Peloquin, C. Alexander (Charles Alexander), 1918-1997
Dates
- Existence: 1918 - 1997
Biographical note
Charles Alexander Peloquin was born on June 16, 1918, in Northbridge, MA to Noe G. and Marie Louise (Bernard) Peloquin. He began studying piano and organ at the age of 8, and went on to study at the New England Conservatory and the Berkshire Music Center at Tanglewood. During World War II, Peloquin served as bandmaster for the 314th Army Band. In 1950, he became the organist and Director of Music Ministries at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence, RI, where he remained until his retirement in 1991. At the Cathedral, he formed the Peloquin Chorale, which often performed his own compositions. In 1955, Peloquin became a faculty member and composer-in-residence at Boston College, where he directed the Glee Club and, later, the University Chorale. Peloquin was an influential composer of post-Vatican II Catholic liturgical and choral music, including the first English High Mass ever sung in the United States. In total, Peloquin wrote more than 150 scores, primarily for voice, piano, organ, and orchestra. Peloquin died on February 27, 1997, in Providence, Rhode Island.