, subsections, and choir divisions by gender as well as by constant CHANGES of dynamics, rhythms, tones and keys makes the old dictum feel quite original.
The music alternates passages of intimacy and expansiveness, endearing silliness and stealth gravitas, memorable loveliness and shiny, transparent evanescence and loss. Conducting the lovely music with evident happiness, Siadat also made exuberant cascades of bubbles with a bright blue bubble gun (as did dancer Anastasia Wiebe, perched like a quiet, good girl on a chair by Siadat, while some audience members blew bubbles, too). The piece – about bubbles! – ended with a great swell of choral glory."
Here you can read the whole review that also talks about the other pieces on C4's concert:
Here you can listen to the audio from the dress rehearsal:
https://soundcloud.com/bill-heigen/bubbles
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Writing choral pieces for IBOC's music program!
November 17, 2014
Two months ago I was invited by Mr. Joao Macdowell (Artistic Director of iBoc) to write three choral pieces for the Iboc Singers in collaboration with the awesome Brazilian writer Marcos Bassini. After some fruitful meetings, the choral song cycle "Nights Cariocas" was born! I can't wait to hear those pieces being performed by those singers under the direction of their conductor Neviton Barros!
This cycle is a poetic picture of how some people in Rio de Janeiro have fun, fall in love, and enjoy the night. Each song explores elements from very distinctive rhythms such as funk, bossa-nova, and samba. The words are full of Brazilian slangs, and the text is full of excellent poetry. Mr. Bassini knows well how to use the Portuguese language!
I am thrilled for being part of this! The iBoc is an amazing organization that brings to the world the new face of the contemporary opera. Many thanks to Mr. Macdowell for making this work an achievable dream.
If you wanna have more information about this company, here is a brief description:
"The International Brazilian Opera Company (iBoc) is a New York based non-profit organization that supports the creation and development of new operatic repertoire that combines ideas from both Brazilian and international artists."
More: http://brazilianopera.com/
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C4 will premiere my piece "Bubbles"
November 8, 2014
Hey guys, check this out! 2 really cool concerts next week!
C4: The Choral Composer/Conductor Collective Presents
1 on 1: Music for Solo Instruments and Choir First Concerts of 2014-15 Season on November 13 in Brooklyn and November 15 in Manhattan
What: 1 on 1: Music for Solo Instruments and Choir When: Thursday, November 13 and Saturday, November 15 – 8:00 PM each evening Where: November 13 at Galapagos Art Space, 16 Main Street in Brooklyn November 15 at Church of St. Luke in the Fields, 487 Hudson Street in Manhattan URL: http://www.c4ensemble.org/november-2014-concerts.html
1 on 1: Music for Solo Instruments and Choir will feature performances of really cool pieces from live composers, and also C4 will premiere my piece called “Bubbles”! I am so excited! “Bubbles” is written for choir a cappella SSAATTBB plus bubble machine! It is a piece for your ears and for your eyes. Come on, everybody likes to play with bubbles right? Don’t miss the opportunity to see and hear this piece! C4 is doing a great job!
Tickets for the November 13 and 15 concerts are $20 in advance, $25 day of performance, with 10 $4 "Rush" admissions 30 minutes advance at the door. A reception will follow the Saturday evening performance (it means FREE FOOD!!!). Tickets can be ordered at http://www.c4ensemble.org/november-2014-concerts.html.
For more concert information, call 516-586-3433 or email jamesarts@att.net. All C4 concerts are ADA accessible.
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SAUDADE
October 26, 2014
SAUDADE. According to Wikipedia, “Saudade is a Portuguese or Galician word that has no direct translation in English. It describes a deep emotional state of nostalgic or profound melancholic longing for an absent something or someone that one loves.” In April of 2014, I was thinking about writing a piece that could touch people’s heart. A piece that could speak to anyone’s soul. Inspired by this beautiful word from my native language, and by the willing to say something I wrote “The Five Stages of Loss”. I based the idea of this work on the attempt to express each of the emotional stages that someone may experiences when faced with impending death or death of a beloved one. The five stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Those emotional stages together are known as the Kübler-Ross model. This model was first introduced by Swiss-American Psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in her 1969 book, “On Death and Dying,” and was inspired by her work with terminally ill patients. I wrote one song per emotional stage, and I wrote the texts based on what someone experiencing one of those stages may feel, think, and say. In honor to all of those who are gone, I have dedicated this work to all of those who lost someone in their lives. Then, I decided to offer this work to the Universe. You know, this is just something that I have learned to do. The Universe has given me so many good things… I need to express my gratitude, and the best way that I found to do this is sharing some of my music with everybody. I posted the scores and the sound samples on my website for free downloading, and I promoted this offer in all my social media. A couple of days after, Jay Dougherty (Professor of Choirs, Metropolitan State University of Denver) sent me a message telling he would like to program my piece. Then, after exchanging some emails, I am glad to announce that next Saturday November 1st, “The Five Stages of Loss” will be premiered by the Women’s Chamber Choir from Metropolitan State University of Denver! The picture above was taken by Mr. Dougherty about three weeks ago in one of the rehearsals for this concert. I am sure that this concert will be a blast! I couldn’t imagine that I would receive such a gift from the Universe so quickly. I posted my music in May, and in November it will become real for the world! It is already real for those who are rehearsing it, and I am so thankful for this. Thank you Jay, Women’s Chamber Choir, Metropolitan State University of Denver, performers, and all of those who are involved in this concert. I hope this work can honor the memory to all of those who are already gone. King's Center Concert Hall on the Metropolitan State University Denver campus on November 1st at 7:30pm. http://www.msudenver.edu/music/
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Birthday Last Sunday
October 15, 2014
Last Sunday October 12th was my Birthday. For my entire life I have never liked this day. This date reminds me that I am getting older, that I have even less time to pursue my dreams, to become a better musician, and to stay here in this world. For the past few years I used to organize remarkable celebrations to push the depression away. Last year I even organized a concert with my musician friends! But this year, because of my busy life, I didn’t organize any special event. So, the terrible day came last Sunday. I worked, I had lunch, I studied, fed my cat, watched my favorite cartoon (American Dad!), and you know what? It wasn’t that terrible at all! It was just another day, just like any other day. Everything was inside my head. I realized that every single day I am getting older, and I have less time to do anything anyway. There is no such a thing like 365 days cycle at all, this is an illusion. I have lived such a wonderful life surrounded by love, adventures, and music, and the fact that I am not the youngest anymore doesn’t need to bring me down so easily. With that in mind, I started my week putting less weight on my shoulders and feeling much better. It is sad, but it is true: everybody will die someday! We have to keep working and keep doing things, but no rush. Who cares how old are you if you are happy with yourself? Everything that is determined to be ours will find a way to come to us sooner or later. Remember, birthday is just a reminder of your currently age. Age is just a number, and numbers weren’t made to determine who we are.
