Benedict Sheehan

Conductor and composer Benedict Sheehan is an important figure in the growing field of Orthodox choral music in the U.S. He is the artistic director of the Saint Tikhon Choir and has recorded several acclaimed albums with the group. Sheehan has written what he calls story scores that have been performed by the Skylark Vocal Ensemble; one of these, based on Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, was recorded by Skylark. His style draws on Orthodox church music but also includes influences from folk styles and 20th century music. As a conductor, he has worked on several major recordings of Orthodox church music, including serving as chorus master on the multi-choir recording of Alexander Kastalsky's Memory Eternal. Sheehan has been able to bring his work as conductor and composer together, recording his own Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom and Vespers with the Saint Tikhon Choir.