Francisco Núñez Named a Recipient of the MacArthur Foundation's Genius Grants

ASCAP member Francisco Núñez was named as one of the recipients of the MacArthur Foundation's 'Genius Grants.' Núñez, a conductor, composer, pianist, and founder of the Young People's Chorus of New York City (YPC), was presented with ASCAP's Victor Herbert Award at the ASCAP Concert Awards in 2009. The MacArthur Foundation said of Núñez: "Choral Conductor and Composer shaping the future of choral singing for children by expanding access from inner-city to elite schools and redefining the artistic and expressive boundaries of the youth choir." He will receive $500,000 for use with regard to the Young People's Chorus of NYC. He has already promoted youth chorus to the ranks of serious contemporary music and Young People's Chorus tours throughout the world. Francisco Núñez received a B.S. (1988) from New York University. He has served as founder and artistic director of the Young People's Chorus of New York City since its inception in 1988 as part of the Children's Aid Society of New York, where he held the position of director of music for nine years. YPC is currently the resident chorus at Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall and at WNYC, New York Public Radio. Núñez is active as a composer and as a guest conductor of orchestras, children's choirs, and festivals worldwide.