معرفی
Cristian Grases is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Choral & Sacred Music at the University of Southern California, where he has served since Fall 2010. As a conductor, he leads the USC Thornton Concert Choir and specializes in choral music, conducting pedagogy, Latin American repertoire, and sacred compositions.
Education:
- Master of Music (MM), Simón Bolívar University, Caracas, Venezuela
- Doctorate in Musical Arts (DMA), University of Miami
Dr. Grases’ research focuses on expanding Latin American and Caribbean choral traditions through performance, composition, and editorial projects. His work includes founding the Choral Music of Latin America and the Caribbean series (Gentry Publications, 2013) and serving as Artistic Director for ensembles like Meritage Vocal Arts Ensemble.
Professional roles include interim director of choral activities at Central Washington University, assistant professor at California State University, Los Angeles, and national coordinator of choirs for EL SISTEMA in Venezuela. He has conducted internationally, including at the World Choral Symposia in Denmark, Argentina, and South Korea, and led sessions at ACDA conventions across the Americas.
Leadership affiliations
- Vice-President, International Federation for Choral Music (2008–present, Latin America/Caribbean)
- Former Chair, Ethnic Music Repertoire and Resources Committee (ACDA Western Division, 2009–2018)
- Editorial Board Member, International Choral Bulletin (2005–present)
- Founding Artistic Director, Esperanza Azteca Los Angeles Orchestra and Amazonia Ensemble
His compositions have been commissioned by organizations like the Piedmont Children’s Chorus and performed by ensembles such as the Los Angeles Master Chorale. He also served as assistant conductor for the Miami Symphony Orchestra and conductor of the Young Musician’s Orchestra.
