Composers

Composers in Residence

Although he earned his living for 45 years as a leadership and organization development consultant with clients all over the world, Ron Dukenski’s life-long passion has been music, with composition as a central focus. He wrote his first work in memory of his grandmother at the age of seven. He penned his high school alma mater. He composed the music for his wedding. He has written a setting for the Episcopal liturgy and wrote the anthem for his wife’s ordination to the Episcopal priesthood, “And All Shall Be Well,” based on the writings of Dame Julian of Norwich. For the Connecticut Choral Society, Ron has written several holiday concert pieces with such titles as “Rejoice and Be Merry,” “Love Came Down At Christmas,” and “Take Joy!.” His other major new composition this fall is a setting of 5th century Indian poet Kalidasa, “Look to This Day,” for chorus and jazz ensemble, commissioned by a local church.
Ron’s interests include the performing arts as well. As an actor, he has had featured roles in local productions of The Fantastiks, Lend Me a Tenor, Kiss Me, Kate, and A Little Night Music.
A resident of Litchfield County, he is currently co-president of the board of the Goshen Players. Having retired from his consulting practice, Ron also serves on the Vestry and sings in the Choir of Trinity Episcopal Church in Torrington.

Rick Ryan
RIck Ryan

Rick Ryan enjoys crafting sacred music in a variety of styles that is accessible by choirs of all abilities. Rick’s works have been performed by the Connecticut Choral Society, New Jersey Choral Society, CCS Chamber Singers, Bethany Church Choir and Five Rows Back. As a high school student, Rick Ryan attended the Educational Center for the Arts in New Haven and continued his music education with a minor in composition from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he also earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He has served as director of worship at Bethany Christian Church in Stratford, Connecticut since 1999. Rick is also Pitney Bowes Fellow in the Strategic Technology and Innovation Center at Pitney Bowes and holds more than 100 US Patents. He and his wife have been members of the Connecticut Choral Society since 2003.