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MY NEW BLOG
October 9, 2014
Hi everyone! This is my first post of my new blog on my official website! Here I will share with you some thoughts, cool stuff, and of course, music. For now that is not much more to say, but stay tunned for some really cool stuff about to come! Thanks for all your support!
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The Revenger's Tragedy: A Jacobean Musical
September 11, 2016
Hi everyone!
Despite the warm weather, the Summer is over and the Fall is around the corner. It is time to be prepared for the upcoming season! This is gonna be the first time I am working with Musical Theater in the US! The Revenger’s Tragedy is one of my newest projects, and I invite all of you to take a look at the following video and donate through the link below!
“The Revenger’s Tragedy:The Musical tells the story of what would happen if a tyrant was leading a corrupt government, or when the Church is corrupted and the citizens are fighting for change to the system. The citizens rebel and take matters into their own hands, often finding vengeance against their leader or even each other. It’s amazing that a play that's over 400-years-old is still relevant to today’s world and we believe now it's time to bring this piece to audiences in the 21st Century.”
The Revenger's Tragedy: A Jacobean Musical Book by Michael Wysong Lyrics by Greg Kefalas Music by Bill Heigen Creative Producer: Craig M. Rosenthal Executive Producer: Matt McKenna
“Jubilee Chorus in New York City presented a successful concert on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at St. Michael's Episcopal Church. The recital hall filled with choir members' families and friends. The concert featured choral repertoires that include gospel, popular, Broadway, a cappella, and sacred styles of music. A number of soloists also performed songs with which they resonated and identified.”
“Song after song, the audience responded joyfully with applause. Families and friends greeted singers with smiles and congratulatory remarks. A Chinese member of New York Immanuel Church enjoyed the concert with her young daughter and husband. "I brought my daughter because she loves to sing," she shared. "When she heard Jubilee Chorus sing as she entered, she was so excited. Praise and worship before God is truly a beautiful thing."
I am so grateful for still being able to make music with great people for a greater purpose. This world needs more music, and as long as I am able to provide it, I will be just fine!
Please, take a moment to visit Jubilee’s website at http://www.jubileechoir.org/ and take a look at the following video from one of the songs performed at the concert!
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Seasonal Concert with Jubilee Chorus
June 25, 2016
If you are in New York City this Saturday, come join me for a fun and nice concert. I have the pleasure to conduct the Jubilee Choir. On its all female version, the choir have worked hard to put together a pleasant repertoire of some old and new standard gospel songs. We will have solo numbers, duets, and even brand new choral arrangements. And the best part is: FREE ADMISSION! Put some live music on your Saturday night!
When: Saturday, June 25, 2016, at 7:30 PM
Where: St. Michael's Episcopal Church (225 W 99th Street, New York, 10025).
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My piece won MCE's Audience Favorite award!
February 27, 2016
The Manhattan Choral Ensemble’s singular choral music competition, New Music for New York, returned Saturday, February 27 to the DiMenna Center for Classical Music. In this interactive concert, the choir premiered three compositions selected by our artistic panel, and audience members each voted for their favorite. The program included Benjamin Britten’s “Flower Songs” as well as beloved folk songs. Bill Heigen’s “Refuge”, a setting of the Sara Teasdale poem, won our Audience Favorite distinction, earning an encore performance and an additional prize.
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I WON A PRIZE!!!!
January 14, 2016
“it is my pleasure to inform you that our competition committee has chosen your submissions as our 2015-16 selections. As a winner, you will be awarded a prize. Congratulations!”. After everything I went through since I decided to move to US to work on my musical career in a foreign land, these words made my cry like a baby. They were sent by the people from Manhattan Choral Ensemble. This prestigious choir will premiere one of my choral pieces, and this means that my music is somehow worth listening to. This reminds me that I should never give up, and you know, I am just happy. I WON A PRIZE IN THE US! This is a HUGE accomplishment, and yes, I wanna share this with all of you, my dear friends, who have been so supportive all along the way! THANK YOU!!! More details about the performance you can find by clicking on the image below:
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Merry Christmas!
December 21, 2015
"It is the most wonderful time of the year."
