Dennis Keene retired in May

Dennis Keene retired in May as organist and choirmaster of the Church of the Ascension, Greenwich Village, New York, New York, after 45 years of service. During his tenure, he developed Ascension’s music program, attracting musicians and audiences across the region. Keene came to Church of the Ascension in 1981, succeeding Vernon de Tar, who served Ascension served since 1939 after the death of Jessie Craig Adam, who served since 1914.

In 1990 Keene founded Voices of Ascension, the professional chorus and orchestra that grew out of Ascension’s long-standing musical tradition. Under his leadership, the ensemble has gained international recognition through its performances, recordings, and collaborations with major arts organizations.

Keene studied organ and conducting at The Juilliard School, earning his Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees and receiving the prestigious Gaston Dethier Organ Prize; and in Paris with Marie-Madeleine Duruflé and André Marchal. Keene’s work with Voices of Ascension has produced acclaimed recordings and performances spanning repertoire from Renaissance polyphony to major Romantic works. He has also served on the board of Chorus America and on grant panels for the National Endowment for the Arts and the New York State Council on the Arts. Keene will continue as artistic director and Conductor of Voices of Ascension. 

For information: ascensionnyc.org and 
voicesofascension.org.