Clark William Lawlor (b. 1980) emerged in 2023 as a compelling new voice in the choral music world following an unconventional journey.

Having studied composition and choral education at the University of Utah in the early 2000s, Clark dropped out due to financial concerns and a growing family, eventually pursuing a career in business and technology. After a 20-year hiatus from choral composing, he rekindled his passion in 2022 when he joined a local choir and rediscovered his creative voice.

Clark’s return to composing was met with swift success. His first choral piece in over two decades, an original setting of the Swedish hymn I denna ljuva sommartid, gained significant attention online and has been performed worldwide, including a performance at the 2025 National ACDA Conference. His follow-up work, Gift of Winter, with renowned lyricist Charles Anthony Silvestri, achieved similar acclaim. In 2023, Clark had the opportunity to study under esteemed composer Ēriks Ešenvalds at the Lehigh University Composer’s Forum, further honing his craft. As of 2025, his works have been performed in over two dozen countries on five continents.

Over the past two years, Clark’s works have garnered multiple awards, including:

  • First Prize, 2023 International Contest of Choral Composition University of Alcala (Spain) (Mariposa)

  • Winner, 2023 Utah ACDA Choral Composing Competition (Morning Song)

  • Finalist, 2023 Ensemble Altera Composition Competition (Morning Song)

  • Winner, 2023 NDSU Edwin Fissinger Choral Composition Prize (The World’s Wanderers)

  • Second Prize, 2024 Guelph Chamber Choir Composition Competition (The Close of Day)

  • Honorable Mention, 2024 Chorus Austin Composers Competition (Alleluia)

In 2024, Clark’s piece Haunted Houses earned the coveted J.W. Pepper Editor’s Choice Award, and Carols of Christmas (Love is All Around) became the 24th best-selling “Holiday-Secular” choral piece on J.W. Pepper.

Clark’s compositions are known for their engaging melodies, lush harmonies, and impeccable voice-leading that balances musical richness with accessibility. His music is published by Endeavor Music Publishing, Pavane Publishing, and through his own website. His schedule is open for commissions and collaborations, and he’s always eager to work with choirs of all kinds.

When he’s not composing, Clark sings tenor with the Salt Lake Vocal Artists, directed by the esteemed Dr. Brady Allred, and enjoys playing pickleball with equal enthusiasm. He lives in Utah with his wife and their five children.