David Mascari is an American conductor, composer, and educator originally from Allentown, Pennsylvania, currently based in Kansas City, Missouri. He is known for his versatility across orchestral, operatic, and contemporary repertoire, and for his collaborative approach to music-making. He has conducted a wide range of ensembles, including The Orchestra Now, the Reading Philharmonic, and the Allentown Municipal Opera Company. He has also appeared in collaboration with the University of Macedonia in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Mascari’s early musical development as a pianist laid the foundation for his work as a conductor and composer. At the age of 18, he made his performance debut at Carnegie Hall with Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, where he focused on piano and studied with Maria Asteriadou. During his time at Kutztown, he also worked closely with violinist Kurt Nikkanen in chamber music studies. He later completed a Master of Music in Conducting at Bard College Conservatory of Music, where he studied with James Bagwell and prominent faculty including Leon Botstein, Christopher Gibbs, and Susan Botti. His current doctoral studies at the University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory (DMA in Orchestral Conducting) are under the mentorship of Christopher Kelts.

In addition to his formal academic training, Mascari has participated in several advanced conducting workshops and seminars, including The Conductors Institute of South Carolina, and programs at the University of North Texas and Louisiana State University. These engagements have offered him opportunities to work with diverse orchestras, hone his technique, and engage with a broad spectrum of repertoire.

As a composer, Mascari’s works have been performed by The Orchestra Now and the Da Capo Chamber Players. His compositional voice is informed by his experience as a performer and conductor, and his writing reflects a strong interest in structure, texture, and instrumental color. He is particularly drawn to collaborative projects that integrate new music into traditional concert programming.

Beyond his artistic work, Mascari is actively engaged in arts administration and education. He teaches private piano students and currently serves as an administrative assistant with the Youth Symphony of Kansas City, supporting the development of young musicians through ensemble management and educational outreach. His work in this role reflects his broader commitment to fostering musical growth within the community and to nurturing the next generation of performers.

Mascari’s artistic approach is shaped by his diverse background in performance, composition, and education, and by a commitment to thoughtful, expressive leadership. As he continues his career, he remains dedicated to creating meaningful musical experiences through performance, collaboration, and teaching.