Originally from Portsmouth, Ohio, Chris has been in the San Diego area since 1982. He has served as pianist, conductor, arranger, and vocal coach/accompanist during his time in San Diego.

For San Diego Opera, he served as staging and ballet pianist, as well as music director/accompanist for the San Diego Opera Ensemble. For San Diego Comic Opera (now Lyric Opera San Diego) he has conducted productions of Rose Marie, The Desert Song, The Gypsy Baron, La Perichole, and the Mikado. Mr. Allen has also served as audition pianist for Long Beach Opera.

Mr. Allen is involved in many facets of choral music in San Diego. For San Diego Men’s Chorus, he held dual positions as Artistic Director and Principal Accompanist, from 1989-2005. Two major accomplishments for the men’s chorus was a performance during the open house Christmas season for the White House during December 1997. In January 1998, the men’s chorus performed during a major portion of the Superbowl XXXII during the pre-game show. For San Diego Women’s Chorus, Chris serves as Artistic Director, a position he has held since 1996. He has led both choruses at quadrennial GALA Choral Festivals in Denver, Tampa, San Jose, and Miami.

Mr. Allen was Interim Music Director for San Diego Master Chorale, under the Artistic Direction of Martin Wright during the 200-07 Season. He prepared the ensemble for concerts of Chichester Psalms, Messiah, Elijah, various SDMC sponsored events, as well as, two Summer Pops choral groups with the San Diego Symphony. He also was thrilled to prepare a choral group for “Broadway Rocks” with the symphony featuring New York based Broadway singers. This past year, he has been conducting the Youth Choir from the San Diego Children’s Choir.

At San Diego State University, Chris has served as Staff Accompanist for the Choral and Opera Programs. Currently, he provides accompaniment, as well as vocal coaching, for voice studios and classes at the university. He is also organist at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.