SAN DIEGO MASTER CHORALE APPOINTS DR. RAMON CARDENAS AS ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR
SAN DIEGO, CA — The San Diego Master Chorale is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ramon Cardenas as its new Assistant Conductor.
Dr. Cardenas joins the Chorale while also serving at San Diego State University, where he is Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education. At SDSU, he teaches courses in music education and conducting, including Choral Practicum and Choral Literature, and leads the 60-voice University Choir.
A conductor-educator, pianist, and baritone, Dr. Cardenas brings a dynamic blend of academic rigor and artistic vitality to his work. He holds a PhD in Music Education from Florida State University and is widely recognized for his passion for teaching and collaborative music-making.
“We’re so excited to welcome Ramon into the San Diego Master Chorale family,” said John K. Russell, Music Director of the San Diego Master Chorale. “He brings not only incredible musicianship, but a warmth and generosity of spirit that will resonate with our singers and community. I know he’s going to make a meaningful impact right away.”
Dr. Cardenas’s research explores diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in music education, preservice teacher preparation, the intersection of music and fitness, and identity formation in musical spaces. His work has been presented at regional, national, and international conferences and published in journals including Florida Music Educator, Visions of Research in Music Education, and Update: Applications of Research in Music Education.
Prior to his graduate studies, Dr. Cardenas taught high school choral music and served as a music director at several churches throughout Southern California. In addition to his academic work, he remains active as a conductor, clinician, pianist, and singer-songwriter.
Dr. Cardenas will begin his role with the San Diego Master Chorale on April 20, joining the organization in anticipation of its final concert of the season, Americana. As Assistant Conductor, he will serve as a key artistic partner to the Music Director, supporting rehearsals and performances while helping to uphold the Chorale’s musical excellence and artistic integrity. He will play an active role in rehearsal leadership, auditions, and artistic coordination, supporting singers across the ensemble.
For more information about the San Diego Master Chorale and upcoming performances, visit sdmasterchorale.org
ABOUT SAN DIEGO MASTER CHORALE
Since 1961, the San Diego Master Chorale has presented inspiring and exhilarating performances throughout San Diego County. Featuring 135 of the region’s finest singers, the Chorale performs classical masterworks, new music by contemporary composers, and diverse works under the direction of Music Director John K. Russell.
Each year, the SD Master Chorale reaches tens of thousands of listeners, both on stage and off, through live performances across San Diego including collaborations with the San Diego Symphony and Mainly Mozart Festival, and through broadcasts on San Diego’s NPR station, KPBS. The mission of SD Master Chorale is to connect all people to the joy of professional-caliber live choral music and enrich lives by sharing what we have in common — our voice. For more, visit sdmasterchorale.org.