Francisco J. Núñez is a man of tremendous accomplishment in the world of music. His many honors include being named a MacArthur Fellow, Musical America’s 2018 Educator of the Year, ABC-TV’s “Person of the Week” and many more. His daily work includes being a composer, conductor, and a global leader in music education. Mr. Núñez is the artistic director/founder of the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, an organization renowned worldwide for its diversity and artistic excellence. Since YPC’s founding in 1988, he has created widespread recognition among composers of the child’s voice as a significant instrument for making music.
Rather than continuing with a list of many other awards and achievements, I’m pleased to share a recent interview with this genuine visionary. The YPC he created to involve young people with music has led to widespread recognition of how children, with the right guidance from savvy adults, can contribute to and enrich the music culture of the world. Here is our recent conversation ….
David:
What were your earliest experiences with music – at what age? — that foreshadowed the work you do today?
Francisco:
My earliest musical experiences began when I was very young. I grew up in a vibrant, musical household. My parents, though not professional musicians, always had music playing – everything from Dominican folk songs to classical pieces. I was drawn to the piano almost instinctively when my mother brought home a piano. I remember at the age of six feeling incredible joy when I started to make sounds and create melodies.
But it wasn’t just about the individual musical notes. Even as a child, I was fascinated by how music brings people together. I remember singing with my family and friends, the way our voices blended, and the sense of community being fostered. These early experiences — the sheer joy of making music and the power of music to connect — deeply influenced my desire to share this gift with others, particularly children.
David:
You were born in New York City but grew up in the Dominican Republic. How has your exposure to two very different national cultures influenced your work as a composer and conductor?
Francisco:
My upbringing in Washington Heights, New York City, and in the Dominican Republic has profoundly shaped my musical work.
The vibrant, multicultural energy of New York City instilled in me a deep appreciation for diversity and a belief in the power of the arts to bridge divides. As the Founder and Artistic Director of the Young People’s Chorus of New York City (YPC), I strive to help children from all backgrounds come together to create music that reflects the rich tapestry of our city.
YPC’s mission and values are deeply rooted in providing children of all cultural and economic backgrounds with a unique educational program in music and in choral performance. We’re committed to empowering our youth and providing pathways to success through the arts so that each child –– regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic background, or religion –– can reach their full potential.
My Dominican-American heritage and rich musical traditions have deeply influenced my compositional style. The rhythms, harmonies, and emotional expressiveness of my musical influences are woven into the fabric of my work, which is rooted in the music of classical traditions, especially piano music. I strive to incorporate these elements into the repertoire of YPC while exploring a wide range of musical styles from around the world.
Ultimately, my goal is to create a musical experience that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. I draw inspiration from my diverse background while celebrating the unique voices and experiences of each individual child in the Chorus.
David:
You founded The Young People’s Chorus 36 years ago “to provide children of all ethnic, religious, and economic backgrounds with a safe haven for personal and artistic growth.” What in your life made you sensitive to the need for “a safe haven” for children?
Francisco:
Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the challenges many children face in urban environments. I saw how poverty, violence, and social isolation could limit opportunities and hinder personal growth. I also saw the transformative power of music –– how it can lift spirits, build self-esteem, and foster a sense of community.
The idea of creating a “safe haven” for children grew from a deep desire to provide a space where young people could feel valued, supported, and empowered. A place where they could explore their creativity, develop their talents, and build lasting friendships.
YPC is more than just a choral program. It’s a community where children from every part of New York City can come together, learn from each other, and find their voices. It’s a place where they can feel a sense of belonging and discover their unique potential.
David:
Did you have any indications that the MESSAGE of a song is meaningful to your singers from different cultures?
Francisco:
There have been countless moments that have shown me how deeply the messages of the lyrics in songs resonate with our singers.
Because we have so many children from diverse backgrounds, the music can create personal connections: Whether it’s a song about overcoming adversity, celebrating a particular culture, or simply finding joy in the rhythms of the music, I see each child bringing their own unique experiences and emotions to the performance.
Singing in other styles also increases confidence: I’ve witnessed shy children blossom on stage because they connect with the feeling of a song, their voices gaining strength and confidence as they connect with the song’s message.
Of course, showing off a piece of music from “your” culture allows us to have Cross-Cultural Understanding. For example, when we perform songs from different cultures, I see our singers developing a deeper understanding and appreciation of their own musical traditions that they never knew existed. These moments are incredibly rewarding and remind me of the profound impact music can have on young lives.
Our award-winning documentary film, THIS TIME ROUND, is a great example. Amidst the backdrop of a pandemic-stricken New York City, members of the Young People’s Chorus of New York City had unwavering passion and determination as they strove to keep their art alive against all odds. We asked 15 illustrious composers each to create a short canon, a choral song, a “round” that they could sing over Zoom. Our stories represent the experiences and challenges told through their diverse perspectives. We capture the resilience, creativity, and indomitable spirit of a young generation navigating through unprecedented times, proving that music can unite, heal, and inspire. Each story represents their isolation, their yearning, and their joy.
A critic’s assessment of our work during the pandemic: “It’s the artistic expression of adult and child artists reflecting on one of the most difficult points in human history.” – David Ng, FILM THREAT
View Trailer:
David:
Roseanne Cash is the eldest daughter of country musician Johnny Cash, and she’s often classified as a country artist. How did you happen to involve her in singing with the choirs for “How Many Christmases”?