After a wonderful concert with Chameleonic singing my own piece, I spent the holidy season caroling all over the city with The New York Holiday Choristers. I have been singing with them since 2013, and they are so funny! Take a look at those videos and you will see what a mean by "funny"!
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Wakeful and Wintry
December 5, 2015
Just as Spring looks different through Vivaldi's eyes than it does through Stravinsky's, the winter holidays look different in beautiful New York City than they do anywhere else. A metropolitan Christmas is a special one that can't be compared. The vast and sleepless city of eight million changes its air and becomes a little more caring, a little more loving and a little more personal than at other times. From the echoing halls and corridors of Manhattan, in the rush of day or lit up at night, any moment is a New York Moment at Christmas. This momentariness is captured eloquently and equally in the music of Bach, Mathias, Sondheim, Corigliano, Billings and more. I wrote a piece for this concert called "Wintry and Wakeful". My dear friend Greg Kefalas wrote the lyrics. I could not be happier by conducting my own piece among great singers and dear friends. If you are in NYC area, you should come and see this. You can by tickets online through the link below: http://www.chameleonicnyc.org/current-season.html
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Tempus, Choral Chameleon
November 23, 2015
I've always had issues connecting with people. You know, sometimes it is just hard. I got kind of a "depressing resting face" that pushes people away, and my love for sarcasm is something that a lot of people do not enjoy. Anyway, I am saying this because last Monday, after a long time, I felt connected! I sang with amazing singers from Choral Chameleon under the guidance of Vince Peterson. I am still the "new guy" in the group, but I felt a great energy surrounding everybody in the room. In my live, Music has always been a tool for building connections (actually, one of the few tools I still know how to use for this purpose), and last Monday, making music with those people felt so f**king good! For a world with more connections. For a world with more music. For a better world.
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Paraclete Press
October 10, 2015
Happy to announce that 3 of my choral pieces will be published by Paraclete Press in 2016! The pieces are: "How Large The Promise", "Psalm 23" and "Ave Verum Corpus". More details yet to come. In the meantime, visit www.paracletesheetmusic.com.
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Jubilee - Assistant Conductor, Bill Heigen
July 22, 2015
I am so happy for this opportunity to work as a conductor! Here is what they wrote about me:
Jubilee Chorus announces the new appointment of an assistant conductor, Bill Heigen. Heigen is noted to be a very talented Christian musician among the communities of choral conductors, composers, singers and producers. Bill Heigen exuberantly shares about the privilege given by God on becoming the new assistant conductor.
"To become an assistant conductor at Jubilee Chorus is truly a blessing! Choral music is my life. I have been working as a choral singer, choral arranger and choral conductor since 1999. It is a privilege to be able to spread a message of love, equality, and tolerance through choral music. I am looking forward to performing this sacred art and to touch people's hearts and souls. We live in a world where so many people still suffer because of hunger, violence, and poverty. In order to comfort all of those hearts, I hope that we can 'proclaim a message of hope, healing, and spiritual freedom through music.' May this season be a blessing for all of us!"
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2015 Choir Tour France
July 15, 2015
France is an amazing country. So much culture and history to be seen and felt. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to visit marvelous cathedrals and make my music heard for so many people. Last week I had one of the greatest accomplishments of my career: I travelled to France with St. Michael’s Choir and witnessed 2 of my pieces being performed in stunning venues by amazing singers. “Set me as a Seal” was premiered at Basilique Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d’Orléans in Orleans, and “Psalm 23” got performances at Normandy American Cemetery, Basilique Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d’Orléans in Orleans, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres, and Notre-Dame de Paris. I felt like the time has stopped, and I was living in a perfect world in which all I could see is beauty, and all I could hear is music. This trip was a life changing experience! This month, the piece "Set me as a Seal" is available for FREE DOWNLOAD at the main page of this website! Enjoy!
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Choral Chameleon Summer Institute
June 22, 2015
Last week I had the privilege to be part of something great. I was one of the singers at Choral Chameleon Summer Institute. We spent the whole week rehearsing brand new choral pieces, talking about many aspects of today’s choral music, sharing ideas and opinions about conducting a choir, meeting many talented people and having fun. Of course, all of those things are enough to describe any experience as something great. However, I think there is another aspect that made everything that I experienced there even greater: I was surrounded by people that respect each other, that care about the other’s development and success. That is something hard to find nowadays, and I am glad to be part of an organization that makes so much for so many people. It is all about collaboration, art, music. Thank you, Vince Peterson, for giving me the opportunity to be part of this organization.
Many thanks to the 5 stars faculty and the amazing singers.
If you want to develop your skills as a composer or conductor, YOU HAVE TO MEET THESE PEOPLE. I am serious about it. You will be glad you did!
We live in a crazy world. Black people vs. white people, gay vs. religious, starvation, money, hot, cold, politicians, CEOs ruling the world, people killing each other and dying for many different reasons. People are very stressed nowadays. We have to pursue our dreams, to take care of ourselves, to study, to work, to pay the bills, to have fun, to take care of our families, and on the top of that share all of this in our social media profiles.
I am just tired. Because of that, I started to think about a way to simply slow down, to relax, and to try to spend my time with activities that I enjoy!
Then I had an idea! I thought about it, I searched for many ways to make it happen, I learned how to do other things that I’ve never done before, and after all of this my idea was BORN:
CHORAL GOOD VIBES PROJECT!
The idea is simple: if you are stressed out and in need of some relaxation, just go to the channel, put your headphones on, and relax. You will be able to listen to an original a cappella arrangement of an excerpt from a well-known song with uplifting lyrics and in a very different version from the original one. For instance, a Jessie J’s song being sung in a relaxing choral setting. Four parts vocal arrangements, well-known songs, positive messages (no sex, butts, bad words, you name it), and short videos (1 minute length)! Do you want to send a cool message to someone? Share the video!
