Karl Amando A. San Jose

Karl San Jose studied music at the University of the Philippines, College of Music, first taking up Music Composition and then later on Choral Conducting. His father, a professional drummer, works in the local music industry with artists like Lea Salonga, etc., while his mother is a voice teacher, choir conductor, and a former member of the Philippine Madrigal Singers. Additionally, Karl grew up in a large family of marching band and orchestra musicians. These vast and varied influences shaped Karl’s musical growth and continues to inform his music making today.

In his teens, Karl was an active member of the Philippine Youth Symphonic Band (PYSB), playing the euphonium with them for eight years. Although he initially took up composition in college, his first chorus class with prof. Eudenice Palaruan sparked in him a great love for choral music. Currently, Karl sings for the Collegium Vocale Manila under Dr. Beverly Shangkuan-Cheng (previously Villancico Vocal Ensemble) which sings Baroque and Renaissance works yearly at the International Bamboo Organ Festival. He also sings and serves as tenor section head and assistant conductor to the male choir, Aleron, working closely with Christopher Arceo.