The Bellingham Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Frederick Mabalot as Orchestra Chorus Director.
“The symphony’s 50th anniversary felt like the perfect time to establish a new choir,” says Maestro Yaniv Attar, who is in his 11th year leading the orchestra. “The hiring of Dr. Mabalot helps us mark this milestone, celebrating the BSO’s legacy of musical excellence and its exciting future of artistic growth and innovation.”
Dr. Mabalot is currently in his 7th season with the Bellingham Chamber Chorale. A Filipino American composer and choral conductor, he holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington School of Music; a Master of Music from the Royal Danish Academy of Music; 2nd Bachelor of Music (First Class Honours) from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music; and 1st Bachelor of Music from California State University Northridge. He has called Bellingham home since 2016.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to lead an incredible ensemble that will bring new energy and depth to our community’s music and cultural scene,” says Dr. Mabalot. “Alongside Maestro Yaniv Attar and the talented BSO artistic team, we’ll create something truly extraordinary — an inspiring force that will unite and leave a lasting impact for generations to come.”
Dr. Mabalot is not an entirely new face at the BSO.
“We’ve had the pleasure of working with Dr. Mabalot over the years in his role as the artistic director and conductor of the Bellingham Chamber Chorale,” says BSO Executive Director Gail Ridenour, “whom we often partner with for works involving chorus. Yaniv and I are both excited to get to work with him as our BSO Chorus Director.”
Maestro Yaniv echoes Ridenour’s sentiment. “His rich experience, exceptional artistry, unwavering hard work, and deep dedication will no doubt elevate the orchestra's artistic product. I look forward to this artistic collaboration and to the birth of a new choir in Bellingham.”
Dr. Mabalot’s compositions have been performed in Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Philippines, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The BSO Choir led by Dr. Mabalot will join the orchestra in the 2025/2026 season for performances of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, also known as "Ode to Joy," The Planets, and additional works.
Those interested in learning more or joining the BSO Chorus can visit www.bellinghamsymphony.org/chorus for additional information.
About the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra
The Bellingham Symphony Orchestra is the resident orchestra of the Mount Baker Theatre. It performs seven concerts per season in addition to a variety of community and youth engagement programs across the calendar year. Details about the BSO and ticketing information for the current season are available at www.bellinghamsymphony.org.
