New choir director, Dr. Arturo Ortega
Jennifer Rahn
The Robson Ranch Music Club is proud to announce the selection of its new choir director. Dr. Arturo Ortega assumes this position beginning June 1, 2015. Dr. Ortega is an adjunct professor at UNT. He is responsible for the acquisition and processing of the university’s music library. In this capacity Dr. Ortega provides reference services on music-related subjects in several different languages. Dr. Ortega’s connection with UNT began when he entered undergraduate school there in the mid-nineties. He went on to acquire both his masters and doctoral degrees at the University of North Texas. As Dr. Ortega jokingly says, “He is the guest who came and never left.”
While Dr. Ortega is classically trained as both a pianist and percussionist, his first love is orchestral conducting. He made his professional debut in conducting at the age of 20. Dr. Ortega has enjoyed guest conducting positions throughout the United States, Mexico, South America and Europe. He has worked with such notable singers as Placido Domingo and Marilyn Horne.
Dr. Ortega is committed to bringing the arts to the local community. In this capacity he has worked with many regional theaters to present musicals and cantatas. His recent direction of the Denton Music Theatre’s production of Les Miserables was widely acclaimed. When working with community groups, Dr. Ortega is completely involved in the preparation of cast members, soloists and choruses.
The Music Club is pleased and excited to have such a capable and engaging musician and director to work with our choir. The Robson community will have its first opportunity to see Dr. Ortega at work at the Veterans Day concerts on November 11. We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.