Murray Boren: Mormon Composer

Murray E. Boren is a prolific composer whose works include more than 100 chamber compositions, three ballets, ten operas, and dozens of songs and choral works. He has often collaborated with librettist Glen Nelson. He wrote The Book of Gold to celebrate Joseph Smith’s birthday. He is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Boren was born in 1950. He received both his bachelor’s degree in music and his master’s degree in music theory and composition from Brigham Young University. Boren was head of the College of Education at the University of Nsukka in Uyo, Nigeria, for a year before he joined the music faculty at BYU for four years (1979 to 1984). He then worked in administrative positions at the City University of New York and New York University. He also did graduate work at City University of New York, where he earned his DMA degree. He joined the BYU composition faculty from 1994 to 2007. He retired from his position as composer-in-residence (1999–2007).

He has received many commissions including the Barlow Endowment for the Arts, University of Delaware Wind Ensemble, and the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh. He also writes for the theatre. He wrote the music for the Joseph Sonnets, which were created in co-operation with Sally T. Taylor. He composed many pieces for his fellow BYU faculty. Boren created the Song Cycles with Daniel Bradshaw.

Boren is married to soprano Susan Alexander Boren. They are the parents of three children.