Derek Tam, harpsichord

In demand as a conductor and historical keyboardist, Derek Tam performs regularly in the Bay Area and elsewhere. Praised for his "deft" conducting (San Francisco Chronicl), Tam appears frequently with choral and orchestral ensembles. Recent engagements include collaborations with Ars Minerva, Bay Pointe Ballet and Oakland Ballet.

A specialist on historical keyboards, Tam has been lauded as "a master of [the harpsichord]" (San Francisco Classical Voice). Recent concerto appearances include performances with Elevate Ensemble and the Modesto Symphony. In addition to performing as a soloist, Tam is a founding member and the harpsichordist of MUSA, a San Francisco-based Baroque ensemble. He has also served as principal keyboardist for the symphonies of Merced, Modesto, Napa Valley, Santa Rosa, and Santa Cruz.

Tam currently serves as the Director of Music at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, one of the major performances venues for classical music in the East Bay. He also is the Artistic Director of the Star Valley Children's Choir (SVCC) and is the Music Director of the Berkeley Community Chorus Chamber Singers.

He has served on the faculty of the NAPA Music Festival and the San Francisco Early Music Society Recorder Workshop, and has been on staff at the American Bach Soloists Festival & Academy. He currently chairs the Youth Advisory Board of Early Music America.

Tam is a registered tax professional with the State of California. He is a graduate of Yale University.

Learn more at www.dereksaihotam.com.