Mason Cancilla is currently a graduate conducting student at the University at Buffalo with an anticipated graduation date in June of 2023. He is currently serving as the assistant conductor of the University at Buffalo Symphony Orchestra (UBSO). He is also Music Director of Cantio Sacra at Canisius College. This past summer, Mason spent time at the Eastman School of Music studying, conducting and performing Brahms' Ein Deutsches Requiem. In the Summer of 2021, Mason spent two intensive weeks studying with eleven other conductors in the South Carolina Conductors Institute. This was his second time through the program, having been a member of the 2020 institute.
Cancilla conducted the world premiere of his Festival Mass written for the sesquicentennial celebration of Canisius College In March of 2020. A few months later, he’d earn a Bachelor of Music degree from the same school. Festival Mass was written for chamber orchestra, choir, and soprano soloist. While at Canisius from 2018-20, Cancilla was the Assistant Conductor of the College's Chamber Orchestra and served as its resident composer and arranger. He performed as a member of the Canisius Chorale and pursued studies in conducting, vocal and piano performance. In 2020 Mason was awarded the Edith DeLuca Memorial Award for Excellence in Music. In 2018 he placed second in the 7th Annual Persis Vehar Competition for Excellence in Composition.
In 2018 Mason graduated from Niagara County Community College (NCCC) where he would return on occasion to music direct for its Music and Theater Programs. Past engagements include Into the Woods and GodSpell. While a student at NCCC, Mason received the Award for Excellence in Business, Technology, and the Arts. In 2017-18 Mason acted as Artistic Representative to New York Conductor, Dr. Harold Rosenbaum.
As an advocate for community arts programs, Mason has served as music director for the St. Stephen’s Parish Players on Grand Island in productions of The Wizard of Oz and 9 to 5 the Musical. From 2015-17 Mason was the stage manager and librarian for the Cheektowaga Community Symphony Orchestra.
In addition to his duties at the University at Buffalo and Canisius College, Mr. Cancilla is Music Director at Corpus Christi Church (Buffalo) and Organist at St. Andrew’s Church (Kenmore) where he also teaches general music to grades PreK-8. Most recently, he guest conducted the premier of his newest choral work, "Rising Voices", at Niagara Falls High School. Mason is a member of the Conductor’s Guild, the League of American Orchestras, and The Mahler Foundation.
Cancilla conducted the world premiere of his Festival Mass written for the sesquicentennial celebration of Canisius College In March of 2020. A few months later, he’d earn a Bachelor of Music degree from the same school. Festival Mass was written for chamber orchestra, choir, and soprano soloist. While at Canisius from 2018-20, Cancilla was the Assistant Conductor of the College's Chamber Orchestra and served as its resident composer and arranger. He performed as a member of the Canisius Chorale and pursued studies in conducting, vocal and piano performance. In 2020 Mason was awarded the Edith DeLuca Memorial Award for Excellence in Music. In 2018 he placed second in the 7th Annual Persis Vehar Competition for Excellence in Composition.
In 2018 Mason graduated from Niagara County Community College (NCCC) where he would return on occasion to music direct for its Music and Theater Programs. Past engagements include Into the Woods and GodSpell. While a student at NCCC, Mason received the Award for Excellence in Business, Technology, and the Arts. In 2017-18 Mason acted as Artistic Representative to New York Conductor, Dr. Harold Rosenbaum.
As an advocate for community arts programs, Mason has served as music director for the St. Stephen’s Parish Players on Grand Island in productions of The Wizard of Oz and 9 to 5 the Musical. From 2015-17 Mason was the stage manager and librarian for the Cheektowaga Community Symphony Orchestra.
In addition to his duties at the University at Buffalo and Canisius College, Mr. Cancilla is Music Director at Corpus Christi Church (Buffalo) and Organist at St. Andrew’s Church (Kenmore) where he also teaches general music to grades PreK-8. Most recently, he guest conducted the premier of his newest choral work, "Rising Voices", at Niagara Falls High School. Mason is a member of the Conductor’s Guild, the League of American Orchestras, and The Mahler Foundation.
A full CV is also available to download here:
| mason_cancilla_curriculum_vitae.pdf |
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