Dr. Allen Hightower
Music Director
Houston Masterworks Chorus
Native Houstonian Allen Hightower is now in his fifth season as Music Director of the Houston Masterworks Chorus. Under his leadership the chorus has renewed its commitment to present the very finest works for chorus and orchestra to the great Bayou City. Recent HMC collaborations have included performances with the Houston Children’s Chorus, the Sam Houston State University Symphonic Choir and Orchestra, the Tallowood Baptist Church Choir, and the Houston Ballet. Dr. Hightower is Minister of Music and Worship at Houston’s Tallowood Baptist Church. Tallowood is a dynamic congregation with a rich history of traditional worship within an evangelical context. The church’s vibrant music ministry offers excellent opportunities for children, youth, and adults to participate in its outstanding choral and instrumental ensembles.
As Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies at Sam Houston State University, Dr. Hightower leads one of Texas’ finest collegiate choral programs. Choirs from Sam Houston sing frequently at state and national choral conventions and collaborate with such groups as the Houston Masterworks Chorus and Houston Ballet. Sam Houston’s undergraduate program in choral music education and master’s degree program in choral conducting have produced many of Texas’ finest choral directors.
From 1997-2000, Allen worked with Maestro Paul Salamunovich as conducting intern with the Los Angeles Master Chorale. He is a graduate of Sam Houston State University, Eastman School of Music, Baylor University, and UCLA. Most recently Dr. Hightower completed post-doctoral studies at Trinity College, Cambridge University.
