Department: Voice
Joined Hochstein faculty in: 2022
Darius "Seiko" Elmore is a classically trained countertenor from Washington, D.C. and is pursuing a Master of Music in Vocal Performance and Literature at the illustrious Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, under the tutelage of vocal pedagogue Robert Swensen.
As a 21st-century storyteller, Elmore’s musical influences include his comfortability on the concert and operatic stage; singing Broadway show-tunes, gospel, jazz, rock, and early music; and pioneering modern compositions by living composers.
Beyond musical performance and teaching, he is passionate about equal and equitable casting, highlighting historically excluded populous communities and compositional works, in addition to programming multi-disciplinary musical presentations.
Darius has been invited to sing in residence with composer Libby Larsen at Ithaca College; he has sung in masterclasses for artists such Opera Noire and Take 6; and his work has been celebrated by Barack Obama, Barry Manilow, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Denyce Graves, under the direction of The Duke Ellington Show Choir.
He joined the voice faculty at The Hochstein School in 2022-23, teaching musical genres including classical, musical theatre, contemporary, and sacred music, and preparing students by fostering a more individualized approach to instruction, personal advancement, and personal enjoyment.
More About Darius Elmore
Hometown: Washington, D.C. / Northern Virginia
When I’m not at Hochstein, you can find me: At home binge-watching '80s & '90s sitcoms and never tiring of the comedic moments that I have now seen for almost two decades.
My favorite local restaurant: Dinosaur BBQ
Favorite style of music: I'm an avid lover of art song and programming music by historically excluded composers. There is nothing more magical than having the opportunity to work with living composers.
What people would be surprised to know about me: I am a former member of The United States of America Air Force. So, yes -- that means I successfully went through bootcamp. (chuckles)