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 — an internationally award-winning mixed-voice ensemble specializing in dramatic, conceptual performance of high-level choral music from the medieval period to the contemporary, as well as ethnic and multicultural repertoire. The choir’s vision is “to transform and heal through music and words,” and their mission is “to connect to one another through choral theater, education and musical excellence.” Under his direction The Choral Project has received worldwide recognition, performing to standing ovation crowds in the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, England, Scotland, Wales, and Spain. The ensemble has also received top prizes in international competitions throughout the world. They have recorded seven compact discs on the Gothic Records label. In addition to his work with San José Choral Productions, Mr. Hughes also serves as the Chancel Choir Director for Los Altos United Methodist Church, in Los Altos, CA — a 2,500 member, multi-staff church that features two adult choirs, two youth choirs, two children’s choirs, and a resident orchestra. Hughes has directed many sessions in Vocal Pedagogy and Conducting Technique for the American Choral Directors Association, the American Guild of Organists, the California Music Educators’ Association, and GALA Choruses. He has been a regular adjudicator for the California Golden State Choral Competitions, and has conducted honor choirs and festival choruses throughout the west coast. Collaborations include international performances with well-known ensembles such as Canadian Brass, Costa Rica’s Café Chorale, The Australian Voices, the critically-acclaimed San José Chamber Orchestra, and creative work with award-winning Broadway composer & lyricist Stephen Schwartz. Hughes’s concert appearances include performances at Lincoln Center (New York City), Caulkins Opera House (Denver), Gusman Concert Hall (Miami), and Davies Symphony Hall (San Francisco). He will be conducting a joint concert in February 2016 with The Choral Project and the world-famous vocal ensemble The King’s Singers. Hughes began studying piano and composition at the age of four. He has extensive training in piano and voice, and holds a Master of Arts degree in Conducting. 1st place (Conductor’s Choice Round), 2nd place (Required Pieces Round), and 3rd place (Folk Music Round) at the 2007 California International Choral Competition); 2nd place (Mixed Choir competition) at the 58th annual International Eisteddfod, Wales; 4th place (Small Ensemble Category) at the 35th International Choral Competition, Gorizia, Italy; the 2nd place award (ACDA National Student Conducting Competition); the Christina Cadena Memorial Accompanying Scholarship; and the California Arts Scholar Awards for piano and composition. He is also a recipient of Arts Council Silicon Valley’s 2013 Artist’s Laureate Award (“On Stage” category), The American Prize Award for Choral Direction, and a 2010 Silicon Valley Arts & Business Award for 20+ years of excellence in the arts in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is an accomplished composer and arranger with a catalogue of nearly 100 works. His works are published through Santa Barbara Music Publishing, Gentry Publications, National Music Publishing, and earthsongs. Mr. Hughes’s biography is featured in "Who’s Who in America." He maintains a private music studio in the Bay Area.
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