In addition to being San Francisco Lyric Opera’s first orchestral conductor, Mr. Sprung has conducted the Napa Symphony, the San Leandro Symphony, the San Francisco Concerto Orchestra, the Bohemian Club Symphony Orchestra, the Sonoma State Orchestra, Wichita Community Theatre and members of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and San Francisco Opera Chorus in concert. A well-known artist on the French horn, Maestro Sprung currently divides his time between San Francisco and Flagler County. While in San Francisco he performs as one of the San Francisco Opera’s two Co-Principal Hornists. He also was Principal Hornist of the San Francisco Ballet from 1976 until 2000 and formerly played Principal Horn with the Pittsburgh Symphony, the Chautauqua Symphony, the Wichita Symphony and the American Ballet Theatre. His playing can be heard on many recordings and videos including the operas Capriccio, Samson and Delilah, Streetcar Named Desire, and Harvey Milk. A graduate of Queens College, Mr. Sprung studied composition with Vittorio Rieti and Luigi Dallapiccola, and conducting with Boris Schwarz. He holds a graduate degree in composition from Princeton University where he studied with Roger Sessions and Milton Babbitt.

Experienced in all symphonic genres, David Reichert Sprung brings professionalism, musicianship, efficiency and dynamism to his rehearsals and performances of opera, symphony, ballet and music theatre.

RAVE REVIEWS

"The Hallelujah Chorus crescendoed with exultant power that left the audience and conductor, David Reichert Sprung, wrung of emotion at the ...performance of "The Messiah" Friday night... Under Sprung’s direction, the oratorio spun out a magic sound that gradually enthralled the audience, until the lovely pastoral symphony section: ‘There were shepherds ...’ firmly held the audience under a spell, ...Sprung... is a fine technician."   -Napa Valley Register

"Mr. Sprung is ... an exceptionally able conductor ...an outstanding candidate for a position demanding practical musicianship and performance, by him and under his preparation and direction."  -Milton Babbitt, Composer

"David Sprung's ... performance of the Third Symphony of Aaron Copland was a remarkable success ... I have no hesitation inviting Mr. Sprung to the podium. He brings superior musicianship ... to that small but important stage. Professionally, Mr. Sprung's extensive experience in the professional world of music making makes him a musician-conductor with whom professional musicians can work. He knows rehearsal techniques, performance practices of the orchestral repertoire and programming."  -Denis M. de Coteau, Conductor, Former Music Director, San Francisco Ballet

"David R. Sprung ... is a very gifted man from a musical point of view, as well as being a very dedicated person. I recommend him highly."  -Luigi Dallapiccola, Composer

"...David Sprung ... combines all the qualities of musicianship and practical experience to qualify him as a resourceful conductor."  -Boris Schwarz, Musicologist and Author

"Our compliments .... to Mr. Sprung ... Certainly throughout the program the orchestra gave a fine account of itself ... Both it and its conductor showed without doubt ... that they can add much to the musical fare offered hereabouts .... Our congratulations to Mr. Sprung..."  -Santa Rosa Press-Democrat

"Sprung ... has a clear beat and .... a most musical manner."  -The Daily Review, Hayward, California