You also can download all the scores by accessing my website! Every Tuesday a new video will be posted!
You know me. I don’t go to parades, I don’t fight, I am not rich, I am not a politician. I am an artist. However, the fact that I am an artist doesn’t make me unaware of everything that happens in this world. So many bad things are going on, and this bothers me. The Choral Good Vibes Project is just an attempt to use my art for sending good vibes to everyone, and consequently to contribute to making this world a better place by making music. If you read everything I wrote, THANK YOU for taking the time to know about this idea.
I will never get tired of being grateful for all your support! THANK YOU!!
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Channel Trailer of my YouTube Channel
March 13, 2015
Hey guys! You know, being a composer nowadays is not about spending all day long writing new music (I wish...). In order to get my music out there I need to spend most of my time in many other things such as building a website, promoting my music on social media, engaging my audience, updating stuff, you name it. My most recently creation is a channel trailer for my official YouTube Channel. There you will find some live performances of my works and studio recordings. Please, take a look at it (only 40 seconds in length) and share your thoughts! Hope you like it!
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5 Tips for Commissioning New Pieces
January 15, 2015
A couple of months ago, Fahad Siadat, the owner of See-A-Dot Music Publishing, wrote this article about commissioning new pieces on a small budget. If you are planning on commissioning new pieces, these are good tips! Take a look!
"I can’t stress enough the importance of commissioning for composers. Based on my experience, those who make their living as composers do so by writing music, not selling their existing works, licensing it out for movie scores, etc. I run into many conductors and ensembles who want to support new music, and I tell them the single best way to do so is by commissioning. Buying scores is great, but if you want to support composers, pay them to write something new.
I recently sat on a panel for the New York Choral Consortium about the commissioning process. There was a lot of enthusiasm and interest from local choirs, but finances were the dominant barrier. In fact, many of the ensembles with the biggest need and hunger for new repertoire (public school choirs, for instance) are often the ones in the worst financial position to generate those works. Here are some of the great ideas that came from that conversation, along with a few of my own. Don’t be Afraid to Start the Conversation Commissioning Consortiums Payment Plans / Layaway Performance Royalties and Tours Trades
Your choir has a lot to offer, what can you trade in exchange for a new work? Are you planning a recording? Performing at a festival or conference where lots of conductors will be present? What exposure can you offer the artist and their work? Does your institution offer an artist-in-residence program? Get creative! Money’s not the only way to compensate a composer; the right opportunity for exposure and prestige might be the perfect motivation for them to write for your group.There are tons of creative solutions to commissioning work, many of which will be unique solutions for your particular community. Try brainstorming with your choir, fellow directors, and local composers to see what ideas you come up with. You’ll find these relationships with composers to be unique and lasting throughout the life of your ensemble."
more: www.seeadot.com
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Christmas time is here!
November 30, 2014
This group is the best! The New York Holiday Choristers are New York City's most fun & musical professional holiday carolers! I made an audition last year, and they invited me to be part of the group! I couldn’t be happier! Now I am in my second season singing with them, and having the opportunity to sing Christmas songs in this time of the year is just a blessing!
The New York Holiday Choristers are the only Christmas caroling group built to make booking your holiday and Christmas party entertainment as hassle-free as possible, combining fresh versions of cherished standards & truly contemporary music in a single acapella group with an innovative online booking system and unprecedented flexibility.
If I were you, I would definitely invite them to make your Christmas event MAGICAL!
http://www.newyorkholidaychoristers.com/
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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"A perfect way to end the evening"
November 21, 2014
I couldn't be happier! Bubbles just got an awesome review by Jean Ballard Terepka! She is an archivist and intellectual historian from New York City! Last week C4 (www.c4ensemble.org) premiered my piece Bubbles on the first two concerts of their 2014-2015 season. Ms Terepka was in the audience. Take a look at what she wrote:
"Bubbles proved to be a perfect way to end the evening. The text, as C4 composer and Bubbles poet Bill Heigen, noted, is “an attempt to compare life with a bubble.” Bubbles shimmer, float and fly; they bump into other bubbles (and things), and then, with a pop we imagine we hear, they’re gone. Though bubbles contains a familiar carpe diem message, the music’s exploration of particular moments of life–a bubble’s and our own–by means of distinct, though often overlapping singing by choir sections, subsections, and choir divisions by gender as well as by constant CHANGES of dynamics, rhythms, tones and keys makes the old dictum feel quite original.
The music alternates passages of intimacy and expansiveness, endearing silliness and stealth gravitas, memorable loveliness and shiny, transparent evanescence and loss. Conducting the lovely music with evident happiness, Siadat also made exuberant cascades of bubbles with a bright blue bubble gun (as did dancer Anastasia Wiebe, perched like a quiet, good girl on a chair by Siadat, while some audience members blew bubbles, too). The piece – about bubbles! – ended with a great swell of choral glory."
Here you can read the whole review that also talks about the other pieces on C4's concert:
Here you can listen to the audio from the dress rehearsal:
https://soundcloud.com/bill-heigen/bubbles
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Writing choral pieces for IBOC's music program!
November 17, 2014
Two months ago I was invited by Mr. Joao Macdowell (Artistic Director of iBoc) to write three choral pieces for the Iboc Singers in collaboration with the awesome Brazilian writer Marcos Bassini. After some fruitful meetings, the choral song cycle "Nights Cariocas" was born! I can't wait to hear those pieces being performed by those singers under the direction of their conductor Neviton Barros!
