Meet Our Artistic Director

 Timothy Accurso, Artistic Director

Tim Accurso is originally from Glen Lyon, Pennsylvania, and moved to Santa Barbara in the fall of 2018. Having always been passionate about singing, piano, and collaboration, Tim found his home in choir, musical theater, and eventually opera throughout high school and into college. Tim holds a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal and Piano Performance from Susquehanna University and a Master’s degree in Vocal Coaching and Accompanying from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where he studied with Dr. Julie Jordan Gunn. After graduation, he pursued a career in the opera industry and entered the Resident Artist Program at Utah Opera in Salt Lake City. In addition to his work at Utah Opera, Tim also worked on music staff at Opera Saratoga, the Seagle Music Colony, and Palm Beach Opera. In the fall of 2018 he was appointed Principal Pianist & Music Administrator at Opera Santa Barbara where he remains today. In his work with Opera Santa Barbara, he plays all mainstage rehearsals, serves as chorus master of the Opera Santa Barbara chorus, directs the Chrisman Studio Artist program for emerging singers, and performs in community concerts throughout Santa Barbara and the central coast. 

Tim is thrilled to named the Artistic Director for the Santa Barbara Gay Men’s Chorus! Returning to choral work has been a true joy and a reminder of the special magic that comes with group singing. Through music we can build community and spread so much joy. Tim currently lives in Santa Barbara with his boyfriend, Ediben, and their two dogs, Axel and Tanner. Although music occupies most of his time, Tim also enjoys exploring the Santa Barbara food and wine scene and watching scary movies.