Artistic Director

Robert Parrish has been hailed throughout the East for the assurance of his conducting, the power of his performances and the musicality of his interpretations.

This reputation was gathered over a thirty-one year career at The College of New Jersey, where for twenty-one of those years Dr. Parrish was Artistic Director of its Opera Theatre.  Dr. Parrish was named successor to founding Artistic Director ByronSteele in 1983.  During the next tweny-one years, he built upon the traditions established by Professor Steele, expanded the number of yearly performances, programmed many regional premiers and cultivated new performance opportunities.

In addition to his duties as Artistic Director, he was also Music Department Chairperson from 1990 until his retirement in 2002.  Upon his retirement from the college he was awarded the title Professor Emeritus of Music.

Outside of the academic community, Dr. Parrish has had an active conducting career in regional opera houses and concert halls.  He continues his active conducting schedule to this day. 

He was also affiliated with Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Trenton, New Jersey where it was his great fortune to work with Albert Ludecke, cathedral organist and choirmaster, and to serve as conductor for festival services and concerts.  Under his direction the Cathedral Choir performed Bernstein's Chichester Psalms, Richard Wayne Dirksen's Mass, Albert Ludecke's Gloria and Te Deum and the world premier of Eugene Copeland's Passion According to St. Matthew.  While at Trinity Cathedral, it was his pleasure to work with world renowned composer and organist Maurice Duruflé.

Today, Dr. Parrish dedicates his enormous energy to the success of Musica Sacra Cantorum.