This cycle is a poetic picture of how some people in Rio de Janeiro have fun, fall in love, and enjoy the night. Each song explores elements from very distinctive rhythms such as funk, bossa-nova, and samba. The words are full of Brazilian slangs, and the text is full of excellent poetry. Mr. Bassini knows well how to use the Portuguese language!
I am thrilled for being part of this! The iBoc is an amazing organization that brings to the world the new face of the contemporary opera. Many thanks to Mr. Macdowell for making this work an achievable dream.
If you wanna have more information about this company, here is a brief description:
"The International Brazilian Opera Company (iBoc) is a New York based non-profit organization that supports the creation and development of new operatic repertoire that combines ideas from both Brazilian and international artists."
More: http://brazilianopera.com/
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C4 will premiere my piece "Bubbles"
November 8, 2014
Hey guys, check this out! 2 really cool concerts next week!
C4: The Choral Composer/Conductor Collective Presents
1 on 1: Music for Solo Instruments and Choir First Concerts of 2014-15 Season on November 13 in Brooklyn and November 15 in Manhattan
What: 1 on 1: Music for Solo Instruments and Choir When: Thursday, November 13 and Saturday, November 15 – 8:00 PM each evening Where: November 13 at Galapagos Art Space, 16 Main Street in Brooklyn November 15 at Church of St. Luke in the Fields, 487 Hudson Street in Manhattan URL: http://www.c4ensemble.org/november-2014-concerts.html
1 on 1: Music for Solo Instruments and Choir will feature performances of really cool pieces from live composers, and also C4 will premiere my piece called “Bubbles”! I am so excited! “Bubbles” is written for choir a cappella SSAATTBB plus bubble machine! It is a piece for your ears and for your eyes. Come on, everybody likes to play with bubbles right? Don’t miss the opportunity to see and hear this piece! C4 is doing a great job!
Tickets for the November 13 and 15 concerts are $20 in advance, $25 day of performance, with 10 $4 "Rush" admissions 30 minutes advance at the door. A reception will follow the Saturday evening performance (it means FREE FOOD!!!). Tickets can be ordered at http://www.c4ensemble.org/november-2014-concerts.html.
For more concert information, call 516-586-3433 or email jamesarts@att.net. All C4 concerts are ADA accessible.
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SAUDADE
October 26, 2014
SAUDADE. According to Wikipedia, “Saudade is a Portuguese or Galician word that has no direct translation in English. It describes a deep emotional state of nostalgic or profound melancholic longing for an absent something or someone that one loves.” In April of 2014, I was thinking about writing a piece that could touch people’s heart. A piece that could speak to anyone’s soul. Inspired by this beautiful word from my native language, and by the willing to say something I wrote “The Five Stages of Loss”. I based the idea of this work on the attempt to express each of the emotional stages that someone may experiences when faced with impending death or death of a beloved one. The five stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Those emotional stages together are known as the Kübler-Ross model. This model was first introduced by Swiss-American Psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in her 1969 book, “On Death and Dying,” and was inspired by her work with terminally ill patients. I wrote one song per emotional stage, and I wrote the texts based on what someone experiencing one of those stages may feel, think, and say. In honor to all of those who are gone, I have dedicated this work to all of those who lost someone in their lives. Then, I decided to offer this work to the Universe. You know, this is just something that I have learned to do. The Universe has given me so many good things… I need to express my gratitude, and the best way that I found to do this is sharing some of my music with everybody. I posted the scores and the sound samples on my website for free downloading, and I promoted this offer in all my social media. A couple of days after, Jay Dougherty (Professor of Choirs, Metropolitan State University of Denver) sent me a message telling he would like to program my piece. Then, after exchanging some emails, I am glad to announce that next Saturday November 1st, “The Five Stages of Loss” will be premiered by the Women’s Chamber Choir from Metropolitan State University of Denver! The picture above was taken by Mr. Dougherty about three weeks ago in one of the rehearsals for this concert. I am sure that this concert will be a blast! I couldn’t imagine that I would receive such a gift from the Universe so quickly. I posted my music in May, and in November it will become real for the world! It is already real for those who are rehearsing it, and I am so thankful for this. Thank you Jay, Women’s Chamber Choir, Metropolitan State University of Denver, performers, and all of those who are involved in this concert. I hope this work can honor the memory to all of those who are already gone. King's Center Concert Hall on the Metropolitan State University Denver campus on November 1st at 7:30pm. http://www.msudenver.edu/music/
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Birthday Last Sunday
October 15, 2014
Last Sunday October 12th was my Birthday. For my entire life I have never liked this day. This date reminds me that I am getting older, that I have even less time to pursue my dreams, to become a better musician, and to stay here in this world. For the past few years I used to organize remarkable celebrations to push the depression away. Last year I even organized a concert with my musician friends! But this year, because of my busy life, I didn’t organize any special event. So, the terrible day came last Sunday. I worked, I had lunch, I studied, fed my cat, watched my favorite cartoon (American Dad!), and you know what? It wasn’t that terrible at all! It was just another day, just like any other day. Everything was inside my head. I realized that every single day I am getting older, and I have less time to do anything anyway. There is no such a thing like 365 days cycle at all, this is an illusion. I have lived such a wonderful life surrounded by love, adventures, and music, and the fact that I am not the youngest anymore doesn’t need to bring me down so easily. With that in mind, I started my week putting less weight on my shoulders and feeling much better. It is sad, but it is true: everybody will die someday! We have to keep working and keep doing things, but no rush. Who cares how old are you if you are happy with yourself? Everything that is determined to be ours will find a way to come to us sooner or later. Remember, birthday is just a reminder of your currently age. Age is just a number, and numbers weren’t made to determine who we are.
