Composers

Josué Alexis, born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, embarked on his musical journey at a tender age, guided by his innate talent and passion for the piano. Under the tutelage of Mr. Joseph Pierre, he began his formal piano studies, laying the foundation for a future filled with musical brilliance.

Continuing his education at the Lyra Music School under the guidance of Mr. Loubert-Victor Léopold, Josué's talent flourished, catching the attention of renowned pianist Mr. Serge Villedrouin. Recognizing Josué's exceptional abilities, Villedrouin became his mentor, nurturing his talent and shaping his musical development. Additionally, Josué benefited from the invaluable advice of Mne Micheline Laudun Denis, further refining his skills and artistic sensibilities.

In 2003, Josué's dedication and skill were rewarded when he clinched a distinction prize at the National Piano and Solfège Competition, marking a significant milestone in his musical journey.

Throughout his career, Josué has lent his talents as an accompanist to numerous choirs, soloists, and musical ensembles in the capital city. From the "Chorale Sacré-Choeur/Saint-Louis" to the "Petit Choir de Jeunes" of the First Baptist Church and beyond, Josué's piano accompaniment has enriched countless performances, earning him admiration and acclaim within the Haitian music community.

Josué's versatility as a musician extends beyond classical repertoire, as he delved into jazz, honing his skills and exploring diverse musical styles. His participation in the Port-au-Prince Jazz Festival and collaboration with guitarist-composer Hans Peters in the "Jabadou" project allowed him to further expand his musical horizons.

In addition to his collaborative ventures, Josué has showcased his solo artistry through piano recitals, captivating audiences with his interpretations of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and other classical masters. His debut recital in October 2018 marked a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his mastery of the piano and his profound musical expression.

Josué's talent has not gone unnoticed internationally, as evidenced by his accompaniment of German soprano Christine Reber in recitals both in Haiti and abroad. His collaborations with esteemed artists such as James Germain, Dadou Pasquet, Tamara Suffren, Emeline Michel, and Beethova Obas have further solidified his reputation as a versatile and accomplished musician.

As Josué continues to inspire audiences with his music, he remains a shining beacon of Haitian musical excellence, dedicated to sharing his passion and talent with the world.

Composer and pianist David Bontemps is a native of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Music lovers, his parents enrolled him early in private piano lessons. Most of his musical training was with the renowned pianist-composer Serge Villedrouin.

In 1998, he won a first medal at the Inter-Caribbean Piano Competition in Guadeloupe, awarded unanimously by the jury, then in 2001, the bronze medal at the upper level of the National Piano Competition in Port-au-Prince.  In 2000, he gave his first recital in Port-au-Prince: Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Ravel, Rachmaninoff and the Haitian composers Lamothe and Élie were in his repertoire, as well as his own compositions. 

In 2002, he moved to Montreal where the musicologist, professor emeritus, Claude Dauphin presented him as «the new hope of Haitian composers», then ranked him among the classical composers of the new era in the essay Histoire du style musical d'Haïti, in 2014.

He accompanied the mezzo-soprano Chantal Lavigne for the creation and recording of the Offrandes Vodouesques (Voodoo Offerings), a 24 songs cycle by the Haitian composer Werner Jaëgerhuber (1900-1953), released in October 2007.

In 2010, Yves Bernard wrote in Le Devoir: «David Bontemps is a real hope for Creole music. [...] He traces an open universe by sailing as well on the tunes of the terroir and voodoo songs as on jazz or western or Haitian art music [...] The inspiration is abundant and David Bontemps will leave his mark.» 

He released two solo recordings:

- Vibrations, released in 2012 on the label Nuits d'Afrique, a disc dedicated to his piano compositions for which he received a grant from the Conseil des Arts et des Lettres du Québec and the Canada Council for the Arts. Praised by the press (Magazine Audio ranked this album at the top of its preferences of the year), Vibrations has been presented in many recitals: in October 2012 to a full hall at McGill University’s Redpath Concert Hall and at the Canadian Museum of Civilization Theatre in  2013.

- Gede Nibo, 2017, distributed by Sélect, is a disc devoted to his variations on the famous theme of the Haitian composer Ludovic Lamothe (1882-1953), with which he supported a piano festival in Jacmel, the Haiti Piano Project, led by the pianist Célimène Daudet. With this repertoire he also performed the first part of a recital by pianist Alain Lefèvre in 2018, then performed in a joint recital with violinist Er-Gene Kahng in California in 2019.

