Dr. Dwight Jilek
In 2018, Magnum Chorum appointed Dr. Dwight Jilek as its Artistic Director. Dr. Jilek opens Magnum Chorum’s 2018-2019 concert season with performances on Saturday, November 3 and Sunday, November 4.
In addition to his new role with Magnum Chorum, Jilek serves as Director of Choral Activities at Bemidji State University where he conducts the Bemidji Choir, Chamber Singers, and Musikanten Men’s Chorus, and teaches conducting, choral literature, and choral studies. Previously, Jilek was Assistant Conductor to the Dallas Symphony Chorus from 2013-2016, and Chorus Master for the Christmas with the Dallas Symphony series. He worked with Director Joshua Habermann to prepare choruses for renowned conductors Jaap van Zweden, Jacques Lacombe, Simone Young, Nick Carter, Larry Loh, and Tomáš Netopil. Currently, Jilek serves as Minnesota Northwest District Chair for ACDA.
Dr. Jilek completed his doctoral studies in Choral Conducting at University of North Texas with related studies in Vocal Pedagogy, where he conducted the Concert Choir and received the Outstanding Graduate Conductor award in 2016. He earned his Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University where he was assistant conductor of the Men’s Glee Club and State Singers, Chorus Master for the Opera Theatre Program, and director of the Young Men’s Chorus at the Community Music School. Jilek holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Music Education from Concordia College in Moorhead. Before pursuing graduate degrees, Jilek served as vocal music director at Northfield High School where he oversaw nine choirs and the vocal lesson program. Under his direction, the Northfield Concert Choir was chosen to perform in the inaugural Minnesota ACDA Choral Arts Finale (2006), Minnesota State ACDA Convention (2007), Minnesota MEA Convention (2008), and was a featured choir at the Luther College Choral Invitational (2007), and St. Olaf Choral Festival (2009).
As a singer, Jilek has performed with Magnum Chorum as well as the University of North Texas A Capella Choir and Collegium Early Music Singers, Michigan State University Chorale, and Westminster Chamber Choir. His years of church music experience most recently include directing the Traditional Choir and Adult Handbell Choir at St. Andrew Catholic Parish in Fort Worth, TX.
Dwight and his wife Alyssa and their four children reside in Bemidji.