Sound Check

Educational Concerts

Community Outreach

Youth Orchestra

MSO Chorus

Modesto Symphony Orchestra Chorus 

Formed in 2001, the Modesto Symphony Chorus, is comprised of over 110 singers of all ages and experience from around the region. Under the skillful and inspiring direction of Dr. Daniel R. Afonso, Jr. The MSO Chorus engages in weekly rehearsals throughout the season in preparation for various performances with the Modesto Symphony Orchestra.
 

Artistic Excellence 

Daniel R. Afonso, Jr., who was appointed chorus director of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra Chorus in 2001, is the Director of Vocal and Choral Studies at California State University, Stanislaus. He received a B.M.E. degree from the Universidade do Rio de Janeiro (UNI-Rio), a M.M. degree in Choral Conducting  from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and a D.M.A. degree in Choral Conducting and Pedagogy from the University of Iowa. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Dr. Afonso has studied conducting with Carlos Alberto Figueiredo, Cees Rotteveel, Eph Ehly and William Hatcher.

Dr. Afonso has performed with choral groups in Brazil, the United States and Europe, and previously taught music at the Conservatório Brasileiro de Música, Universidade do Rio de Janeiro (UNI-Rio) and Doane College, Nebraska. In 1988 his ensemble won the first prize and the best performance of Villa-Lobos work award at the Concurso Villa-Lobos de Canto Coral, a national choral competition sponsored by the Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro.

Strongly committed to the performance of new music, Dr. Afonso has premiered several choral works in the last few years, including compositions by Michael Mitchell, Deborah Kavasch, John Marvin and John Hillebrandt. As a composer, arranger and editor of choral music, he has works published by earthsongs and Alliance Music Publications. Dr, Afonso has been recognized for his research and performance of Brazilian choral music and continues to present workshops and lectures about the Latin American choral repertoire.

Dr. Afonso is active as a voice instructor, clinician, and guest conductor. His professional affiliations include the Ordem dos Músicos do Brasil, the International Federation for Choral Music, the American Choral Directors Association, Chorus America, the National Association of Teachers of Singing, and the National Association for Music Education (MENC and CMEA).

Rehearsal Schedule

 2010-11 Chorus Calendar