Artistic Director, Bailey Cooke, is the founder and visionary behind Aeternum and an emerging luminary in American choral music.

A native of the Washington, D.C., area, Bailey earned his degree in vocal performance with highest honors from the University of California, Davis. During his time at UC Davis, he conducted the Davis Chamber Choir, the university’s premier vocal chamber ensemble, where he began honing his skills as a conductor and musical leader.

Bailey has performed with renowned vocal ensembles, including Schola Cantorum and The American Bach Soloists. Praised for his ability to “create a warm connection between stage and patron” (Sacramento Choral Calendar) and for leading choirs that “may be peerless within a 500-mile radius...their technique is commensurate with their artistry” (JR Keith), Bailey founded Aeternum in 2024 to share his passion for choral music with audiences in the Bay Area and beyond.

In addition to his musical work, Bailey has spent five years in the technology sector, building a start-up while continuing to perform as a piano recitalist and serve as a guest conductor in the Sacramento and Bay Areas. His dual career path reflects a dynamic blend of entrepreneurship and artistry, qualities he brings to his work with Aeternum.