Daniel Hughes

Daniel Hughes is in constant demand as a conductor, accompanist, coach and choral clinician. He serves as the Artistic Director & Conductor of The Choral Project, a mixed-voice chamber ensemble specializing in dramatic, conceptual performance of high-level choral music from the medieval period to the contemporary. Under his direction The Choral Project has begun to receive international recognition, receiving top prizes in international competitions throughout the world. The ensemble has performed in concert tours to standing ovation crowds in Mexico, Costa Rica, England, Scotland and Wales, as well as at music conventions for the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and the California Music Educators Association (CMEA). The ensemble recently took 1st place in the "Conductor's Choice" round, at the 2007 California International Choral Competition, followed by a 2nd place victory in the "Required Pieces" round, and a 3rd place award in the "Folk Music" round at the same festival. Hughes also brought home a 2nd place award in the "Mixed Choir" competition at the 58th annual International Eisteddfod. At the end of the competition, The Choral Project scored 274 out of 300, receiving the highest individual score of any performing group (95 out of 100) for its performance of Juris Karlsons's virtuosic composition Neslegtais Gredzens, acclaimed by the judges as a "tour de force." The Choral Project has recorded six compact discs, available on the Clarion label. In 2002, the ensemble was invited to represent the State of California at the National Cathedral in Washington DC, as part of the California State Day Celebration Service.

Additionally, Mr. Hughes serves as the Artistic Director of the Silicon Valley Gay Men’s Chorus, an acclaimed organization committed to inspiring our diverse community through musical excellence and collective pride. He is also the Choral Director at the Center for Spiritual Living in San José.

Hughes has directed sessions in voice and conducting for ACDA, CMEA and GALA Choruses, and been a regular adjudicator the California Golden State Choral Competitions. He has conducted honor choirs throughout the west coast. Collaborations include regular performances with the bay area's premier chamber orchestra the San José Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Barbara Day Turner, international performances with well-known ensembles such as Costa Rica's Café Chorale, and creative work with award-winning Broadway composer & lyricist Stephen Schwartz.

Hughes began studying piano at age four and started composing at age eight. He has extensive training in piano and voice, and holds a Master of Arts degree in Conducting from San José State University. Awards include: 1st place (Conductor's Choice Round), 2007 California International Choral Competition; 2nd place (Required Pieces Round), 2007 California International Choral Competition; 3rd place (Folk Category), 2007 California International Choral Competition; 2nd place (Mixed Choir) 58th annual International Eisteddfod; 4th place (Small Ensemble) 35th International Choral Competition in Gorizia, Italy; 2nd place, ACDA National Student Conducting Competition; Christina Cadena Memorial Accompanying Scholarship; California Arts Scholar Awards for piano and composition.

Hughes recently served three terms as the Repertoire & Standards Chair for Community Choirs for the Western Division of the ACDA, and is currently serving as Bay Area Representative for the California ACDA Board. An accomplished composer/arranger, he has a choral series through Santa Barbara Music Publishing. His biography is featured in the 62nd edition of Who's Who in America.

The Choral Project

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