On IciMusique (CBC-Radio-Canada), Frédéric Cardin wrote in 2017 that the recordings of the pianist David Bontemps help "discover an unsuspected part of Haitian music: classical music!" then, in 2022, Marie-Christine Trottier described him as a “master of the decompartmentalization.”

In 2006 he founded and directed the Creole jazz quintet Makaya for which he composes and arranges  most of the songs. This group, winner of the Bronze Medal at the Syli d'Or World Music Competition in 2007, released its homonymous first record in May 2009. Thanks to this album, the quintet was finalist at the TD Grand Jazz Award at the International Jazz Festival of Montreal in 2010.

With a second album, Elements, distributed by Sélect and released in 2016 with a grant of the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, Makaya collected enthusiasm and admiration: topping jazz and world music airplay on IciMusique and CIBL radios, among best performances in the 2016 FIJM by Le Devoir, and the Vision Diversity and CIBL prizes.  In 2018-19, the quintet toured 14 houses of culture in Montreal as part of the Conseil des Arts de Montréal en tournée.

In 2015, he composed and recorded the music for 12 short films from the Through Positive Eyes project, UCLA, to counter the stigma of HIV-positive people. 

In 2020, he arranged and orchestrated 10 Haitian folk songs for string quartet, featured on baritone Wilbert Chancy’s album Envitasyon (Invitation).

His suite Traces was chosen by Toronto choreographer Kevin A. Ormsby for a commission from the National Ballet of Canada. The world premiere of the work took place on April 27, 2021, with stage performances at the Harbourfront Centre in August 2021.

The Tulsa Opera, Oklahoma, USA, has programmed two of its melodies Il a neigé and Secret  for the Greenwood Overcomes commemorative concerts on May 1 and 2, 2021. The recording of the concert is nationally broadcast in the United States as of June 2022.

In 2020, he composed the opera La Flambeau on an eponymous drama by Faubert Bolivar. He associates with the Orchestre Classique de Montréal and the Hamilton BrottOpera to present the world premiere in Canada in 2023, and to record the work to be released on the Atma Classique label.

Emile Desamours (b. 1941) is a civil engineer, organist, choirmaster, and one of Haiti's most active composers. He studied engineering at the Institut Superieur Technique d'Haiti in Port-au-Prince and music at the Conservatoire National de Musique. He currently serves as musical director for Haiti's premier folk choir, "Voix et Harmonie." He has composed and arranged numerous piano and chorus pieces, often employing Haitian folk music elements in his works.

Christopher, a native of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, is a highly accomplished musician and conductor known for his exceptional talent and dedication to the world of choral music. Currently appointed as the Artistic Director of Hypatia's Voice and one of the conductors at the Ottawa Children's Choir, His journey began at the Holy Trinity Music School, where he immersed himself in the study of voice, violin, and piano, laying the foundation for his future career.

In 2007, Christopher's remarkable musical abilities earned him a coveted position as a member of the esteemed Philharmonic Orchestra of Holy Trinity. His passion for conducting soon emerged, and in 2011, he assumed the role of conductor for their main choir, "Les Petits Chanteurs," a position he held with great distinction for four years.

Driven by a thirst for knowledge and artistic growth, Christopher seized the opportunity to participate in the BLUME HAITI Scholar program, joining Lawrence University in 2015. He immersed himself in the vibrant exchange of ideas and cultures there, further refining his musical expertise.

Continuing his pursuit of excellence, Christopher embarked on a new chapter in 2017, enrolling at Silver Lake College of the Holy Family, where he completed his Bachelor's degree in Choral Music Education. Recognizing the importance of advanced education, he went on to obtain a master's degree in Choral Conducting from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, in 2023.

Throughout his illustrious career, Christopher has demonstrated his versatility and proficiency by collaborating with numerous choirs in both permanent and freelancing capacities. From leading the young talents of "Les Petits Chanteurs de Sainte Trinité" in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to co-conducting the Adleisia Choir in Montreal and with college students as he has shared his passion and expertise as a Course Instructor and Conductor of the McGill Concert Choir, imparting his knowledge and passion to aspiring vocalists and shaping the next generation of musicians. Christopher has showcased his ability to connect with singers of all ages and backgrounds. Christopher presently holds the position of Artistic Director at Hypatia's Voice, a Treble Voice Choir based in Ottawa. Additionally, he is an esteemed conductor on the Artistic team of the Ottawa Children's Choir and Music Director of Le Petit Choeur de Rosemère.

