About Tony Alonso S.J.
Tony Alonso S.J. is a highly recognized Cuban-American Roman Catholic composer and theologian, renowned for his significant contributions to sacred and liturgical music. His work uniquely blends multicultural musical expressions, notably incorporating Cuban idioms, to create compelling and accessible worship music that resonates across various Christian denominations globally. As a Latin Grammy-nominated artist, Alonso is celebrated for his commitment to strong ritual song and his ability to bridge cultural and linguistic divides within contemporary worship.
- In 2020, Tony Alonso S.J. received a Latin Grammy nomination for his groundbreaking album "Caminemos con Jesús," which draws from his Cuban musical heritage to offer innovative approaches to bilingual worship.
- He was personally invited to compose the responsorial psalm for the first Mass celebrated by Pope Francis in the United States in 2015, a testament to his prominence in contemporary sacred music.
- Beyond his musical accomplishments, Alonso is an esteemed academic, holding a Bachelor of Music in choral conducting from Northwestern University, a Master of Arts in theology, and a PhD in religion.
- He currently serves as the Aquinas Associate Professor of Theology and Culture at Candler School of Theology at Emory University and is the inaugural Director of Catholic Studies there, reflecting his deep engagement with both music and theology.
Performing the music of Tony Alonso S.J. offers a rewarding experience for a diverse range of musicians, from early intermediate vocalists and instrumentalists to seasoned choirs and assemblies. His sheet music is well-suited for various instruments including piano, keyboard, guitar, violin, cello, and trumpet, often featuring arrangements for SAB and SATB choirs, and supporting congregational singing. Musicians will find his compositions to be deeply inspiring, facilitating personal prayer and reflection while embracing multicultural sounds that are highly relevant to today's diverse church communities.