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MY NEW BLOG
October 9, 2014
Hi everyone! This is my first post of my new blog on my official website! Here I will share with you some thoughts, cool stuff, and of course, music. For now that is not much more to say, but stay tunned for some really cool stuff about to come! Thanks for all your support!
Quando dei a primeira olhada no Ave Verum de Bill Heigen, vi que não se tratava de mais um compositor que queria escrever música com texto sacro, e sim de alguém que traduziu em música o verdadeiro sentido do texto latino com elegância e dramaticidade. Para nós foi um deleite ensaiar e poder executar esta obra.
I've had the pleasure of recording much of Bill's Heigen's Choral Good Vibes Project, and I am always delighted and touched by his arrangements. He strikes that elusive balance between sophistication and simplicity. A keen sense of melody and counterpoint makes each part a musical thought all its own, and the harmonic result is beautiful. Bill turns pop songs into acapella renaissance masterpieces!
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Gareth H Bond
DMA, the Catholic University of America. Director, Wesley Choir (UMC), Vienna, VA
“
Upon crossing paths early last year, Bill Heigen has been on my radar as an exceptional composer and musician. The power of pieces such as Voca me and Ave Maria lend a wonderful freshness supplying new harmonic passages and surprising changes keeping the musicians ‘on their toes’ and leaving the listeners exhilarated. My professional vocal ensemble relishes the opportunities to sing Bill’s energetically moving pieces as he continues to capture the essence of the underlying movement propelling the music and text to a superb ending. I am so glad you have burst upon the music and (more specifically) the choral scene! "Wesley Choir’s Heigen commission (06-2015) “They that wait upon the Lord” SSATB, a powerfully set A section flowing into a quickly soaring B section touched with some polyphony, returning to the solidity of A, ending in a flourish as a “coda” B zenith encompassing the strength and stability of God Almighty and the completely non-oppressive energy available to those who serve and follow His commands. Bill has captured the essence of Isaiah 40:31 KJV in this challenging piece which is fun to sing and experiential to the listener. Another winner through the pen of Bill Heigen!"
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Mariana Bravo
Singer, Actress, and Dancer, New York City.
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Bill is an awesome instructor! He's versatile, so I can go to him for arrangements issues, vocal coaching, choir questions and whenever I need to record an accompaniment for a song. AND he's also fun! I highly recommend!
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Paul Cienniwa
DMA, Conductor, Director of Music, First Church in Boston
Bill Heigen's choral music is intelligent, atmospheric, and a joy to sing.
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Peter Christian Wichert
Barytone and Lyricist, Gelsenkirchen - Germany
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Bill is an extraordinarily versatile composer who, due to his profound knowledge of various musical styles and epoques, is able to draw his ideas out of many sources, and disposes of a vast musical vocabulary. His sacral as well as his secular pieces excel by a broad musical potential showing up in intensity of expression as to tonality and voice treatment, mastership in combining traditional and progressive musical ideas, and in particular by the sophisticated architecture especially of his sacral works that appeal equally to heart and mind. Listen to the "Self Awareness Missa Brevis" or his "Ave Verum Corpus", just to take one of many examples, and you will know what I mean.
This is why I have entrusted several of my English texts to him to be set into music. The way he opens the musical dimension of language makes him an outstanding vocal composer. I am convinced that Bill Heigen will soon be known to everyone in the world who enjoys vocal music.
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Craig Symons
Music Director of First Congregation Church of Greenwich, CT
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Bill Heigen’s music is crafted very carefully and with great attention to matching the text and music. “Set me as a seal” quickly became a favorite of the Chancel Choir at First Congregational Church of Greenwich during their rehearsals leading up to its inclusion in worship. As Bill had sung with the choir on a few occasions, it was even more special to them since they knew him and had welcomed him into our community. I look forward to programming more of Bill’s music in the future.
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Carol Zeven
Conductor. DoMiSol Chorale, Courpière, France.
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Bill’s music came to my attention when I discovered his Ave Maria, a piece of beautiful simplicity and purity with surprisingly dramatic harmonies. It allowed my choir and our soloist to imagine vividly a situation in which they might feel these emotions and pray these words. We are definitely looking forward to our next Heigen piece.
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Deborah King
PhD, Conductor, PROJECT : ENCORE™, Director and Founder Schola Cantorum on Hudson, Artistic Director and Founder
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Composer Bill Heigen is a bright young light, writing music that bypasses unnecessary complexity, speaking directly, and with a balance of passion and intelligence. And, on top of that, he is a delight to work with!
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John Cantrell
Master of Music, Yale, Director of Music, St. Michael's Episcopal Church, NYC
From a choral composition standpoint, Bill has a keen sense of counterpoint that often reflects his love for early music, and his sense of tonality is very accessible to listeners of all musical sensibilities. What I have heard of his instrumental music revealed a strong sense of the weight, balance, and proportion of sound.
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Canticum Scholare
Canticum Scholare, professional a cappella ensemble
Bill Heigen is a joy to work with. His high level of musicianship brings a lot of diversity to the table. He has an extremely flexible voice that is natural and easy and makes singing with him very satisfying.
Bill is an absolutely amazing musician, a talented singer (tenor, alto and even some soprano!) as well as an excellent composer! He has recorded several projects recently with me, including the alto and tenor lines of Thomas Tallis' "Lamentations of Jeremiah. With flawless pitch, he is a great musical asset and friend!
