In Memory of Sean Deibler

SEÁN MATTHEW DEIBLER
Artistic Director - Music Group of Philadelphia
SEE THE FULL VIDEO http://vimeo.com/27815047
Sean passed away on August 19, 2009. His vibrancy, talent, and personality will be missed.

A native of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, Seán Deibler received his degree in clarinet and voice from Susquehanna University. He continued his studies at the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest, Hungary where he received a Diploma in conducting, chamber music, clarinet and voice. Upon his return to the United States, Mr. Deibler established The Music Group of Philadelphia (1978), a mixed vocal chamber ensemble dedicated to performing great choral repertory from all musical periods with special emphasis on new, seldom performed and virtuoso works. The ensemble rapidly became a strong presence in Philadelphia musical life. From 1982-1996, Mr. Deibler was the founding Artistic Director of the critically acclaimed 160-voice Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia.

Mr. Deibler's performance background includes the establishment of The Haverford School Boychoir and its nationally recognized ear-training and children's opera programs; baritone soloist with Philadelphia's Suffolk Owls and European concert tours as a clarinetist with pianist Katalin Komlós. He has continued to balance his musical engagements in the world of symphonic, operatic and choral literature and is well established internationally in choral work where he is well known for his keen ear for vocal style, vocal production and intonation.

In 1986, Mr. Deibler made his London debut at Royal Festival Hall with the Warsaw Symphony in warmly received performances of Vaughan-Williams's Symphony #1. Three compact discs with the Philadelphia Orchestra feature Mr. Deibler's Choral Arts Society in collaboration with conductors, Riccardo Muti and Charles Dutoit and singer, Jessye Norman.

In 1998, Mr. Deibler received the Medal Pro Artibus, Artist of Outstanding Merit for promotion of diversified Hungarian music abroad by The Ministry of Cultural Arts of the Republic of Hungary and the Board of Artisjus Music Foundation.

Recent engagements include guest appearances with the Slovak, Warsaw and Budapest Philharmonic Orchestras and the National Chorus of Hungary, as well as numerous guest appearances as conductor and lecturer throughout the United States and Europe. During the 1998 season, Mr. Deibler conducted the world premiere of Slovak composer, Henricks ballet, Romeo and Juliet which was a huge continental success.

Maestro Deibler has served for a decade as both conductor and jurist for VIVACE International Choral Festival. On his 10th anniversary as a conductor in residence he was awarded the Veszprém Gold Medal of Honor. In 2001 he received an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Fine Arts from Susquehanna University.

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[willjammski]

Thank you Joe, from the bottom of my heart. Words cannot fully express my gratitude.

bill deibler

[gizmoitus]

I remember Sean well from his days as a teacher at Haverford School. I only recently became aware of his passing.

I was somewhat stunned to find at 1:06 a picture in this video of Sean conducting choir practice at Haverford -- and there I am leaning forward in my chair.

He was truly a gifted and incredible teacher and musician.

[theswampqueens]

A recap of Sean's memorial service for those wh couldn't be there: watch?v=77JcDpUgYYk

[elizakolo]

I want to write about Sean's kindness. When I auditioned for the MGP at age 60, a high school chorus singer , never even having even heard of the group, he accepted me. The next five years were bliss for me. Never learned so much about music; never had so much fun.

Elizabeth Kolowrat

[jpearl01]

He was my favorite teacher at Haverford, My favorite place in the school was the music room. I left school the year after I graduated out of the boys choir. I next saw him almost 30 years to the day at a concert he conducted at The Church of Redeemer. He, thrust out a hand and said, "John Pearlstein, I haven't seen you since you were this high, How are you". .. I can't believe he is no longer with us.

[jpearl01]

Late December 2009 and I just found out about Sean's passing from the Haverford School Magazine. I can't believe it. Sean came to Haverford in 1969 and started a boys choir of 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. I was in 4th grade and in his first choir. He told us stories of Hungry, of life, and of music. He taught me to sing. I was one of the sopranos, "canaries" He called us. We sang for our school, we sang at other schools, and we even pressed a record. (to be continued)

[k0229071]

I am just now finding of his passing. My heart is heavy. Back in the early 1990's I sang for him in the Choral Arts Society and will never forget his amazing talent as a singer, conductor and more uniquely his ability to to whistle any melody. He was an amazing man who had a great impact upon my life as a young singer. He will be sadly missed by so many. -Gerald Blanchard, Battle Creek, MI

[garyinla69]

I wasn't part of Sean's music family, but back in the 80s when I lived in PHL,I'd always catch a bus to visit family on Xmas Eve. Sean sat by me in 1980.We had a riot talking about growing up in the same small town. Xmas 1981, by chance, we were on that same bus! Long story short--it became an annual tradition. We often ran into each other in Philly over the years until I moved to LA in 88. I know he was a master musician, but I'll always remember him for the laughs we shared. He's missed!

[ROCKTINKLE]

I too remember Sean from his days at Haverford School

[Sojrotce]

From Belgium. I remember Sean from the Choir Festival in Veszprém (Hungary). We stayed in the same little kind panzio and we had several short talks together. I'm sorry about this sad news...