Following an extensive nationwide search, the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida has hired Harold G. Dioquino as its conductor and artistic director.

The assistant conductor of the 175-member chorus since its founding six years ago, he has been the interim director since last summer.
“While the search generated dozens of responses from highly qualified candidates from 13 different states, we discovered that our next great artistic leader was right in our own backyard,” said Mark Kent, the chorus’ executive director. “It was an intense process that yielded an amazing result.

“Harold Dioquino has taken the chorus to new heights during his tenure as interim conductor. Our audiences are raving about his programming, and the chorus members themselves love the vocal technique he is infusing into their work.”
Dioquino brings more than 25 years of experience in all phases of musical performance, including rehearsing, conducting, arranging for both vocal and instrumental parts, programming, and research.

In addition to his position with the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, Dioquino is the music director of South Florida’s acclaimed Dinggin Choir and director of music at the Church by the Sea in Bal Harbour.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in music from the Philippines’ University of the Immaculate Conception, where he was a member of the music faculty following graduation.

From 1993 to 2000, he was assistant conductor and pianist for the Himig Singers, one of the Philippines’ premier choruses. During his tenure, the chorus toured extensively in Europe and North America, winning numerous prestigious music competitions.