Christopher's remarkable talent extends beyond conducting. In 2018, he was awarded the first prize at the prestigious WCDA Conducting Competition, a testament to his exceptional musical prowess. He has also composed both vocal and instrumental pieces, captivating audiences with his creativity and artistry. Notable performances include works performed by renowned ensembles such as the Philharmonic Orchestra of Holy Trinity Music School, the Lawrence University Cello Ensemble, the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra, and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir.

While Christopher's primary focus lies in choral conducting, he possesses a diverse range of interests and talents. In addition to his baritone vocal abilities, he is an accomplished pianist and violinist. Furthermore, photography is a beloved hobby, allowing him to capture and express his unique world perspective.

Christopher's artistic endeavors have garnered significant recognition and praise. His latest work, a composition commissioned by the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra in Appleton, Wisconsin, premiered in April 2022, captivating audiences with its symphonic grandeur. Additionally, his choral compositions, including "Agnus Dei" and "Sanctus - Benedictus," were published by Cypress Choral Music in the spring of 2022, further solidifying his reputation as a gifted composer.

As Christopher continues to inspire audiences and musicians alike with his extraordinary talent, his unwavering commitment to musical excellence and his passion for the transformative power of choral music remain the driving forces behind his remarkable career.

Robert Durand, a trailblazer in chamber music in Haiti, left an indelible mark on the musical landscape of his homeland. Born in Les Cayes on October 19, 1917, Durand's journey in music began amidst a family of amateur violinists. His innate talent and unwavering dedication propelled him towards the realm of string instruments, ultimately leading him to embrace the cello.

In the vibrant musical hub of Port-au-Prince, Durand, along with his father Gaston and brother Auguste, formed the Durand String Trio. Their musical prowess caught the attention of the Orchestra of the Charles Miot High School of Music, where they collaborated with European instrumentalists seeking refuge during World War II. This collaboration transformed the Durand Trio into a string quartet, marking the beginning of Durand's lifelong commitment to chamber music.

With the addition of renowned musicians such as Richard Einstein and Electo Silva, the quartet evolved into a formidable ensemble, captivating audiences with their innovative interpretations and original compositions. Durand's deep-rooted passion for music extended beyond performance; he was also a prolific composer and arranger, blending Haitian themes with classical influences to create captivating works.

One of Durand's most celebrated compositions is his String Quartet, composed in 1946 as a tribute to Dvorak and Smetana. This masterpiece, characterized by its seamless fusion of classical structure and Haitian thematic elements, garnered widespread acclaim locally and internationally. Its premiere in 1947 at the Haitian-American Institute marked a significant milestone in Durand's career, solidifying his reputation as a composer of exceptional talent.

Throughout his life, Durand remained committed to nurturing young musical talent and promoting Haitian culture through music. His involvement in educational initiatives, including establishing the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Sainte-Trinité School of Music, underscores his enduring legacy as a mentor and advocate for the arts.

In addition to his musical contributions, Durand played a pivotal role in preserving and disseminating Haitian music by founding the Society for Research and Dissemination of Haitian Music. Established in Montreal in 1976, this organization continues to promote Haitian musical heritage through concerts, recordings, and educational initiatives.

Robert Durand's legacy continues to resonate in the hearts of music lovers worldwide. His pioneering spirit and unwavering dedication to his craft have left an indelible imprint on the rich tapestry of Haitian music. As we reflect on his life and contributions, we celebrate a true visionary whose passion and creativity continue to inspire generations to come.

Born in Port-au-Prince on June 3, 1934, Ansy Dérose began his singing career at a young age under the guidance of Mrs. Elizabeth Mahy, a teacher of French vocal technique. After excelling in the interpretation of classical European melodies, he continued his musical studies in Germany successfully, winning competitions and introducing Haitian music throughout Europe.

Ansy Dérose is both a poet, composer, performer, and arranger. Returning to Haiti in 1964, he consolidated his reputation as a performer and composer, recording several successful albums. His major entry onto the international stage was at the "First World Festival of Song" held in Mexico in November 1970, featuring the biggest names in European and South American music, conductors, and arrangers such as Paul Mauriat, Franck Pourcel, Pochio Perez. Among the 70 represented countries, his song "Maria," one of his earliest compositions arranged by Pochio Perez, won the third trophy. This earned him a column on the front page of the official newspaper "Olimpo" of Mexico where it read: "...With Ansy Dérose from Haiti, the chain of European triumphers is broken."

