The artistic director of Siena’s Clare Ensemble Singers – and the College’s associate dean of liberal arts – is adding a new role to his repertoire.
Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger has announced the appointment of Timothy Reno, D.M.A. as the new music director of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany and its Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
Reno had been the interim music director of the cathedral since last September; his permanent appointment is effective immediately.
“The cathedral has a storied heritage of music directors, and I am honored and humbled to now be counted among them,” said Reno. “I am also excited to create new ways for our Siena and cathedral communities to come together.”
He shared that in the cathedral’s annual masterwork concert on April 2, Siena students will join area professionals in performing composer Dan Forrest's stirring "Requiem for the Living."
Reno, an associate professor of creative arts, also teaches courses at Siena in vocal and general music, and serves as music director for the theatre program. In 2018 he founded the Clare Ensemble Singers, a professional-level chamber choir in residence.
Since this past fall, he has been acting as the cathedral’s interim choirmaster.
“The cathedral has a wonderful music ministry and leadership team, and I am truly honored to serve our community in this new way,"Reno said. "I pray that this will be a time of continued growth and joy for us all.”
“Dr. Reno is a superb musician and teacher, and a leader in the Siena community, We are thrilled that he will share his talents with the broader community in this prestigious position.”
Margaret Madden, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president
“He has pushed me to be better than I ever thought I could be. He does this through his constant encouragement and inspiration. He’s not always easy on us, but in the end, we perform pieces that many of us could not have imagined taking on just weeks prior. He gives just as much praise as he does constructive criticism, and he loves us as much as he loves his craft. He wants us to succeed maybe more than we do sometimes. It’s been an honor to sing under his direction.”
Liz Nielsen '22
“He wants us to not only be the best singers we can be, but the best versions of ourselves as well, and he truly cares about each and every one of us."
Mishal Razi '24
