James Kempster (Tenor)

Born: USA

The American tenor and mnusic pedagogue, James Kempster, assumed direction of the vocal-choral area at Pacific Union College, Angwin, California in 1968 and for the next 32 years directed the choirs, taught voice, and performed frequently as a tenor soloist. He was appointed chair for the remainder of 1973 and then chosen to serve a four- year term, beginning in 1974. He assumed leadership of Pro Musica when Leland Tetz left that summer. During his service as chair, Kempster completed a doctorate at the University of Oregon. He later served as Associate Academic Dean for 4 years and was honored with the Zapara Excellence in Teaching Award in 1999, two years before he retired. Midway through Kempster’s time as chair, James McGee was hired to teach advanced theory and composition.

Source: Viewpoint, PUC alumni magazine, Winter 2005 (see link below)
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (January 2011)

Recordings of Bach Cantatas & Other Vocal Works

Conductor

As

Works

Helmuth Rilling

Tenor

BWV 244 [1^st]

Links to other Sites

Music at Pacific Union College - An Historical Overview by Dan Shultz