JOSEPH SVENDSEN was named the fourth Artistic Director of the Las Vegas Master Singers starting in the 2021-22 season. During his tenure the ensemble has continued its scholarship and senior living outreach initiatives, started the Nevada Lives commissioning series for up-and-coming composers, and performed at Carnegie Hall with the New York City Chamber Orchestra.

Svendsen is the Director of Choral Studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He has led the UNLV choirs on international and regional tours and performed at professional conferences and festivals in the southwestern United States.

Svendsen is the Chorus Master for Opera Las Vegas, where he made his company debut with 2017's Rigoletto under the baton of Gregory Buchalter. 

Other professional engagements include singing tenor with Anúna and the San Antonio Chamber Choir, serving as a guest conductor for various honor choir festivals, and serving as music director at Faith Community Lutheran Church in Summerlin, where the church’s choral scholars undertake a biennial residency at St Albans Cathedral in Hertfordshire, England.

Svendsen holds a doctorate in choral conducting. He studied with Richard Bjella, Chester Alwes, Craig Arnold, and Timothy Peter.