About Us
vox humana sf
We are a dynamic professional chorus dedicated to celebrating the beauty and power of the human voice within the vibrant and diverse cultural landscape of San Francisco. Our ensemble is known for its versatility and excellence, specializing in a wide range of choral music that spans centuries and genres. From the timeless masterpieces of the classical repertoire to the cutting-edge compositions of contemporary composers, we strive to offer performances that are both artistically enriching and emotionally compelling.
Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our meticulous preparation and the high standard of our performances. We are passionate about presenting the finest in traditional choral music, breathing new life into beloved works. At the same time, we are deeply invested in the future of choral music, actively commissioning and performing new works by living composers. This dedication to innovation and creativity ensures that our programs are always fresh, engaging, and relevant.
We believe that choral music has the power to inspire, uplift, and bring people together. As such, we are dedicated to making our performances accessible to a wide audience, fostering a deep connection with our community. Through our concerts and collaborative projects, we aim to enrich the cultural fabric of San Francisco and beyond.
In everything we do, we strive to create a transformative experience for our audiences, celebrating the profound emotional and expressive potential of the human voice. Our chorus is not just a performing ensemble; it is a vibrant community of artists committed to sharing the joy and beauty of choral music with the world.
don scott carpenter
Founder and General Director
San Francisco-based composer, conductor, and organist Don Scott Carpenter is the Founder and General Director of Vox Humana SF and the Director of Music, Administration, and Engagement at Lakeside Presbyterian Church. He is the former Executive Director of the American Bach Soloists, Music Director of San Francisco Renaissance Voices. Before moving to the Bay Area, he was General Director of the Santa Fe Desert Chorale and Artistic/Executive Director of the Louisville Youth Choir. He has also been on the faculties of Bellarmine University and the University of Louisville and a lecturer in worship at Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. He has served as Principal Organist/Artist-in-Residence of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Music Director of the Temple Adath Israel B’rith Shalom and Organist/Director of Worship at Second Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Kentucky.
Mr. Carpenter holds the Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Louisville School of Music and the Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance. His choirs have been heard throughout the United States and Europe including performances at the Dom in Salzburg, Votivkirche in Vienna, and Carnegie Hall in New York City. He has prepared choruses for world premiere performances of operas, prepared choruses for major works with orchestras, and for touring Broadway musicals. As an advocate for new music, he has commissioned and conducted world premieres by several composers. Shalom, his debut album, celebrating the rich Jewish choral tradition, recorded live in performance with the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, can be heard on the White Tie label. Subsequent recordings —O Sing Joyfully and Passion—with San Francisco Renaissance Voices can be found your favorite streaming services. His first book The Worshipping Church: Generation? is due to be released at the end of 2024. Mr. Carpenter is a member of the American Choral Directors Association; the American Guild of Organists; the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers; Chorus America; and Early Music America. donscottcarpenter.com
Sam Faustine
Assistant Music Director
Sam Faustine, a San Francisco born-and-raised musician and singer, performs a wide-variety of genres ranging from Baroque Opera to Modern Musical Theatre. Last season, he was a member of the first National Tour of Broadway’s A Christmas Carol and made his third appearance as a soloist with the San Francisco Symphony performing as the Roasted Swan in Carmina Burana.
Sam has appeared in Europe, China, and across the US in roles such as Anthony in Sweeney Todd, Tony in West Side Story, Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, Curly in Oklahoma!, and Candide in Candide.
In addition to his staged-performance career, Sam sings with many Sacred Music and Choral ensembles across the country, most notably the internationally touring; Byrd Ensemble. When not performing classical music and music theatre, Sam plays in a QUEEN cover band impersonating Freddie Mercury.