Written by two young students, the poetry of The Golden Queen sensitively and expressively tells the story of the life of a beautiful sunflower. The tender and colorful imagery evokes music that follows the growth, death, and rebirth of the sunflower. Supple lyricism is the main compositional feature of the piece, thereby encouraging young singers to make a connection with that most expressive part of themselves.
Meet The Composer
During his twenty-eight years at Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota, Dr. René Clausen has distinguished himself in his work as a conductor, clinician, and internationally-acclaimed composer. since his start in 1986, Clausen has toured with the Concordia Choir throughout the United States and on five international tours to more than fifteen countries. The Concordia Christmas Concerts, broadcast nationwide, continue to thrive under his musical leadership. Each year he composes several original orchestrations and arrangements of Christmas music.
More than 100 professional, university, community and church organizations have commissioned Clausen to compose for their ensembles. Clausen conducted 400 musicians from around the country performing his composition, “Memorial,” at Lincoln Center in New York City to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. He is the exclusive composer on the 2013 Grammy award-winning Choral CD, Life and Breath, performed by the Kansas City Chorale.
Clausen and his wife, Frankie, live in Moorhead where they raised their three grown children, Joshua, Katie, and Rachel.
About The Premiere
The Golden Queen was premiered on May 19, 2014, by the Discovery Middle School 7th Grade Choir in Fargo, ND. Sarah Barnum and James Wolter, Directors.
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