Dr. R. Douglas Helvering

Composer - Conductor - Educator

R. Douglas Helvering is a highly active composer, conductor, and educator. His music has been featured at all of the major choral national and regional conventions as well as at prestigious venues worldwide including the historic Carnegie Hall in New York. He is a dedicated music educator, serving as adjunct assistant professor at the famed Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ. A passionate conductor, he is also often called on to lead ensembles from the podium. His music has been widely acclaimed by performers, scholars, and audiences around the world for its artistry and emotional appeal.

Current News

New Anthem for Easter

I have finished a brand new setting combining Luther's Chris Lag in Todesbanden with the Easter chant Victimae Paschali. It is scored for chorus and organ with the option of horn, brass quintet, and handbells.

House of David now available

My orchestration of Z. Randall Stroope's House of David is now available from Morninstar Music. This is a lovely anthem set to an Old Testament Text. 

'In Tempore' featured at Piccolo Spoleto

The world-renowned Antioch Chamber Ensemble wowed a large audience in Charleston, SC on Saturday, May 28, as they performed as a part of the Choral Artists series of the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. Featured on their program was 'In Tempore', a choral cycle on the seasons that they commissioned.  I was honored to be in attendance and be a part of this performance. We hope to have video available soon. Find more information on their website, and, visit the videos page on this site for a video introduction and background to this new major choral work.

'Come Thou Last' Premiere

A brand  new work for chorus, violin, and piano, "Come Thou Last" was written for Dr. Andrew Megill and the Westminster Kantorei. The last poem ever written by the renowned poet Rilke (on the subject of death) is the basis for this moving and powerful composition. The work received its world premiere by Dr. Megill and the Westminster Kantorei on Sunday, April 3 at 3:00pm on the campus of Westminster Choir College. See the VIDEO of the world premiere!

 New Publications out in 2011 and 2012

Death's Bands Could Not Hold the Paschal Victim - now available from RDH Music

Come Thou Last - now available from RDH Music

In Tempore - now available from RDH Music 

When the Night Finds You Lonely - now available from Colla Voce

Mandatus - now available from Imagine Music

All Who Dwell In the Shadow of the Lord - new orchestration of work by Stroope now available from Morningstar

 Imaliyam - now available from Hal Leonard

A Message from Dr. Helvering

My mission as a musician is to lead others in the pursuit of musical excellence. This is seen in all aspects of my musical activities. As a composer, I strive to create artistically crafted music for all to enjoy. I firmly believe in the healing and moving power of music, and my goal is to provide musical satisfaction to all that listen.

New Videos!

Visit the videos page to find brand new additions, including the premiere performance of "In Tempore" from the 2011 Piccolo Spoleto Festival, "Come Thou last", "Christmas Nocturne" and "My Faith Looks Up To Thee".   

Carnegie Hall

I am pleased to be joining with friends and colleagues in the performance of a world premiere at Carnegie Hall on Monday, February 20. The work is James Eakin's Flowers Over the Graves of War. Join us in New York!