Beginnings...

Meistersingers was formed in Orange County, California, in 2000 as a response to the growing demand for quality choral music performance. Created to be a chamber ensemble specializing in the most demanding classical choral works, Meistersingers maintains high standards in literature and chooses outstanding performance venues with beauty and elegance equal to the music. Believing that choral music is one of the most profound resources for the elevation of the human spirit and committed to enriching community life, Meistersingers has always offered inspiring and educational performances of the highest quality at no cost to the public. The group is made entirely of volunteers who make a commitment of time and effort rivaling that of the best ensembles in the country. They are consistently rewarded with high praise from audiences and a growing anticipation for future projects. With two highly successful recordings to their credit as well as invitations to perform all over the world they are quickly becoming recognized as a major ensemble in the choral world.

Brian Dehn - Conductor

Brian Dehn, conductor, has worked extensively with choirs and orchestras throughout California and the Western United States. He has conducted ensembles throughout Italy, Australia, and Eastern Europe in some of the world's most remarkable venues including the Sistine Chapel, St. Mark's in Venice, St. Peter's and St. Ignatius in Rome, the Berliner Dom, St. Mathias in Budapest, St. Tomaskircke in Vienna, the Benedetto Marcello Conservatory in Florence, and St. Mary's Cathedral in Sydney.

Mr. Dehn formed Meistersingers, a 32-voice chamber choir, in the summer of 2000. One of the most proficient ensembles in Southern California, Meistersingers has consistently garnered tremendous praise from audiences and critics alike performing some of the most demanding choral music. He also formed, in 2002, the 100+ voice Orange County Catholic Chorale as a masterworks chorus that has now blossomed into one of the most exciting choruses in the area. The chorus performs with full orchestra as it presents many of the masterpieces found in the choral/orchestral literature.

He is currently music instructor at Cornelia Connelly High School in Anaheim, CA where all of his ensembles have performed all over Southern California, never receiving any less than 'Superior' ratings at each festival they attend. They have toured extensively including New York, Italy and China. Mr. Dehn also serves, recently completing his fifth year, on the faculty of the summer program of the Idyllwild School of the Arts.

As an accomplished tenor soloist, Mr. Dehn has performed in Disney Hall, Chicago Symphony Hall, and for many excellent choruses such as the William Hall Chorale, Pasadena Pro Musica, The New Century Singers, The California Women's Chorus, as well as soloist for numerous colleges and churches throughout the region. He is an accomplished ensemble singer in his own right frequently performing with DeAngelis Vocal Ensemble and also the Los Angeles Master Chorale under the direction of Grant Gershon.

Mr. Dehn is a member of many music organizations including the American Choral Directors Association, International Federation of Choral Music, Music Educators National Conference, California Music Educators Association, Chorus America, and the National Association of Church Music where he served as board member for Church Literature. He currently lives in Southern California with his wife, Chelsea and their two sons, Ethan Michael and Caleb Lawrence.

Meet the Ensemble

If you are interested in joining this phenomenal team of musicians, submit an audition form.