Bach Collegium San Diego’s Ruben Valenzuela Honored by Chorus America

Photo: Ruben Valenzuela / Bach Collegium

Photo: Gary Payne Photography.

Chorus America has announced the recipients of its 2020 awards program, recognizing a broad range of achievements in choral music, including artistic excellence, adventurous programming, innovative education programs, and lifetime service to the choral art. Ruben Valenzuela, Artistic Director of Bach Collegium San Diego  has been awarded the Louis Botto Award for Innovative Action and Entrepreneurial Zeal. 

“Through their outstanding work, these award-winners are lifting the choral field to new heights of artistry and service,” said president and CEO Catherine Dehoney. "Chorus America is delighted to recognize these accomplishments, and hope they provide inspiration and encouragement during this time of crisis and in brighter days to come.” “I proudly share this recognition with all of the amazing musicians that make up the Bach Collegium San Diego family,” says Valenzuela. 

The Louis Botto Award for Innovative Action and Entrepreneurial Zeal was established in memory of Louis Botto for his artistry, selfless service to the choral art, and entrepreneurial spirit in founding the renowned men’s vocal ensemble Chanticleer. The award is given periodically to a mid-career choral leader who, through his or her work with a member ensemble of Chorus America, has demonstrated innovative action and entrepreneurial zeal in developing a professional or professional-core choral ensemble.

In naming Ruben Valenzuela as its 2020 recipient of the Botto Award, Chorus America noted, "Valenzuela has worked tirelessly to make professional early choral music a vibrant part of the San Diego community. Establishing Bach Collegium San Diego in 2003, Valenzuela has steadily expanded the musical activities and capacity of the organization through a focused vision and a commitment to developing a savvy presence both locally and digitally. The Collegium’s engagements have provided many different entry points for community members, gained international attention through recordings and social media, and often allowed its audiences to hear the first historically-informed performances of the works of Bach and his contemporaries in San Diego.”

Chorus America is the advocacy, research, and leadership development organization that advances the choral field. It supports and serves choral conductors, administrators, board members, and singers with tools, training, peer networking, and access so that choruses are better able to contribute to their communities.

https://bachcollegiumsd.org/