David Hagen, Artistic Director/Conductor

David Hagen became artistic director and conductor of the Alaska Chamber Singers (ACS) in 1995, succeeding founder and longtime artistic director Elvera Voth. He has conducted the ACS in such major works as Bach's Magnificat, Christmas Oratorio and numerous motets and cantatas; Bernstein's Chichester Psalms; Faure's Requiem; Haydn's The Creation; Mozart's Mass in C and Requiem; and Poulenc's Gloria. In the fall of 2004 he led a performance of Britten's monumental War Requiem, a joint production with the Anchorage Concert Chorus, Alaska Chamber Singers and Alaska Children's Choir.  

Hagen served as Chorus Master with Anchorage Opera for several seasons, preparing such works as Carmen, Die Fledermaus, Romeo et Juliette and Sweeney Todd. From 1990 to 1994, he served as general director of Anchorage Festival of Music. He was founder and music director of "AVE", a vocal ensemble that performed with much acclaim in Anchorage in the 1990's. Having grown up in Anchorage, Hagen received his earliest musical training in the Anchorage School District, performing in such ensembles as the Service High Symphonic Band and the Anchorage Youth Symphony.  

Hagen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from George Fox University and a Master of Music degree in choral conducting from the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. In 2007 he was awarded the Anchorage Mayor's Arts Award for Outstanding Individual Artist. Hagen is a music teacher in the Anchorage School District and served as ASD's Music Curriculum Coordinator for two years. His many compositions for beginning band are regularly heard at local band festivals. Hagen has served as choir director at a number of local churches.