Johannes Felix Somary

Background

Somary, Johannes Felix was born on April 7, 1935 in Zurich, Switzerland. Came to the United States, 1940. Son of Felix and May (Demblin) Somary.

Education

Bachelor magna cum laude, Yale University, 1957. Master of Music, Yale University, 1959.

Career

Founder, music director, conductor Amor Artis, New York City, 1962—2011. Chairman arts and music department Horace Mann School, 1971—2002. Conductor Fairfield County Chorale, Westport, Connecticut, 1975—2011, Great Neck (Long Island, New York ) Choral Society, 1983-1994, Taghkanic Chorale, Peekskill, New York, 1992-2000.

Director music St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York City, 2001—2004. Conductor recordings English Chamber Orchestra, London, 1968-1979. Visiting professor Yale School Music, New Haven, 1983-1984.

Adjunct professor music, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, Connecticut, 2004-2007. Adjunct professor music, Columbia University, New York, 2007-2011. Choral director Madeira Bach Festival, Portugal, 1984-1986.

Guest conductor Dubrovnik (Yugoslavia) Music Festival, 1986, Sion Music Festival, Switzerland, 1990. Conductor for recordings Polish Radio Orchestra, Katowice, 1990. Guest lecturer, conductor University Texas, Austin, 1973, University British Columbia, Vancouver, 1987, University Alabama, Montevallo, 1985.

Guest conductor Irish Chamber Orchestra, 1997. Program director United Nations Association, Riverdale, New York, 1970-1974. Visiting professor music Columbia University, 2007-2011.

Adjunct professor College Mount St. Vincent College, New York City, 2007-2011.

Achievements

• Johannes Felix Somary has been listed as a noteworthy conductor by Marquis Who's Who.

Membership

Fellow American Guild Organists (boards New Haven and New York chapters), American Symphony Orchestra League, Association Musiciens Suisses, Yale Club New York City, Riverdale Yacht Club. Member Friendship Ambassadors, Inc. (board directors 1985-1999), New York Archdiocesan Music Commission.

Interests

• Walking-hiking, gardening, tennis, bicycling, reading.

Connections

Married Anne Voorhees Van Zandt, July 20, 1963. Children: Stephen, Geoffrey, Karen.

Father:

Felix Somary

Mother:

May (Demblin) Somary

Spouse:

Anne Voorhees Van Zandt

child:

Karen Somary

child:

Stephen Somary

child:

Geoffrey Somary