In 1972, he released his first album "Ansy, his Music and his Poetry" and in 1974 "Quo Vadis Terra," both of which enjoyed boundless success. His collaboration with his wife, Yole Ledan Dérose, added an extra dimension to his career, their duo becoming legendary in the Haitian music scene. His LP "Nou vle," released in 1987 before the first presidential elections, is perhaps the most vibrant expression of the Haitian soul.

Ansy Dérose was also active in the field of education, leading the J.B. Damier Vocational School and founding the workshop-school bearing his name. Alongside his musical career, he worked for the recognition of copyright in Haiti, co-founding the National Association of Authors, Composers, and Performers of Music (ANACIM).

His musical career peaked with albums like "Anakaona" and "Haïti Mélodie d'Amour," where his voice and compositions touched the hearts of listeners. He bid farewell to the stage in 1996 but left a lasting legacy in Haitian music. His passing on January 17, 1998, marked the end of a prolific career and the culmination of hard work.

Raoul Guillaume, born on December 7, 1927, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, was destined for a life immersed in music. Born to Siéyès Guillaume and Francesca Hermantin, he inherited a rich musical heritage from his father, a talented trumpeter and the first Haitian mandolinist. His father's influence sparked Raoul's passion for music and set him on a path of musical exploration and innovation.

Growing up, Raoul attended Saint-Louis de Gonzague for both his primary and secondary education. It was here, under the guidance of Brother Léon, that his musical journey truly began. Encouraged by his father, Raoul embraced the alto saxophone and became integral to the school's brass band. During these formative years, he forged lifelong friendships with fellow musicians such as Nono Lamy, Guy Durosier, and Serge Lebon.

As he honed his skills, Raoul found himself drawn to the vibrant music scene of Port-au-Prince. Inspired by the performances of renowned musicians at the Champ de Mars bandstand, he delved deeper into the world of music, exploring various genres and styles.

In 1949, as Port-au-Prince celebrated its Bicentennial, Raoul's passion for music blossomed alongside the city's cultural renaissance. Alongside fellow musicians like Guy Durosier, he sought to preserve and promote Haiti's rich musical heritage, collecting and arranging songs that reflected the nation's soul.

Despite the political turmoil that gripped Haiti in the following years, Raoul remained dedicated to his craft. Forced into exile in New York due to the oppressive regime, he continued to pursue his musical aspirations, forming a group and performing at various venues across the city. However, his outspokenness against the dictatorship led to a violent attack, resulting in a lengthy hospitalization.

Upon his return to Haiti in 1972, Raoul embarked on a mission to revitalize the country's music scene. From operating gas stations to opening his accounting office, he never strayed far from his true passion. He created and directed the National Radio Orchestra, released numerous records, and championed young talent through music competitions sponsored by American Airlines.

Throughout his life, Raoul Guillaume remained committed to his ultimate dream: preserving and promoting Haitian music on a global scale. His compositions, deeply rooted in the rhythms and themes of Haitian life, have been embraced by musicians worldwide. Yet, despite his international acclaim, Raoul's music always belonged to the people—to Haiti and its rich cultural tapestry.

Praised by the Miami Herald for their “impressive maturity and striking melodic distinction”, Sydney Guillaume’s compositions are known to be intricate, challenging and yet highly spirited. They promote human values and are full of heart and passion. Many of his choral works, most with original poetry by his father Gabriel T. Guillaume, have fostered an awareness of the beautiful Haitian culture and continue to serve as an ambassador for his native country. In 2016, he was inducted into the 1804 List of Haitian-American Change Makers, a prestigious list named in honor of Haiti’s year of independence that “recognizes Haitian-Americans in the United States who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and success in their profession and proven themselves to be forces for change in their communities.” In 2017, he was honored by the top music school in Haiti for his “great contribution in the expansion and the promotion of the music and culture of Haiti around the world.”

Guillaume’s compositions have been featured at numerous conferences and international festivals like the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), the World Choir Games and Ireland’s Cork International Choral Festival.

Nearly all of his choral compositions have been commissioned works. He’s written for renowned choirs such as the Grammy-award nominated Seraphic Fire, the Westminster Chorus, the University of Miami Frost Chorale, the Nathaniel Dett Chorale, the Illinois Wesleyan University Collegiate Choir, the Saint Louis Chamber Singers and the Miami Children’s Chorus.

Guillaume also writes film music, having written original film and documentary scores for the Los Angeles based company Loyola Productions.

He is an active member of the choral community as a composer, singer, clinician and conductor. In 2013, he conducted the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 12 Honor Choir and, more recently, the 2017 Connecticut Southern Region Honor Choir. He has also presented at several symposiums and conferences, both domestically and abroad. Most recently, he presented at the 2016 West Virginia ACDA Conference and the FORO CORAL AMERICANO in Argentina.

