Gordon Getty
Composer
American composer Gordon Getty has made a lifetime of contributions to the world of classical music. In recognition of his extraordinary legacy, he was awarded the prestigious European Culture Prize in 2019 and inducted into Opera America's Opera Hall of Fame in 2022. Learn more about the man and his music. Scroll down for highlights or explore the website.
Featured Compositions
The Old Man in the Snow
For SATB chorus and orchestra
Duration: 7:40
Poem by Gordon Getty
St. Christopher
For SATB chorus, organ and orchestra
Duration: 2:53
Poem by Gordon Getty
Upcoming Performances
News
The latest on compositions, performances, and recordings.

Gordon Getty’s complete literary works released
On July 18, 2024, Festival Napa Valley held a book launch for Gordon Getty’s newly-published book “Upon A Day”

“Gordon Getty Essentials” playlist released
On March 7, 2024, Payam Mirrashidi announced that Apple Music Classical has released the “Gordon Getty Essentials” playlist.
Featured Recordings
Gordon Getty’s oeuvre spans orchestral works, song cycles, and full length operas.
Goodbye, Mr. Chips (2025)
Gordon Getty’s opera is based on James Hilton’s beloved 1934 novella “Goodbye, Mr. Chips” and other stories. It tells the heartwarming story of Chips, a beloved schoolteacher portrayed by tenor Nathan Granner.
Featured Reviews
A complete archive of reviews of works by Gordon Getty, including performances and recordings.
David Patrick Stearns: GETTY Goodbye, Mr Chips
Getty the librettist allows ample leeway to Getty the composer, whose neo-tonal language – more respected now than 20 years ago – is readily comparable to Gian Carlo Menotti’s melodic but not necessarily tuneful idiom. Getty doesn’t aim to please; he aims to move. Talking to their deceased loved ones is a way of life for some – and in the case of Mr Chips, Kathie answers back, making her a pervasive after-death presence.
Read the full review on GramophoneKeith R. Fisher: GORDON GETTY Goodbye, Mr. Chips
I cannot recall ever having a more intimate operatic experience than listening to Gordon Getty’s touching opera based on the acclaimed James Hilton novella. The scoring is for what sounds to me like a chamber orchestra with prominent keyboard, harp, and percussion parts. As befits the poignancy of Hilton’s story, Getty’s approach (he wrote the libretto as well) is all very lyrical. Rarely do the dynamics get as loud as forte, as in pastoral English music by the likes of, say, Delius, but for all that there is no monotony. There are, however, stylistic similarities to the vocal writing of Britain’s leading opera composer, Benjamin Britten (which should be taken as high praise). The style is tonal and traditionally melodic.
Read the full review on Fanfare