Daniel Hughes

Music Director

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 music conventions for the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and the California Music Educators Association (CMEA). In 2002, The Choral Project was invited to represent the State of California at the National Cathedral in Washington DC, as part of the California State Day Celebration Service. They have recorded six compact discs available through the Clarion label. 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.

Hughes has directed sessions in Vocal Pedagogy and Conducting Technique 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. Recent musical collaborations include ventures with Barbara Day Turner (San José Chamber Orchestra), 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 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 José State University. His awards include: 1st place in the Conductor’s Choice Round at the 2007 California International Choral Competition; 2nd place in the Required Pieces Round at the 2007 California International Choral Competition; 3rd place in the Folk Category at the 2007 California International Choral Competition; 2nd place in the Mixed Choir competition at the 58th annual International Eisteddfod; 4th place in the 35th International Choral Competition in Gorizia, Italy; the second place award in the 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 the 62nd edition of Who’s Who in America.