Jacob Stensberg has been hired as the new Artistic Director of San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, following an extensive nationwide search. Stensberg succeeds Dr. Timothy Seelig, who will retire at the conclusion of the chorus' 44th season in July 2022.
Stensberg most recently worked at Purdue University's vocal music department as Assistant Director of the Purduettes and University Choir, and Director of the Chamber Choir, All-Campus and Community Chorale, and the PMO Kids Choir.
"We set out to find an artistic leader who could build on the monumental accomplishments and artistic excellence Dr. Tim Seelig has helped San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus achieve," said Executive Director Chris Verdugo in a press statement. "We are extremely fortunate to attract someone with Jacob's deep knowledge of vocal arts and musical theater, and proven commitment to his community. His enthusiasm and exuberance are contagious. I look forward to introducing him to the San Francisco Bay Area."
"On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am delighted to welcome Jacob Stensberg as SFGMC's next Artistic Director," said Board of Directors Chair Glenn DeSandre. "His passionate commitment to social justice, advocacy, and the amplification of marginalized voices coupled with his creative artistic vision and choral pedagogy make him the ideal candidate to lead SFGMC into the future."
Originally from Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, Stensberg received his Bachelor of Music Education in Vocal Music at Carroll University and went on to receive his Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Butler University. Since then, he has been recognized with numerous awards and grants for his leadership in conducting, program development, and intercultural competency and research.
Prior to his role at Purdue University, Stensberg served the Indianapolis community through his musical direction of productions of The Rocky Horror Show, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame.
William Griffel, Director of Purdue Musical Organizations, offered a parting tribute. "Jacob Stensberg made an immediate impact on our program at Purdue Musical Organizations when he arrived on campus with his visionary programming, innovative choral pedagogy," he wrote. "His infectious zeal for positive interactions with everyone he meets. I am so proud to call him a friend and colleague and I look forward to seeing Jacob thrive in this new chapter of his career."
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