The Music of Vince Guaraldi with Gil Harel

Born in San Francisco, Vincent Anthony Guaraldi had a musical imagination that would cement his legacy as a composer of irresistibly infectious tunes.

Though he spent much of his career as a jazz pianist (and a sideman to several big names, including Cal Tjader), he is perhaps best remembered today as the composer behind the music of Charles Schultz's Peanuts series, with 1965's Charlie Brown Christmas becoming arguably his most recognizable work. Beyond this, he also recorded scads of jazz albums and composed signature tunes such as "Christmas Time is Here" and the Grammy award-winning  "Cast Your Fate to the Wind" of 1962. 

Join Professor Gil Harel as we consider the legacy of this remarkable composer whose music impacted so many, and who remains a perennial favorite around the holiday season. 

About the Presenter

Gil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is a musicologist and music theorist whose interests include styles ranging from western classical repertoire to jazz and musical theater. Previously, he served on the faculty at CUNY Baruch College (where he was awarded the prestigious "Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching").

Currently, he is Professor of Music at Naugatuck Valley Community College, where he has been presented with the AFT "Merit Award for Exemplary Service to the College" for 4 consecutive years. In 2020, he was honored with the coveted Connecticut Board of Regents (BOR) Teaching Award. At NVCC, Dr. Harel conducts the college chorale, a cappella ensemble, teaches music history and theory, and serves as musical director of theater productions.