Joshua B. Himes
Joshua Himes (b. 1987) is an American composer and music director whose choral works are performed around the world by acclaimed vocal ensembles including Tenebrae (UK), Cantus (Norway), Camerata Lacunensis (Spain), the Philippine Madrigal Singers, Sjaella (Germany), the Mt. SAC Chamber Singers, and the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles. He is a member of ASCAP and ACDA, with works published by Gentry Publications, Santa Barbara Music Publishing, and MusicSpoke.
Himes’s music has been described as “delightfully free, expressive, [and] engaging” (Classic Melbourne) and praised for its “beautiful melodies [and] lush chords” (Choral Viewpoints). Tightly woven harmonies are a hallmark of his style, often celebrated for their accessibility without compromise. The British Library highlighted “a superb performance of the Gloria” that was sung by the Suanplu Chorus from Indonesia. His most widely performed piece, Ave Maria, offers “great beauty and accessibility without being trite” and “gives the singers constant opportunity for expressive singing” (MusicSpoke, Kurt Kneckt), while Kyrie is recognized as “a great festival piece for high school and college choirs” (Presto Music, Bruce Rogers Choral Series).
In December 2024, Himes traveled to Switzerland to meet and conduct Tenebrae for the premiere of his work "i am so glad and very" at the Klassik Sterne Festival. The event reinforced his reputation as an artist whose choral music resonates deeply with both singers and audiences worldwide. His collaborations with ensembles locally and abroad reflect a dedicated, hands-on approach that helps bridge the gap between composers and performers.
Based in his hometown of Chino Hills, California, Joshua works full time at a longstanding residential treatment program for at-risk youth and is an occasional actor and music director in his local theater community.
Joshua B. Himes has 1 titles published with Santa Barbara.
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