Anthony V. Mostardo was born in Rome, Italy, and received his
early musical training
from Maestro Giovanni Berrafato, noted composer,
arranger, and conductor. Mr. Mostardo is a graduate of the American
Conservatory of Music in applied piano. He holds a bachelor of music
degree from Northern Illinois University and a master of music degree from
De Paul University. He also holds a certificate of advanced studies in
aesthetic education from the University of Illinois and has continued
doctoral studies in education administration at Northern Illinois
University. Mr. Mostardo has received many awards for his work in
advancing the interest of music and the arts in the school curriculum and
is frequently called upon as adjudicator of music events. He served as
music coordinator and school principal for 37 years in School District 59,
a suburb of Chicago. He has taught both instrumental and choral music in
grades K through 14.
Mr. Mostardo founded the Festival Chorus at William Rainey Harper College
in Palatine, Illinois, starting with 60 members in 1965 and by 1997
growing to over 150 members at the time of his retirement. The Festival
Chorus achieved particular distinction by attracting the top vocal and
instrumental solo artists in the greater Chicago area, performing with the
chorus to audiences averaging over 2,000 each concert. Additionally the
chorus traveled extensively throughout Europe performing in many of the
great cathedrals and music festivals in Vienna, Salzburg, Zagreb,
Dubrovnik, and Coventry, England, and in the countries of Scandinavia. A
highlight of his musical career included a guest performance with the
Festival Chorus in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, in 1986, which was
broadcast on Italian radio and television. The Festival Chorus was one of
only seven choruses worldwide invited to perform in the Vatican up to that
time. He is the founder, music director, and conductor of San Diego
Festival Chorus.
Mr. Mostardo lives in Spring Valley, California, with his wife Greta, also
a member of San Diego Festival Chorus and an accomplished musician.
Copyright � 2002-2008, San Diego Festival Chorus.
All rights reserved.
