First Christian Church announces Ismael Sandoval as the church’s new music director.
Mr. Sandoval comes to Chattanooga from Boston, where he has been the assistant conductor
of the Boston Philharmonic and Youth Philharmonic Orchestras. Along with orchestral
conducting experience, he has conducted choirs, directed operas and provided instrumental
instruction for brass and woodwind students.
Mr. Sandoval also served as the artistic director for The Women's Chorus, which is a group that was created to give "exceptional singing and musical experiences" to women in Boston who are dealing with homelessness and poverty.
In addition to his position as FCC music director, he will be the new conductor for the
Chattanooga Symphony Youth Orchestra, replacing Gary Wilkes in both roles, after Mr. Wilkes’s
retirement earlier this year.
Mr. Sandoval will begin his work at First Christian in October.
"I am so excited to be welcomed into the First Christian Church community. From the first days of the interview process, I knew that there was something really special about this church, and the further that I read up on the community, the more I wanted to be involved," Mr. Sandoval said. "I certainly have big shoes to fill and many challenges in the face of the COVID pandemic, but I am hoping to make the very best of the situation and offer the congregation meaningful musical experiences
within and outside of worship services.”