William Gorton received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Conducting from Arizona State University. Also with a M.M. degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from Westminster Choir College, much of William's career has found him felicitously conducting choral and orchestral ensembles. Currently serving as the Founding Artistic Director of the Greater Philadelphia Choral Society (https://www.gpchoralsociety.org), he was also the Founding Artistic Director of the Central Virginia Masterworks Chorale. He has masterfully prepared and conducted many great choral works, such as Brahms' "Ein deutsches Requiem", Durufle's Requiem, Handel's "Messiah", Bach's Magnificat in D, Mozart's "Coronation" mass, the Great Mass in C Minor, as well as the Requiem. Beethoven's Mass in C, Vivaldi's "Gloria", Schubert's mass in G, Rutter's "Gloria," as well as Gorton's own Te Deum, among numerous smaller works, have thrilled audiences.
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Dr. Gorton also led the New Jersey MasterChorale for four years, with the distinction of producing "Gloria in excelsis: Christmas with the New Jersey MasterChorale". This hour-long holiday program featuring John Rutter's "Gloria" as well as Gorton's Te Deum, was produced for Public Radio International and broadcast nationwide in December 2018. The orchestra for the Chorale was comprised, as was customary, of distinguished musicians of the Philadelphia Orchestra & Friends. The PRI program also featured the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale as well as mezzo soprano Deidra Palmour.
"I have had the distinct pleasure of performing and recording with William Gorton for many years. He is a superb conductor and composer, and he consistently attracts top-flight musicians from the Philadelphia Orchestra and the very best freelance musicians for his collaborations." -- Bob Cafaro, cellist, The Philadelphia Orchestra
"I have worked with many talented choral directors and have evidenced many different styles of choral conducting. Dr. Gorton is one individual I have worked with who uniquely stands out. During our time together, Dr. Gorton displayed highly skilled talents in teaching vocal technique, expertise in conducting choral ensembles with sensitivity and utmost attention to detail. He is a gifted singer, an accomplished composer, a proficient pianist and a brilliant conductor...It is not just his technical skills that impress me, however. Dr. Gorton was a joy to work with because of his amazing passion for music and his unlimited amount of patience. When working with various levels of singing abilities with mostly volunteer choir members, he gently treats everyone with respect and positive reinforcements. He is able to put people at ease with his deportment, and at the same time be humble about his virtuosity."-- Patricia Nyce, President, The Greater Philadelphia Choral Society