Gordon Nelson

Gordon Nelson, Founding Artistic Director of the international award-winning Detroit Concert Choir, built a truly great choral ensemble by challenging its members to reach beyond their own expectations to achieve extraordinary goals.

In 1987, Mr. Nelson created the Detroit Concert Choir to enhance the lives of others through music, and to provide a venue for musicians—professional and amateur—to share their talents with the community. It was Mr. Nelson's desire to enhance the lives of others through music became the foundation for a group that developed into local, national, and international pacesetters of choral music.

Under Mr. Nelson's leadership, the Detroit Concert Choir contributed greatly to the cultural vitality of the Metropolitan Detroit area, presenting 27 inspiring concert seasons, highlighted by performances with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and at National, Regional, and State American Choral Directors Association conventions.

Mr. Nelson achieved his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wheaton College, a Master of Education degree from Wayne State University, and a Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan. Early in his career, he was a tenor soloist and served as the director of several church choirs. From 1961 to 1979, Mr. Nelson served as Choral Director of Denby High School in Detroit and established a high standard of excellence that included international travel and award-winning performances. Mr. Nelson was an active member of the American Choral Directors Association, Chorus America, and the Tuesday Musicale of Detroit. He served as President of the Rita Guy Christian Music Foundation for 25 years.

Mr. Nelson's passion for brilliance and his extensive musical knowledge led the Detroit Concert Choir to eighteen national and international honors, including:

"Choir of the World" title at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales (1996)
Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence (1997)
Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Wales (1991, 1993, 1996, 2006)
Norwich-Sligo International Choral Festival, Ireland (1994)
Tolosa Choral Contest, Spain (1998)
Spittal an der Drau International Choral Contest, Austria (2001)
Seghizzi International Choral Competition, Italy (2004)

Gordon Nelson Scholarship Fund
There is a special joy that can only be found in the powerful blending of voices united in song. Through the centuries, music has helped capture the spirit and essence of great moments. Encouraging the future generation of musical talent is essential to preserving this tradition. A special fund has been established in the name of Detroit Concert Choir’s Founding Director.

The Fund was designed to:

Honor Gordon Nelson and keep his memory alive
Support our efforts to encourage young people to join the Detroit Concert Choir by helping defray membership costs
Provide financial assistance to worthy young musicians who share in the Detroit Concert Choir’s artistry

To support this funding opportunity, please designate Gordon Nelson Scholarship Fund in the memo line of your donation to the Detroit Concert Choir.

Meet the 2026/27 Gordon Nelson Scholars

Coming Soon...

Past Scholars

2025/2026
Bryson Beaver
Megan Dastick
Ava Hayes
Dylan Slamka

2024/2025
Karen Cook
Katherine (Hill) McKimmy
Maryn O'Brien

2023/2024
Leah Burian
Byran Clinthorne
Madeleine Krick
Mariyon Turner

2022/2023
Olivia Donnel
X. Alexander Durden
Jacob Robertson
Marcell Seldon

2021/2022
Olivia Donnel
Jacob Robertson
Marcell Seldon

2020/2021
Noah Cherry
Kayvon Kashani-Gharavi
Abigail McKay

2019/2020
Noah Cherry
Kayvon Kashani-Gharavi
Abigail McKay

2018/2019
Claire Agresta
Liza (Calisesi) Maidens
Erik Doucette
Monica Ely
Timothy Higle
Collin Price
Joe Perroti