April 14, 2025
The Wheaton College Conservatory of Music celebrates the life and legacy of John Nelson ’63, world-renowned conductor, devoted mentor, and faithful servant of Jesus Christ who passed away Monday, March 31, 2025, at 83. Nelson led an extraordinary career marked by his musical brilliance and a deep and abiding faith.
A Wheaton College and Juilliard graduate, Nelson conducted many of the world’s leading orchestras and opera companies, including the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, and the Orchestre de Paris.
Dr. Michael Wilder, Dean of the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music, fondly recalls, “Maestro Nelson left no doubt that it was love that drove him – a profound and generous love – for the music, for his family, for musicians, and for those he engaged in receiving the music. Ultimately, he was a humble servant, as he took such great care in crafting the very finest musical gifts possible – gifts to each one of us. Gifts to God.”
Nelson received numerous honors during his lifetime, including the GRAMMY Award for Best Opera Recording, the venerable title of Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur from the French government, and Wheaton College’s Distinguished Service to Society Award, which recognized him and his late wife Anita Nelson ‘64 and their significant impact on music, culture, and the Christian community.
“Maestro Nelson exemplified the faithful artist—pursuing excellence on the grandest stages for the beauty of Jesus Christ and the benefit of his enthusiastic audiences,” said Dr. Philip Ryken, Wheaton College President. “His legacy continues to shape how we perform sacred music at Wheaton College.”
In his Wheaton student days, Nelson was known for his passion for music. His college roommate and longtime friend, Dr. Howard “Howie” Whitaker ’63, remembers, “Everybody knew that John was very talented, but I don’t think any of us could have predicted his success as a conductor—partly because he was unassuming.”
Nelson’s enthusiasm and leadership were evident: Whitaker was part of a men’s quartet with Nelson and two, now departed, friends, Bill Morrison ‘63 and Dr. Kent Hutcheson ’63. “We rehearsed several times a week and often traveled to sing in churches in the area,” Whitaker said. Years later, when they reunited to sing, “John would push us in rehearsal with the ferocious intensity one might expect if he were rehearsing the Metropolitan Opera. The quartet meant a great deal to John.”
Nelson remained actively connected to his alma mater, returning often to conduct the Wheaton College Symphony Orchestra and Choirs on the Wheaton College Artist Series. Dr. Tony Payne ‘79, former General Manager of the Wheaton College Artist Series and Associate Professor of Music, recounted experiencing Nelson’s exceptional talents through eight iconic choral-orchestral masterworks which he led on the Artist Series: “The level of professionalism that John drew out of our student musicians was unmatched,” Payne said. “He directed critically acclaimed performances of epics like Mendelssohn’s Elijah, the Britten War Requiem, and Handel’s Messiah with our undergraduate students, pieces often reserved for seasoned professional musicians.”
Nelson’s performances at Wheaton were cherished by audience and the faculty and student musicians he conducted. He was admired for his professional achievements, humility, warmth, and unwavering dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians. Dr. Sarah Holman, Mezzo-Soprano and Professor of Voice in the Conservatory of Music, shared her experience performing with Nelson, “I had the privilege to sing for Maestro Nelson early in my career here for a performance of Mendelssohn’s Elijah. He was very encouraging of my singing and helped me to form my small role into a meaningful offering musically and spiritually.”
“Maestro John Nelson was a singer’s conductor,” said Denise Gamez, Mezzo-Soprano and Guest Lecturer of Voice in the Conservatory. “I always sang better with John, thanks to his profound musicianship and understanding of the voice. I will miss him but be forever grateful to have sung with him.”
Among other ways the institution will honor the Nelsons, Wheaton College has established the John and Anita Nelson Center for Sacred Music. This center will commission new sacred choral works in perpetuity.
As a community, Wheaton College celebrates the life of a man who passionately and purposefully lived out the Wheaton mission. We rejoice that he now worships in the presence of the Lord he served so faithfully, and our prayers are with his family, colleagues, and all who have been shaped by his music, mentorship, and witness. The legacy of John Nelson will continue to inspire students, faculty, and audiences for generations to come.
Recording an album for their quartet at RCA recording studios in Chicago, January, 1961. L to R, Bill Morrison, John Nelson, Kent Hutcheson, Howie Whitaker.