Since 2013 he has been the conductor of Imbroglio Sextet, a group of musicians from Haiti, Spain, and the United States. The group met in Haiti at the École de Musique St. Trinité summer camp, where they all volunteer as music teachers. As the director of the sextet he has toured through Texas, Louisiana, Armenia, Great Britain and Spain.

His recent activities as conductor also include the 2024 ACDA Southern Region Conference Advanced SATB Honor Choir, the 2022 Georgia All-State Senior Treble Choir, the 2019 Florida All-State Middle School Treble Chorus, the 34th annual Idaho State University Choral Invitational Festival, the 2018 Maine All-State High School Mixed Chorus, an all-Guillaume concert at New York City’s Lincoln Center, the 2018 Virginia District 12 High School Mixed Chorus, and concerts with the Imbroglio Sextet at Carnegie Hall and at the 2018 ISME World Conference in Azerbaijan.

Sydney Guillaume graduated from the University of Miami in 2004, where his works were performed by the Miami University Chorale conducted by Dr. Jo-Michael Scheibe. Originally from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, he currently resides in Portland, Oregon, where he frequently workshops his music with university and high school choirs throughout North America.

John Karly is one of Haiti's youngest composers. He studied cello with Janet Anthony, John Eckstein, and Lindsey Schwartz.  He took double bass lessons with David Einhorn and remote music theory lessons with professor and conductor Robin Fountain from the Blaire School of Music at Vanderbilt University in the United States. He is currently studying music composition with composer Sydney Guillaume. Cellist, bassist, and composer John Karly has composed several orchestral pieces, including Madan Sara, which was performed in Canada by the Crossing Borders Quartet and in the United States by the Utah Symphony.

Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, performer, conductor and composer, Jean (Rudy) Perrault is a sought-after educator/clinician, composer, performer, and conductor, nationally and internationally. His compositions have been commissioned for, and performed by, world famous musicians and ensembles. His latest commissions are a piece for clarinet and djembe entitled “Omaj a Rasin” and a Ballet (Seremoni) for cello and world percussion. Other recent compositions include: “Fallen”, a Duo for Cello and Piano for the Bardin-Niskala-Duo, a work for string orchestra “Sometimes, I Feel…” commissioned by the Northwest Suburban Conference high school orchestra programs (depicting the events surrounding the George Floyd murder), a duo for flute and double bass entitled “Caged” (commissioned for the 2020 National Flute Conference), a piano trio, "We Three Kings", commissioned by the Clayton-Jackson-McGhie Memorial organization (marking the 100th anniversary of the 1920 Duluth lynching), a duo for violin and cello (Dialogues for violin and cello), a duo for cello and hand drum (Peze Kafe), and an arrangement of Ludovic Lamothe’s Danza #4 for violin, cello and hand drum. 

Future projects include setting to music three poems of world-renown author Edwidge Danticat, and a composition for large orchestra entitled "Cognitive Dissonance". For more than a decade, Rudy has been collecting, digitizing, and editing the piano works of Haitian classical composers. His latest compilation: The music of Solon Verret, will soon become available. Rudy’s compositions, compilations and arrangements are distributed through JW Pepper.

He is Professor of Music, and Director of Orchestras, at the University of Minnesota Duluth. He is a frequent judge/panelist at festivals and competitions in all corners of the world. Rudy is a founding member of the Kako Foundation (kakofoundation.com), a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing music to at-risk youth in the US and Haiti. He is a Fulbright Scholar, and the recipient of the 2022 UMD College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS) Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity award.

Dickens Princivil, born on July 19, 1961, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, was destined for a life steeped in music, art, and culture. Coming from a family of four children, Dickens was raised in a household where music and religion held profound importance.

His familial connection to music was evident early, as his grandfather served as a clarinetist in the prestigious National Palace brass band. This legacy inspired Dickens to begin his musical journey as a cellist at seven. Over the years, his dedication and passion for music grew, leading him to master the double bass and electric bass guitar by age fifteen.

Dickens's musical education took him beyond Haiti's borders. Under the auspices of the American Embassy, he pursued training in various fields in the United States. During these ten years, he honed his skills and expanded his musical horizons, laying the foundation for a prolific music career.

