HEUKESHOVEN, A. ERIC (b. 1956)

Composer A. Eric Heukeshoven (b. 1956) [pron. HOY-kes-ho-ven] is a first generation American son of a German immigrant father and Scandinavian mother. Heukeshoven holds a B.A. in Music Composition and Theory from the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis and an M.S. in Music Technology from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. His mentors include Dominick Argento, Paul Fetler, Frank Bencriscutto, Tom Root, Erik Stokes, Kevin Dobbe, and John Paulson.

 

As Assistant Professor of Music at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, Heukeshoven directs the Music Industry and Jazz Studies programs. His teaching duties include composition, arranging, low brass, organ, and jazz piano. He also serves as director of the SMU Brass Ensemble.

 

In fall of 2012, Heukeshoven's Centennial Suite will be presented as part of a yearlong celebration of the 100th anniversary of Saint Mary's University. The three-movement work for concert band and choir was commissioned by the school and is a collaborative project with Saint Mary's colleague Dr. Patrick M. O'Shea.

 

Recent commissions include "Just Believe," Heukeshoven's eighth commissioned work for the La Crosse (Wisconsin) Chamber Chorale's "Words to Music" program (AP-10303) and "The Chief," a collaboration with Winona (Minnesota) poet laureate James Armstrong for the Duisigh Ensemble.

 

Other commissions include works for the Sheldon Theatre Brass Band (Red Wing, Minnesota), Winona State University Summer Dixieland Jazz Workshop, and many diverse compositions ranging from the traditional to a duet for steam calliope and tuba!

 

"Preghiera Semplice" for SATB choir (AP-10278) was commissioned by the Saint Mary's University Chamber Singers. The work, based on an Italian translation of "The Prayer of St. Francis" received its premiere performances in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican and also at the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi during the ensembles 2011 international tour. The composition was also selected as one of three winners of the first annual Choral Competition at Morningside College.

 

Many of Heukeshoven's compositions are performed throughout the U.S. and in Europe and he is in demand as a jazz musician as well as a composer/arranger. He is a member of the American Composers Forum, American Guild of Organists, ASCAP, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Heukeshoven lives in Winona, Minnesota with his wife Janet and their two sons, Hans and Max.

 

More information about the composer can also be found at: composersforum.org/members/directory/eric-heukeshoven