Les Pfutzenreuter
Music Director
This year marks the 19th season Les Pfutzenreuter has served as Music Director of the Ukiah Symphony. He is Professor of Music and Director of Choral Music at Mendocino College leading the Masterworks Chorale and the Ukiah Symphony. He teaches Music History and Music Appreciation as well as coordinating the vocal music program. Pfutzenreuter’s conducting experience is in many styles including orchestral, choral, and opera and musical theatre. He has appeared with the Raven Players in Healdsburg, Holy Names Orchestra in Oakland, Opera Fresca, Symphony of the Redwoods Pops and Children’s Concerts, Ukiah Civic Light Opera, Ukiah Players, Chico City Opera, and Santa Rosa Players.
Pfutzenreuter holds a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Northern Colorado where he studied with Dr. Howard Skinner, Music Director of the Greeley Philharmonic and Dean of the College of Performing Arts, and Eugene Corporon, now Director of Wind Activities at the University of Northern Texas. However, his musical training and philosophy is owed to his mentor, Professor John Colson, former Director of Orchestra and Brass Activities at South Dakota State University. There Pfutzenreuter received his undergraduate education and was Musical Director for Prairie Repertory Theatre for six years.
In addition to conducting, Pfutzenreuter is a French horn player and vocalist, having performed in orchestras and on stage.