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 vocal 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 received international recognition, performing to standing ovation crowds in the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, England, Scotland and Wales. The ensemble has also received top prizes in international competitions throughout the world. They have recorded seven compact discs on the Gothic Records label. Mr. Hughes also serves as the director for two new choirs in The Choral Project musical family: Menharmonics - a men's chorus dedicated to celebrating diversity, creating community, and forming fellowship through quality musical performance; and Amaranth - a small a cappella vocal jazz ensemble specializing in a broad range of styles including contemporary a cappella, world music, and straight-ahead jazz. In addition to his work with The Choral Project choirs, Hughes serves as the Music Director for Los Gatos United Methodist Church.

Hughes has directed sessions in Vocal Pedagogy and Conducting Technique for the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), 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 throughout the west coast. He regularly conducts the San JoseChamber Orchestra and The Choral Project in an annual winter-themed program. Other collaborations include international performances with well-known ensembles such as Costa Rica's CafeChorale, and creative work with award-winning Broadway composer & lyricist Stephen Schwartz. In March of 2009, Hughes made his conducting debut at Avery Fisher Hall, New York, leading 130 singers, and a professional orchestra. He will be returning to Avery Fisher in 2010 to conduct Gabriel Faure's Requiem.

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 from San JoseState University. His 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 competition (58th annual International Eisteddfod); 4th place ~ Small Ensemble Category (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.

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. He is an accomplished composer & arranger, and has his own choral series through Santa Barbara Music Publishing. Mr. Hughes's biography is featured in Who's Who in America. He maintains a private music studio in the Bay Area.

Groups Directed

Choral Project