Dr. Nathan Payant
ABERDEEN, S.D. (NSU) – Dr. Nathan Payant, a distinguished conductor, educator, and alumnus of Northern State University, is set to lead a performance at the legendary Carnegie Hall in New York City. The concert, scheduled for Saturday, April 13, will feature Dr. Payant conducting Dan Forrest’s “LUX: The Dawn From On High” alongside nearly 70 singers from various ensembles, including his community choir, Laudamus Chamber Chorale, and the Concert Choir from Colorado State University.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Payant reminisced about his musical roots, crediting his parents for nurturing his early passion for music. His formative years at Redfield High School, under the mentorship of Northern graduates Dale Fiedler and Clark Lunstrum, further ignited his love for music and paved the way for his academic pursuit at Northern State University.
“My time at Northern was truly transformative,” said Dr. Payant, who graduated in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in music education. “The guidance and support I received from influential professors such as Dr. Timothy Woods, Dr. Alan LaFave, Dr. Allan Jacobson, Dr. William Wieland, and many more laid the foundation for my career in music education and conducting.”
Dr. Payant’s dedication to music education has been exemplified through his teaching roles at Colorado State University, where he currently serves as a full-time instructor, and his directorship of Laudamus Chamber Chorale and the music program at First United Methodist Church in Fort Collins. He is also sings professionally with the Colorado Bach Ensemble.
The opportunity to conduct at Carnegie Hall marks a pinnacle moment in Dr. Payant’s career. “Leading a performance at Carnegie Hall is truly a dream come true,” he said. “It’s an honor to share this experience with my students and fellow musicians, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to showcase their talent on such a prestigious stage.”
Preparations for the concert have been underway since last May, with Dr. Payant meticulously studying the score and rehearsing with his ensembles. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, Dr. Payant remains undeterred, embracing this opportunity to showcase the talent and dedication of his students.
Looking ahead, Dr. Payant is committed to continuing his pursuit of excellence in music education and conducting. While he anticipates future projects, including an upcoming tour in Austria and performances of Fauré’s Requiem and Dan Forrest’s Requiem, he remains focused on cherishing the present moment and the profound impact of this Carnegie Hall performance on his career trajectory.
Dr. Payant attributes much of his success to his formative years at Northern State University, where he found inspiration, mentorship, and lifelong friendships. “I am incredibly grateful for the invaluable experiences I had at Northern,” he said. “They have shaped me into the educator and musician I am today.”