In 1989, Dickens married Eveline Grégoire and became the proud father of two children, Leica Ellen and Paul Eddy. Despite his familial responsibilities, Dickens remained deeply committed to his musical pursuits, embarking on a multifaceted career encompassing roles as a musician, singer, professor, author, composer, arranger, and conductor.

Alongside his academic pursuits in architecture, he imparted his knowledge and expertise as a cello and double bass instructor and one of the first Luthier music school graduates. For over forty years, Dickens dedicated himself to the musical section of Sainte Trinité School, where he served as a pillar of the institution's musical legacy, shaping the next generation of musicians.

Dickens's illustrious career saw him perform alongside renowned Haitian musical artists such as Ansy Dérose, Guy Durosier, Raoul Guillaume, and many others. His talents extended beyond instrumental proficiency, as he distinguished himself as a solo singer in esteemed choirs such as La Schola Cantorum, “Voice and Harmony.”

In addition to his performance endeavors, Dickens dedicated himself to music education as a music theory and singing instructor at the National School of Arts in Port-au-Prince. Despite encountering setbacks due to accidents on his left hand, he persevered, devoting himself to composition and mentoring young musicians.

In 2016, Dickens took the helm of his philharmonic orchestra, Melodick, comprising fifty musicians dedicated to showcasing his diverse musical repertoire with 20 varied music concert series. He celebrated his 50-year career and the 50th anniversary of the orchestra in several concerts with many of his pieces, such as Transition, Joyeux Noël, Meditation for flute and chamber orchestra, and Une Voix se tait, a tribute to the soprano Nicole Saint-Victor, who died in 2023. The philharmonic orchestra of Sainte Trinité interpreted these pieces. 

Beyond his musical endeavors, Dickens Princivil's artistic vision extended to photography and architecture. As the founder and director-general of the Musiphotart Cultural Center, he championed the intersection of music and visual arts, fostering cultural exchange and creativity within Haiti's artistic community.

His unwavering commitment to the arts earned him recognition as a cultural ambassador and goodwill ambassador of Port-au-Prince, affirming his enduring impact on Haiti's cultural landscape.

Born in Haiti on February 4, 1945, Julio Racine began his studies in solfeggio and flute at the age of 12. At 15, he entered the National Conservatory where he studied flute with Depestre Salnave and piano with Solon Verrett who were among the greatest haitian musicians at the time.

In 1970, he was awarded a scholarship to continue his studies at the School of Music at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. There, he studied flute with Francis Fuge, principal flautist for Louisville Orchestra and composition with Nelson Keyes, composer and professor of music. Graduating in 1974, he returned to Haiti where he was appointed flute professor and conductor of the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Holy Trinity Music School. With his wife Nina Ralph, a violinist and music teacher, he had 3 children. In 1984, he went on tour in several American cities with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Sainte-Trinité.

In 2000, due to health reasons, Julio Racine left his position and settled in Louisville, Kentucky, where he lived with his family.

In February 2006, he was invited to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) (School of the Arts) as composer-in-residence. On this occasion, the VCU orchestra gave the world premiere of his suite "Regards" under the direction of Haitian conductor Jean Montès.

In 2009, soprano Karine Margron sought his expertise and experience as a composer to collaborate on her project to safeguard and publish the repertoire of Haitian songs. Quickly, he became Musical Director of the project named "Chansons d’Haïti". With motivation and professional rigor, he collaborated on the publication of a collection of 11 music books containing 156 Haitian songs arranged for voice and chords, many of them arranged for voice and piano, and others for voice and orchestra.

In 2010, Julio Racine was invited to participate in the 16th Latin American Music Festival in Caracas, Venezuela. For the occasion, he wrote a Concertino for clarinet for virtuoso clarinetist Jorge Montilla. The work was highly acclaimed at the CASPM festival on Sunday, May 23. (Centro de Acción Social por la Música).

In 2011, Julio composed the Missa Brevis in memory of the earthquake victims. He notably composed: two Essays for piano, a quintet for winds orchestra, a quartet no. 1, the Haitian Suite, Regards, the Tangente au Yanvalou, a Vodou Jazz Sonata, the Sonata for Christine for flute and piano, the Sonata for Cynthia for cello and piano, and a Concertino for clarinet. He also arranged several pieces by other Haitian composers, including: Haiti by Marcel L. Sylvain, Danza no. 4 and La Dangereuse by Ludovic Lamothe, Idylle Paysanne by Micheline L. Denis, Mèsi Bondye, Lan Guinen, Asòtò, and Fi nan bwa by Frantz Casséus. 

Julio Racine passed away peacefully at his home on October 11, 2020.