Music Director

Daniel Stern

Dr. Stern has been part of the Boise community for 35 years. A native of Switzerland, he grew up in Rochester, New York, where he earned his bachelor’s degree from the Eastman School of Music. After moving to Oregon, he taught in the Salem, Oregon Public Schools for two years and then entered graduate school at the University of Oregon, where he earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in Music. From 1971 to 1974, he was on the faculty of New Mexico Highlands University as professor of Music. He also performed as a violinist in the University Trio and played in the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra.

Dr. Stern moved to Idaho in 1974 as Music Director of the Boise Philharmonic, a position he held until 1987. During his tenure, the orchestra began the evolution from a community orchestra to the fine professional ensemble it is today. During this time, he also taught at Boise State University and the College of Idaho. In addition, he has conducted numerous performances with Opera Idaho and Ballet Idaho. Recently, he returned to Opera Idaho, conducting Rossini’s Cinderella (La Cenerentola) and to Ballet Idaho, conducting last Fall's production of "Baroque."