The Canto Bello Chorale was founded in the Spring of 1982 by Director/Conductor Refugio (Ernie) Gomez and a small group of fifteen singers who wanted to keep alive the performance of choral works by major composers, as well as good chorale singing for smaller ensembles.  The chorale also presents every year one or two specialty concerts such as the Mariachi concert and the Broadway/Opera concert from last year.  The Canto Bello Chorale has presented the works of Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Durufle, Faure, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Puccini, Rutter, Schubert, Bruckner and Vivaldi as well as many others.  The Canto Bello Chorale always strives to bring together the best in soloists and orchestra.  We hire the Inland Empire Symphony for many of our concerts and also regularly perform for many major forums including the Los Angeles Opera.  The Canto Bello Master Chorale continues to grow as a performing organization. Last season the chorale had 42 members and anticipates continued growth this season. The Canto Bello Master Chorale has a continuing commitment to provide the City of San Bernardino and the Inland Empire with the best in chorale performance.

Maestro Refugio Gomez - Founding Director/Conductor

Maestro Refugio (Ernie) Gomez has been the director/conductor of the Canto Bello Chorale since founding the organization in Spring 1982.  Maestro Gomez earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Music, with a major in vocal music and piano, and a minor in composition from California State University, Los Angeles.  Maestro Gomez has performed as soloist with the Inland Empire Symphony for Sinfonia Mexicana concerts.  He has performed with the William Hall Chorale (currently the Master Chorale of Orange County) and since Summer 1995 has performed with the California State University, Los Angeles' Schola Cantorum.  Maestro Gomez was guest conductor of the Inland Empire Symphony in 1993.  At the end of the 1998/1999 season, Maestro Gomez handed the directorship to Dr. Robb Dennis.  Maestro Gomez will remain active in the master chorale and will spend time in composition and arrangement.

Conductor/Music Director

E. Earl Richards II is a dynamic chorale conductor, clinician, and adjudicator.  Dr. Richards is in his fourth season as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Canto Bello Chorale.  Dr. Richards is the Director of Chorale Studies at La Sierra University.  In addition to his teaching assignments, he is the conductor of the La Sierra University Chorale and La Sierra University Chamber Singers.  He has been featured as a guest conductor for the Crystal Cathedral 'Hour of Power' broadcast and is recognized for his intensity, passionate interpretation, and energy.  Dr. Richards has appeared with choruses and instrumental ensembles across the United States and has recorded with the United States Air Force Golden band of the West.  His groups have sung with the Riverside Philharmonic, the San Bernardino Symphony, the La Sierra University Symphony, and have been featured at the Los Angeles Music Center and Carnegie Hall.  Dr. Richards has studied extensively with Donald Neuen and has worked as his assistant conductor and teaching assistant.  His Master's degree and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees were earned at the University of california, Los Angeles, in Chorale Conducting.  He has taught with distinction in both public and private education.  Dr. Richards is also engaged as the Minister of Music at the Claremont United Church of Christ.