“I work in an industry that doesn’t have a lot of stability, and I’ve managed to make a career for myself. I was pretty pragmatic and decided that I would pursue my dream, but I also tried to be realistic about my choices, too. I’ve considered other potential career paths, but luckily have been able to develop my skills and find stable work in my field. Following my passions have led me to this point in my life and I’ve shown that the arts can be a viable profession (albeit difficult).
A lot of my work is coaching young artists in the field and also doing educational programming in schools. I help teach students about opera and also help develop the talents of young artists (ages 20-35, mostly) in the hopes to help them fine tune their craft and find more work opportunities. I also recently became the Artistic Director of the Santa Barbara Gay Men’s chorus. I’ve only just begun my tenure in this position, but I’m hoping I will be able to promote visibility and acceptance in the LGBT community here in my city, while giving gay men an artistic outlet to have their voices heard.
At the opera, I do a little bit of everything. Mostly, I play the piano for every rehearsal and performance. I also work with our young artists in coaching and preparing them for all company assignments and for their individual work and growth. I also manage a lot of administrative aspects of the opera including contracting our orchestra and chorus, coordinating licensing agreements, and helping to research and cast our season of work. At the Gay Men’s Chorus, I am the conductor and program the concerts, run rehearsals, and help coordinate community programming in collaboration with our board of directors.
I work in a very collaborative field. It’s important to bring a strong sense of self to your work while also expressing a lot of empathy for others. The only way forward is together. It’s ok to ask for help and to learn from others. Life and learning never stops; don’t let an ego get in the way of you growing and moving forward.”
Special note from Timothy: I’d like to thank all of my amazing teachers from GNA who have pushed and encouraged me to be the best version of myself, not only as a musician, but as a person. Special thanks to my music and drama teachers over the years: Ellen Rutkowski, Karen and Bruce Phair, Nancy Evans, and Brad Bunnell. These teachers instilled a passion and respect for music that I carry with me always!
Timothy Accurso, 2009
Principal Pianist & Director of the Chrisman Studio Program at Opera Santa Barbara (since 2018), Artistic Director of the Santa Barbara Gay Men’s Chorus (since October 2022)
