David Kurtenbach

Supports: Matthew Shepard Foundation (erasing hate through embracing human dignity), San Francisco AIDS Foundation

DAVID KURTENBACH, tenor, described in “warm and intimate” performances as having a voice “lined with silver” (Classical Voice) enjoys an active ensemble and solo career, specializing in early music. 

He has appeared as soloist with Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, Bach Collegium San Diego, American Bach Soloists, Conspirare, Oregon Bach Festival, Ensemble VIII, Apollo’s Fire, Magnificat, and Volti. Also a devoted fan of new music, Kurtenbach has premiered works by James MacMillan, Meredith Monk, David Lang, Dave Brubeck, Kirke Mechem, Eric Banks, and Moses Hogan. His recordings may be heard on Innova/Naxos, Koch International, Tonehammer, Pro Organo, and Soli Deo Gloria. 

Also an experienced conductor, David served as Chorus Master and Assistant Conductor at Opera San Jose and Festival Opera, as well as preparing and conducting symphony choruses across the country. As a teacher and lecturer, he taught master classes in voice, choral conducting, and vocal accompanying at Oberlin Conservatory and San Francisco Choral Society. For nine years, he was appointed Instructor of Voice and Music Theory at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, serving as chief music educator for boy choristers and clergy. Exploring a ministry to sacred music, he often served as Conductor, Organist, Cantor, or Officiant for Cathedral services, including conducting a choir of 220 voices for the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church.