David Morales

David Morales, Artistic Director, founded Cantare Con Vivo in 1987. He conducts the 100-vioice Cantare Chorale and 25-voice Chamber Ensemble.

David is widely recognized for his outstanding choral ensembles. With 52 years of professional conducting experience, he has conducted numerous performances featuring choirs of over 100 voices with full orchestra, and also has directed ensembles of select voices performing music in traditional, contemporary and various ethnic styles. His choirs have been featured at both national and regional American Choral Directors Association conventions and on national television.

David earned his Master’s Degree in Choral Music in 1973 at the University of Southern California, while studying with the acclaimed director Dr. Charles C. Hirt. In 2003 David received a Doctor of Ministry Degree from the University of Creation Spirituality in Oakland.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, David founded his first community chorus at age 19. He moved to the Bay Area in 1974 to establish the Oakland Youth Chorus and later served as Minister of Music at First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley and Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, developing well-renowned, highly successful music programs at each.

Now in his thirty-sixth season with Cantare, David continues to delight audiences with performances of uncompromising quality and beauty. He knows how to coax the best performances from emerging and experienced singers in preparing vocalists to sing difficult works at proficient levels of excellence. He inspires singers to trust his leadership by giving their utmost to the music, both technically and personally. His vision, experience, expertise, musical talent, and conducting aplomb have served as a steady, guiding force for Cantare’s success. Above all else, people (both singers and listeners) are the central focus of his musical leadership.

In May 2022, David was the recipient of the Jefferson Service Award, recognized in the Bay Area for building communities with inspiration and innovation in contributing to a better future for those around them.

In his own words:

“Music conveys a message that goes well beyond spoken words, one which quickly puts us deeply in touch with what we believe, what we feel and who we are. We can't be quite as eloquent without it."