“Music can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable."
– Leonard Bernstein

Our History

 The Santa Barbara Master Chorale was formed in 1984 to perform major works, primarily in the oratorio tradition. Phillip McLendon, our inspiring and inspired first Music Director, led the Chorale for over two decades through an impressive body of work.

Dr. Steven Hodson carried forward this Santa Barbara tradition from 2007 to 2o21 as Artistic Director and Conductor, and Erin Bonski-Evans served as Associate Conductor from 2010 to 2019. leading the group for several beautiful and varied concerts.

Our current Artistic Director and Conductor is Dr. David Lozano Torres, who continues to grow the Chorale's creativity and excellence through choral masterpieces for our audiences.