Francisco:
Roseanne Cash is an incredibly talented and respected artist. Her music has touched countless lives, and I have long admired her artistry and commitment to social justice.
I met her for the first time when I was awarded a prize. She was the guest artist chosen to give it to me. We made an immediate friendship.
For the song “How Many Christmases,” I envisioned a powerful voice surrounded by children’s voices who could convey the song’s message of hope and resilience. I then asked Roseanne to join us to sing, and she agreed.
Roseanne’s soulful vocals and deep connection to the human experience made her the perfect collaborator.
I was incredibly honored when she agreed to participate. Her presence brought an added layer of artistry and gravitas to the project, inspiring both the children in the Chorus and myself. It was a truly unforgettable experience.
David:
At the start of this century, you founded an annual festival called “Transient Glory” to advance the art of children’s choirs worldwide. Cultures can be very different from one country to another. But what have you discovered is universally true about children’s choirs regardless of where the young people are performing?
Francisco:
As I reflect on the incredible journey of the Transient Glory series, which began in 2001 and lasted just about 15 years, I am reminded of the profound impact that children’s choirs have on audiences around the world.
I’ve worked with nearly 100 composers from diverse backgrounds in the UK, US, South America, and Asia, commissioning new works from some of the world’s greatest composers showcasing young voices’ versatility and beauty. This began making the children’s Chorus a powerful vocal vehicle to be admired and appreciated. We were amongst the very first to be critically acclaimed, and a major choral publication series was created to allow other children’s choirs to perform the pieces.
Through Transient Glory, I’ve discovered that children’s choirs possess a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries and speaks directly to our shared humanity. I’ve also discovered that children, no matter their backgrounds, are capable of the highest level of music-making. Regardless of their geographical location or cultural heritage, children’s choirs have the power to unite audiences, evoke emotions, and inspire hope.
This universal truth is rooted in children’s voices’ inherent qualities –– purity, innocence, maturity, vocal expanse, and joy. When children come together to sing, they create a sense of community and belonging that resonates deeply with listeners.
The New York Times has praised the Transient Glory series for its “affecting vocal beauty” and “impressive skill,” highlighting the unique ability of children’s choirs to move and uplift audiences.
Looking back on Transient Glory, I am filled with pride and wonder. Children’s choirs have the power to change the world, one song at a time. As we continue to celebrate the art of children’s choirs, their universal language will continue to inspire, unite, and uplift audiences around the globe.
David:
Among your many successful collaborations is the song of hope, “How Many Christmases,” composed by Jim Papoulis with lyrics by Mike Greenly and featuring the legendary Rosanne Cash, as we discussed. You created a video that included thousands of voices from choirs in Asia, Africa, Australia, Canada, Russia, and the United States. How conscious are you of your work having a positive impact on society?
Francisco:
“How Many Christmases” was a truly special project. I’m deeply conscious of music’s potential to bring young people together and enrich the culture worldwide. Singing together with children from across the globe has the power to break down barriers, foster understanding, and inspire hope for a better future. It’s the driving force behind everything I do.
With “How Many Christmases,” the goal was to create something genuinely global – a message of hope and unity that transcended borders and cultures. To have children from around the world who love to sing come together and create an incredibly moving and inspiring event during the holiday season. The beautiful result has played a vital role in fostering global citizenship and reminding us of our shared humanity. It’s a powerful reminder that despite our differences, we are all connected and capable of achieving great things when we come together.
David:
What are your aspirations for your work and its impact as you look ahead?
Francisco:
Looking ahead, my aspirations for my work and its impact are multifaceted.
As the founder of the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, I strive to continue providing a safe haven for children, a space where they can thrive artistically and personally. I want to ensure that the Chorus remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for young people from all walks of life.
Beyond the Chorus, I am driven to continue exploring the intersection of music, visual arts, and film. As a composer, I aim to create innovative and inspiring works that push the boundaries of choral music. As a filmmaker, I seek to capture the transformative power of music through compelling visual narratives.
As a guest keynote speaker and master teacher, I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience with educators, musicians, and young people worldwide. I believe in the power of mentorship and the importance of fostering the next generation of artists and leaders.
Ultimately, I aspire to leave a lasting legacy that empowers young people through music, fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, and inspires a lifelong love of music and the arts for future generations.
David:
Did you have any indications that the MESSAGE of the song was meaningful to your singers from different cultures?
Francisco:
I can only hope that the message resonated with the children who participated. But the most meaningful part was being a part of something bigger than themselves.
David:
Thank you for your time. Do you have any words of wisdom for all the readers?
Francisco:
The simple act of singing, whether in tune or not, is a profound human experience. It’s a way to connect with ourselves, our past, our history, our families, and our communities. Singing allows us to express emotions, tell stories, and find our voices.
Everyone has a song to sing. I encourage each person to explore their voice to discover the unique melodies within them. Don’t worry about perfection; the journey of self-expression is more important than the destination.
The breath we take before we sing our song is a powerful moment. It’s a moment of reflection and connection with ourselves and the world. This mindful breath can inspire everything we do daily—our interactions, creativity, and pursuit of our dreams.