Jake Runestad

Jake Runestad is an award-winning and frequently-performed composer of “highly imaginative” (Baltimore Sun) and “stirring and uplifting” (Miami Herald) musical works. He has received commissions and performances from leading ensembles and organizations such as Washington National Opera, VOCES8, the Swedish Radio Symphony, the Netherlands Radio Choir, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, Seraphic Fire, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, and more. “The Hope of Loving,” the first album of Jake’s music, recorded by Craig Hella Johnson and Conspirare, was nominated for a GRAMMY award. Jake’s visceral music and charismatic personality have fostered a busy schedule of commissions, residencies, workshops, and speaking engagements, enabling him to be one of the youngest full-time composers in the world. Considered “one of the best of the younger American composers” (Chicago Tribune), Jake Runestad holds a Master’s degree in composition from the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University where he studied with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Kevin Puts. He has also studied extensively with acclaimed composer Libby Larsen. A native of Rockford, IL, Runestad is currently based in Minneapolis, MN.

This year, Jake Runestad makes his debut on the Naxos label with a collection of ten works performed by the award-winning choral ensemble Kantorei, exploring themes of nature, joy, loss, and thoughtful reflection. Recently, we were able to speak with Jake to learn more about this fantastic project!

The title of this project, ‘Sing, Wearing the Sky’, is compelling but also enigmatic. How did you come across this particular text, and how did it inspire you?

The text from “Sing, Wearing the Sky” was found in a wonderful collection of writings by women authors throughout history. I love Lalla’s words about building up one’s sense of self and becoming so comfortable in one’s body that we can “go naked and dance” — live our lives freely without obsessing about what others think.

Many of the tracks on this album feature elements of nature in their names. How does nature inspire you?

I was brought up in a family of hikers and campers, and so being outside has always been an important part of my life. I continue to be inspired by the world around me — from the simplest flower to the most compelling mountain vista. Many of these images make their way into my music in hopes of helping us to protect this beautiful earth that we call home.

You’re quickly gaining renown as a composer, particularly in the world of choral music, and we’re excited to present the second album of your music ever released. Can you tell us a bit about your musical beginnings?

I have been creating music for as long as I can remember. My family is very musical — both of my parents have lovely voices — and we would sing a lot around the house while I was growing up. We had a piano and I began plunking out little melodies that I heard on the radio, which turned into short piano pieces, and then a lot of terrible love songs throughout middle school and high school. My senior year of high school I wrote a piece for my wind ensemble — my first notated work — and it was performed that spring and I was hooked. I have continued to compose ever since!

What was the recording process like for this project as you worked with Joel Rinsema and the Kantorei choral ensemble?

Kantorei is a gem in the American choral scene. I love the passion of the singers and the familial quality of the group. They are continually working together to achieve a high level of musicality as well as deepening their personal relationships. I felt so welcomed into their family and this album was a beautiful collaboration in which every moment was handled with such care and such deep, spacious musicality.