Kenneth Dake

b. 1961

Conductor, composer and keyboardist Kenneth Dake assumed the position of Director of Music at New York City's historic Marble Collegiate Church in 1996, overseeing a multi-choir program known for extraordinary musical diversity. Under his direction the 23-voice professional Marble Sanctuary Choir recorded two acclaimed CDs: With Many Voices (A Celebration of American Sacred Music) and Songs of Simple Faith. Both recordings feature many of Kenneth Dake's imaginative arrangements of American folk hymns and spirituals. Mr. Dake's debut organ CD, Prayers and Alleluias was released in 2010 on the Dorian record label.

A native of Barrington, Illinois, Kenneth Dake holds degrees in piano performance from The Juilliard School where he was a student of the late Sascha Gorodnitzki. Following graduation he pursued organ studies under the private tutelage of John Weaver. For eight years Mr. Dake served as Organist/Choirmaster of New York City's St. George's Church Episcopal Church, directing the 100-voice St. George's Choral Society and presiding over the famed 95-rank Möller organ featured in recordings by E. Power Biggs.