Daniel Rueda

In 2003, when Our Lady of Mercy was looking for a new choir director, we auditioned any number of conservatory-trained professionals, but the problem was, that although they had the technical skill to play our music, they lacked a feeling for OLM’s special style – in a word, they didn’t have soul.
But as the Spanish saying goes, when God closes a door, he opens a window, and the breath of fresh air that blew in was Daniel Rueda. His excellent classical training—he graduated from the Conservatorio de Madrid—is enhanced by his experience as a jazz pianist and as a singer, and his enormous talent and sensitivity made him the perfect match for OLM’s eclectic repertoire. The Lord couldn’t have sent us a better choice.
Not only is Dani a wonderful musician; he is also a committed professional, always on time, always on top of every detail, writing notes in the margins of the scores, always trying to top himself. He is especially adept at creating lovely harmony arrangements, and improvising beautiful introductions at the drop of a hat.
After three years at OLM, other commitments led Dani to decide to continue collaborating with us as a pianist only, which is when Elke Wilson took over as choir director.
Dani’s intimate tenor voice continues to contribute some of the most memorable highlights of our Masses, along with his masterful accompaniments, gently leading the singers to bring out the best in each one.