Dr. Daniel R. Afonso Jr.
About
Dr. Daniel R. Afonso Jr. is the Coordinator of Vocal and Choral Studies at California State University, Stanislaus and has served as conductor of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra Chorus since its foundation in 2001. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he received a B.M.E. degree from the Universidade do Rio de Janeiro, an M.M. degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and a D.M.A. degree in Choral Conducting and Pedagogy from the University of Iowa. He has studied conducting with Carlos Alberto Figueiredo, Cees Rotteveel, Eph Ehly, and William Hatcher. In 1988, he won first prize and the best performance of Villa-Lobos work award at the Concurso Villa-Lobos de Canto Coral, a national choral competition sponsored by the Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro. He is the recipient of the 2020 California Music Educators Association's John Swain College-University Educator Award. As a composer, arranger, and editor of choral music, his works are published by earthsongs, Colla Voce, and Alliance Music Publications, with his choral music heavily influenced by Brazilian folk music performed throughout the Americas, Asia, and Europe.
Education & Qualifications
D.M.A. in Choral Conducting and Pedagogy from University of Iowa; M.M. in Choral Conducting from University of Missouri-Kansas City; B.M.E. from Universidade do Rio de Janeiro