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Jen Kefalas
Executive and Financial Director, New York Holiday Singers, Inc.
I've worked with Bill in multiple capacities since we met. He has an incredible instrument and a fantastic attitude. He is always willing to help you with whatever your particular need may be, and he's a very kind and engaging vocal instructor. He is passionate about what he does, and equally passionate about helping you with what you do!
Self-Awareness Missa Brevis - "Composers of Choral Music Community Silver Platter Award". The parts are very approachable, the range is reasonable and the overall affect is stirring. I hear a kaliedoscope of color within each movement and throughout the work as a whole. The harmonies are full and enticing yet approached in each part with excellent voice leading. This would be a pleasant change from more traditional Mass settings.
Bill brings people what true joy is through his various works in Jazz, Gospel and Classical music with addition of his own musical taste. His music can communicate with audiences and move their hearts. Also, with his sense of humor, he brings people laugh and creates relaxing atmosphere, which unites people's hearts. Everyone loves his pure and beautiful philosophy of music.
Bill is a wonderful and talented colleague. Our group thoroughly enjoyed working with him both as a composer and a conductor. His music is boldly tonal and well constructed and it feels quite organic and natural to perform: the most important hallmark of a composer who knows the voice well.
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Fahad Siadat
Conductor C4, Owner of See-A-Dot Music Publishing Inc.
Bubbles is a fun, light-hearted piece that's enjoyable for both the singers and audience. The lyrical lines are clear and the harmonies stirring. Even though it's for 8 part chorus, the writing makes it is accessible for choirs of a variety of skill levels. The best part, however, is the improvisation section in the middle. This is a great way to get your choir to step outside of the box and try something they might not be used to. We used it as our concert closer and it was definitely a hit.
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Jay Dougherty
DMA, Conductor (to be awarded spring of 2016), Professor of Choirs, Metropolitan State University of Denver.
“
Bill Heigen breathes life into his compositions. The Five Stages of Loss is not simply a work of notes put to text; it is an emotional journey through grief, imploring, and acceptance. It is a masterpiece of choral literature that requires the personal emotional commitment of a Broadway performer. It is truly a moving work, both for the singer and audience alike. Few pieces of choral literature will pull at the listener's heart-strings like this one.
I came across Bill through his Choral Good Vibes Project work. I loved the feel he gave to some of his charts, particularly the contemporary snippets arranged in Choral stye. I admire his commitment and complete dedication to his passion of Choral music. This is very evident in his composing.
I commissioned Bill to do a full piece, George Michaels FREEDOM. Bill was very open in this process, allowing me to have artistic input at the beginning; and on completion with a couple of small edits. It is important to stress that Bill gave me the feeling he was working for me/us, not his ego. Bill was gracious about my input, incorporating all my suggestions in an efficient and respectful manner. More importantly Bill completed all tasks including sending of the final files on time, as agreed.
I would thoroughly recommend Bill's work to any choir or group looking for a different Choral take on contemporary music.
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Jen Kefalas
Executive and Financial Director, New York Holiday Singers, Inc.
I've worked with Bill in multiple capacities since we met. He has an incredible instrument and a fantastic attitude. He is always willing to help you with whatever your particular need may be, and he's a very kind and engaging vocal instructor. He is passionate about what he does, and equally passionate about helping you with what you do!
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Carol Zeven
Conductor. DoMiSol Chorale, Courpière, France.
Bill’s music came to my attention when I discovered his Ave Maria, a piece of beautiful simplicity and purity with surprisingly dramatic harmonies. It allowed my choir and our soloist to imagine vividly a situation in which they might feel these emotions and pray these words. We are definitely looking forward to our next Heigen piece.
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Fahad Siadat
Conductor C4, Owner of See-A-Dot Music Publishing Inc.
Bubbles is a fun, light-hearted piece that's enjoyable for both the singers and audience. The lyrical lines are clear and the harmonies stirring. Even though it's for 8 part chorus, the writing makes it is accessible for choirs of a variety of skill levels. The best part, however, is the improvisation section in the middle. This is a great way to get your choir to step outside of the box and try something they might not be used to. We used it as our concert closer and it was definitely a hit.
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Canticum Scholare
Canticum Scholare, professional a cappella ensemble
Bill Heigen is a joy to work with. His high level of musicianship brings a lot of diversity to the table. He has an extremely flexible voice that is natural and easy and makes singing with him very satisfying.
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Mariana Bravo
Singer, Actress, and Dancer, New York City.
Bill is an awesome instructor! He's versatile, so I can go to him for arrangements issues, vocal coaching, choir questions and whenever I need to record an accompaniment for a song. AND he's also fun! I highly recommend!
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Gareth H Bond
DMA, the Catholic University of America. Director, Wesley Choir (UMC), Vienna, VA
Upon crossing paths early last year, Bill Heigen has been on my radar as an exceptional composer and musician. The power of pieces such as Voca me and Ave Maria lend a wonderful freshness supplying new harmonic passages and surprising changes keeping the musicians ‘on their toes’ and leaving the listeners exhilarated. My professional vocal ensemble relishes the opportunities to sing Bill’s energetically moving pieces as he continues to capture the essence of the underlying movement propelling the music and text to a superb ending. I am so glad you have burst upon the music and (more specifically) the choral scene! "Wesley Choir’s Heigen commission (06-2015) “They that wait upon the Lord” SSATB, a powerfully set A section flowing into a quickly soaring B section touched with some polyphony, returning to the solidity of A, ending in a flourish as a “coda” B zenith encompassing the strength and stability of God Almighty and the completely non-oppressive energy available to those who serve and follow His commands. Bill has captured the essence of Isaiah 40:31 KJV in this challenging piece which is fun to sing and experiential to the listener. Another winner through the pen of Bill Heigen!"
