Richard and Eric take a look at an article about the late Robert Shaw composed in 2006 by Peter Phillips (conductor of the Tallis Scholars) entitled "The Cult of the Conductor". Phillips briefly analyzes the methodology of Shaw as well as the choral outcomes that arise from such (perceived) methods. Though they discuss the article in full, the guys primarily focus on Phillips's title and premise. Is there such a thing that can be seen as a "cult of the conductor," and what could that possibly look like? A lot of wonderful choral insights here, woven around two preeminent, contemporary choral conductors.
Phillips, P. "The Cult of the Conductor." Sacred Music. Fall 2006, Volume 133, No. 3, pp. 6-9.
The Ensign Symphony and Chorus performs "And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth" from Mendelssohn's Elijah (October 2018); conductors Steve Danielson and Chase Chang.