About Howard Helvey
Howard Helvey (b. 1968) is a highly esteemed American composer, arranger, pianist, and conductor, renowned particularly for his extensive contributions to choral music. Residing in Cincinnati, Ohio, he has established a significant presence in both sacred and secular musical spheres, with his compositions frequently performed and recorded across the United States and Europe. Helvey's music often blends traditional elements with contemporary styles, including occasional jazz influences, making his work distinct and widely appealing.
- Howard Helvey serves as organist and choirmaster of historic Calvary Episcopal Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is also co-founder and conductor of the Cincinnati Fusion Ensemble, a professional chamber choir.
- Known especially for his choral music, his hundreds of compositions and arrangements are published by numerous major companies and have been featured in eminent venues worldwide, such as New York's Carnegie Hall, the White House, and Westminster Abbey.
- As a concert pianist, Helvey collaborated extensively with Richard Steinbach as a piano duo from 1997 to 2012, performing throughout the United States, Canada, and England, and releasing a critically acclaimed debut CD titled "Piano Duo" in 2001.
- His choral arrangements, which sometimes incorporate jazz elements, have received high praise from music journals, being described as “engaging” (Choral Journal), “definitive” (Journal of the Association of Anglican Musicians), and “magical” (The Hymn).
Performing Howard Helvey's sheet music offers a rewarding experience for a wide range of musicians, from church and university choirs to professional ensembles and pianists. His choral works are particularly suited for intermediate to advanced choirs seeking expressive and thoughtfully crafted pieces that resonate with both performers and audiences. Pianists can explore his solo and duo repertoire, characterized by brilliant and often virtuosic writing. Musicians will find his music offers a compelling blend of accessibility and artistic depth, with engaging melodies and a rich harmonic language that makes each performance both enjoyable and impactful.