I've had the pleasure of recording much of Bill's Heigen's Choral Good Vibes Project, and I am always delighted and touched by his arrangements. He strikes that elusive balance between sophistication and simplicity. A keen sense of melody and counterpoint makes each part a musical thought all its own, and the harmonic result is beautiful. Bill turns pop songs into acapella renaissance masterpieces!
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Marco Aurélio Lischt
Conductor, Director - Canarinhos de Petrópolis
Quando dei a primeira olhada no Ave Verum de Bill Heigen, vi que não se tratava de mais um compositor que queria escrever música com texto sacro, e sim de alguém que traduziu em música o verdadeiro sentido do texto latino com elegância e dramaticidade. Para nós foi um deleite ensaiar e poder executar esta obra.
Bill is an absolutely amazing musician, a talented singer (tenor, alto and even some soprano!) as well as an excellent composer! He has recorded several projects recently with me, including the alto and tenor lines of Thomas Tallis' "Lamentations of Jeremiah. With flawless pitch, he is a great musical asset and friend!
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Jay Dougherty
DMA, Conductor (to be awarded spring of 2016), Professor of Choirs, Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Bill Heigen breathes life into his compositions. The Five Stages of Loss is not simply a work of notes put to text; it is an emotional journey through grief, imploring, and acceptance. It is a masterpiece of choral literature that requires the personal emotional commitment of a Broadway performer. It is truly a moving work, both for the singer and audience alike. Few pieces of choral literature will pull at the listener's heart-strings like this one.
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Peter Christian Wichert
Barytone and Lyricist, Gelsenkirchen - Germany
Bill is an extraordinarily versatile composer who, due to his profound knowledge of various musical styles and epoques, is able to draw his ideas out of many sources, and disposes of a vast musical vocabulary. His sacral as well as his secular pieces excel by a broad musical potential showing up in intensity of expression as to tonality and voice treatment, mastership in combining traditional and progressive musical ideas, and in particular by the sophisticated architecture especially of his sacral works that appeal equally to heart and mind. Listen to the "Self Awareness Missa Brevis" or his "Ave Verum Corpus", just to take one of many examples, and you will know what I mean.
This is why I have entrusted several of my English texts to him to be set into music. The way he opens the musical dimension of language makes him an outstanding vocal composer. I am convinced that Bill Heigen will soon be known to everyone in the world who enjoys vocal music.
Self-Awareness Missa Brevis - "Composers of Choral Music Community Silver Platter Award". The parts are very approachable, the range is reasonable and the overall affect is stirring. I hear a kaliedoscope of color within each movement and throughout the work as a whole. The harmonies are full and enticing yet approached in each part with excellent voice leading. This would be a pleasant change from more traditional Mass settings.
Bill is a wonderful and talented colleague. Our group thoroughly enjoyed working with him both as a composer and a conductor. His music is boldly tonal and well constructed and it feels quite organic and natural to perform: the most important hallmark of a composer who knows the voice well.
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Paul Cienniwa
DMA, Conductor, Director of Music, First Church in Boston
Bill Heigen's choral music is intelligent, atmospheric, and a joy to sing.
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Deborah King
PhD, Conductor, PROJECT : ENCORE™, Director and Founder Schola Cantorum on Hudson, Artistic Director and Founder
Composer Bill Heigen is a bright young light, writing music that bypasses unnecessary complexity, speaking directly, and with a balance of passion and intelligence. And, on top of that, he is a delight to work with!
I came across Bill through his Choral Good Vibes Project work. I loved the feel he gave to some of his charts, particularly the contemporary snippets arranged in Choral stye. I admire his commitment and complete dedication to his passion of Choral music. This is very evident in his composing.
I commissioned Bill to do a full piece, George Michaels FREEDOM. Bill was very open in this process, allowing me to have artistic input at the beginning; and on completion with a couple of small edits. It is important to stress that Bill gave me the feeling he was working for me/us, not his ego. Bill was gracious about my input, incorporating all my suggestions in an efficient and respectful manner. More importantly Bill completed all tasks including sending of the final files on time, as agreed.
I would thoroughly recommend Bill's work to any choir or group looking for a different Choral take on contemporary music.
Bill brings people what true joy is through his various works in Jazz, Gospel and Classical music with addition of his own musical taste. His music can communicate with audiences and move their hearts. Also, with his sense of humor, he brings people laugh and creates relaxing atmosphere, which unites people's hearts. Everyone loves his pure and beautiful philosophy of music.
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John Cantrell
Master of Music, Yale, Director of Music, St. Michael's Episcopal Church, NYC
From a choral composition standpoint, Bill has a keen sense of counterpoint that often reflects his love for early music, and his sense of tonality is very accessible to listeners of all musical sensibilities. What I have heard of his instrumental music revealed a strong sense of the weight, balance, and proportion of sound.
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Craig Symons
Music Director of First Congregation Church of Greenwich, CT
Bill Heigen’s music is crafted very carefully and with great attention to matching the text and music. “Set me as a seal” quickly became a favorite of the Chancel Choir at First Congregational Church of Greenwich during their rehearsals leading up to its inclusion in worship. As Bill had sung with the choir on a few occasions, it was even more special to them since they knew him and had welcomed him into our community. I look forward to programming more of Bill’s music in the future.
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