Seasoned leader at helm of Petaluma Chorale

Cyril Deaconoff, a Russian-born American composer, conductor, pianist and organist, has always been surrounded with the sounds of music.|

Cyril Deaconoff, a Russian-born American composer, conductor, pianist and organist, has always been surrounded with the sounds of music.

Deaconoff, who began his tenure as the new director of the Petaluma Chorale on this January, said music has long been a part of his life and his parents, while not professionals, played music for their own enjoyment.

“When I was growing up (in Russia), everyone was expected to learn how to play the piano,” he said, adding that he proved to be talented enough to gain entrance to a prestigious specialized music school for children. “I discovered that I was good at (music) and I fell in love with it.”

After obtaining his master’s degree in composition and choral conducting from Moscow State Tschaikovsky Conservatory in 2006, Deaconoff traveled to the United States, where he enrolled in Indiana University to obtain his doctorate degree in conducting. It was also during this time that he switched from piano to organ as a favored instrument.

Deaconoff, 42, said he received several job offers after completing his studies, ultimately accepting an organist position at St. John’s Presbyterian Church in San Francisco. He has also held posts as the assistant conductor for the Symphony Silicon Valley Chorale and the artistic director of the Vallejo Choral Society.

An active composer as well as conductor, Deaconoff’s first album, “A Bridge of Hope” was released in 2009 and his new opera, “The Last Tycoon,” was presented in a workshop performance in November 2011 by the West Bay Opera of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Deaconoff said his interest in religion and philosophy influences his tastes in music, which ranges from sacred music to Broadway and show tunes to jazz and blues.

“All my feelings are in music, and I love choral music because it is all about community interaction,” Deaconoff said. “Studying music, learning about music and being excited about it bring people together, and then when you add in the audience, you’re able to convey all that excitement to the listeners, who then impart their excitement back to the performers.”

In addition to leading the 40-or-so voices of the Petaluma Chorale, he also teaches the Santa Rosa Junior College’s “Petaluma Chorale: Mixed Vocal Ensemble” class once a week in Petaluma and acts as the artistic director for the Voices of Silicon Valley.

He says he enjoys his work so much that he cheerfully endures a lengthy bus commute from Oakland to Petaluma to conduct the class and rehearsals for the Chorale’s upcoming spring concert, which will be held at 3 p.m. May 21 at the Petaluma Valley Baptist Church.

“For me, the rehearsals are a lot of fun, both for the singers and for the audience,” he said.

Deaconoff said the group will be performing some of his “most favorite songs” from the Big Band Era such as “Begin the Beguine,” plus gospel and spirituals.

“We’re demonstrating the spiritual struggle of people to break through their differences and find their sense of place within their community,” he said. “The concert is three parts inspiration and a lot of hard work.”

Admission to the concert is $12 for adults; $10 for seniors and students, and free for children under 12 accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available at the door or from chorale members.

(Contact Lynn Schnitzer at argus@arguscourier.com)

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