2016/2017 SINGERS
Please note that all singers do not sing all concerts.
CHRISTINA BARTHOLOMEW
SOPRANO
BA in Vocal Performance from East Carolina University; currently pursuing a Master of Music Education degree at Old Dominion University.
Choral experience includes the Virginia Symphony Chorus, the East Carolina University Chamber Singers, the Okinawa Ecumenical Chorale, and the Haebaru-kita Women's Ensemble.
Associate conductor for the Craven Community Chorus and rehearsal conductor for the Eastern Carolina Heritage Chorale (2014-15).
Recent solo engagements of note include Mozart's Requiem and Handel's Messiah (both in 2015).
Choral experience includes the Virginia Symphony Chorus, the East Carolina University Chamber Singers, the Okinawa Ecumenical Chorale, and the Haebaru-kita Women's Ensemble.
Associate conductor for the Craven Community Chorus and rehearsal conductor for the Eastern Carolina Heritage Chorale (2014-15).
Recent solo engagements of note include Mozart's Requiem and Handel's Messiah (both in 2015).
CHRISTOPHER BURNETTE
TENOR
BM in Vocal Performance from Lamar University.
Participated in the Chorale's Young Singers Project from 2006-07.
Finalist in the Greater Houston National Association of Teachers of Singing competition in 2011.
Chorister at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Norfolk.
Participated in the Chorale's Young Singers Project from 2006-07.
Finalist in the Greater Houston National Association of Teachers of Singing competition in 2011.
Chorister at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Norfolk.
AJEE CHURCH
TENOR
BA in Music Education from Virginia Wesleyan College.
Has performed in Carnegie Hall with the VWC Chorale under the direction of Michael John Trotta and John Rutter, as well as as a soloist in Handel's Messiah, Schubert's Mass in G, and most recently J.S. Bach's Ich armer Mensch, ich Sudenknecht BWV 55.
Currently serves as Choral Director at Granby High School and tenor soloist/section leader at First Lutheran Church, Norfolk.
Has performed in Carnegie Hall with the VWC Chorale under the direction of Michael John Trotta and John Rutter, as well as as a soloist in Handel's Messiah, Schubert's Mass in G, and most recently J.S. Bach's Ich armer Mensch, ich Sudenknecht BWV 55.
Currently serves as Choral Director at Granby High School and tenor soloist/section leader at First Lutheran Church, Norfolk.
JULIA COBERLY
ALTO
BS in Music Education from Baylor University; MS in Counseling Psychology from Kansas University.
Has sung with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus, the Cantata Chorus, the Norfolk Chamber Consort, the Camerata Choristers, and the Virginia Chorale.
Currently sings at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Norfolk, and is a school counselor in Chesapeake.
Has sung with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus, the Cantata Chorus, the Norfolk Chamber Consort, the Camerata Choristers, and the Virginia Chorale.
Currently sings at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Norfolk, and is a school counselor in Chesapeake.
JEANETTE COREY
SOPRANO
BM in Vocal Performance from Christopher Newport University.
Founder and director of the American Train Collective, a new ensemble concept that recently completed its first cross-country songwriting intensive.
Recently moved from New Jersey to Yorktown, VA - excited to be joining the Chorale for her first season.
Founder and director of the American Train Collective, a new ensemble concept that recently completed its first cross-country songwriting intensive.
Recently moved from New Jersey to Yorktown, VA - excited to be joining the Chorale for her first season.
SCOTT M. CRISSMAN
TENOR
BM in Vocal Performance from Christopher Newport University.
Awarded singing fellowships for the 2012 & 2014 Chamber Choir & Choral Conducting Workshops led by Simon Carrington as part of the Yale Summer School of Music / Norfolk Chamber Music Festival (Norfolk, CT).
Has sung with Virginia Opera and Opera Roanoke, where he made his professional operatic debut singing Goro in Puccini's Madama Butterfly.
Currently sings in the professional cores of the Virginia Symphony Chorus and the Eastern Shore Chapel choir (Virginia Beach), with the Church Circle Singers (Annapolis, MD), and with the Virginia Chorale (he is also the Chorale's Managing Director).
Awarded singing fellowships for the 2012 & 2014 Chamber Choir & Choral Conducting Workshops led by Simon Carrington as part of the Yale Summer School of Music / Norfolk Chamber Music Festival (Norfolk, CT).
Has sung with Virginia Opera and Opera Roanoke, where he made his professional operatic debut singing Goro in Puccini's Madama Butterfly.
Currently sings in the professional cores of the Virginia Symphony Chorus and the Eastern Shore Chapel choir (Virginia Beach), with the Church Circle Singers (Annapolis, MD), and with the Virginia Chorale (he is also the Chorale's Managing Director).
ANNA MAPLES DOMBO
SOPRANO
BM in Vocal Performance from Virginia Commonwealth University; MS in Speech-Language Pathology from Old Dominion University.
Has sun principal roles with Virginia Opera and Opera Theater VCU and was featured as a soloist on PBS.
Currently sings at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Petersburg, and works as a pediatric speech therapist in Richmond.
Has sun principal roles with Virginia Opera and Opera Theater VCU and was featured as a soloist on PBS.
Currently sings at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Petersburg, and works as a pediatric speech therapist in Richmond.
ANNA FEUCHT
SOPRANO
MM in Voice Performance from the University of Florida; BM in Voice Performance from Christopher Newport University.
Operatic roles include Laetitia (Menotti's Old Maid & the Thief), Madame Herz (Mozart's Der Schauspieldirektor), Fiordiligi (Mozart's Così fan tutte), Pamina (Mozart's Die Zauberflöte), and Rosalinde (Strauss's Die Fledermaus).
Soloist work includes Handel's Messiah, Fauré's Requiem, Mendelssohn's Elijah, and Orff's Carmina Burana.
Program director and voice teacher at the Academy of Music; section leader at Wycliffe Presbyterian Church.
Operatic roles include Laetitia (Menotti's Old Maid & the Thief), Madame Herz (Mozart's Der Schauspieldirektor), Fiordiligi (Mozart's Così fan tutte), Pamina (Mozart's Die Zauberflöte), and Rosalinde (Strauss's Die Fledermaus).
Soloist work includes Handel's Messiah, Fauré's Requiem, Mendelssohn's Elijah, and Orff's Carmina Burana.
Program director and voice teacher at the Academy of Music; section leader at Wycliffe Presbyterian Church.
SARAH FROOK GALLO
SOPRANO / ALTO
MM in Conducting from the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester; BA in Music from the College of William & Mary.
Currently the Artistic Director of the Virginia Choral Society.
Directs the Women's Chorus at William & Mary, directs the Men's Chorus and teaches piano at Christopher Newport University, and is on the voice faculty at the University of Richmond.
Awarded a 2012 singing fellowship and a 2013 conducting fellowship for the Chamber Choir & Choral Conducting Workshops led by Simon Carrington as part of the Yale Summer School of Music / Norfolk Chamber Music Festival (Norfolk, CT).
Has sung with such ensembles as the Master Chorale of Washington, D.C., Voices Professional Ensemble (Rochester, NY), and the James River Singers (Richmond).
Currently the Artistic Director of the Virginia Choral Society.
Directs the Women's Chorus at William & Mary, directs the Men's Chorus and teaches piano at Christopher Newport University, and is on the voice faculty at the University of Richmond.
Awarded a 2012 singing fellowship and a 2013 conducting fellowship for the Chamber Choir & Choral Conducting Workshops led by Simon Carrington as part of the Yale Summer School of Music / Norfolk Chamber Music Festival (Norfolk, CT).
Has sung with such ensembles as the Master Chorale of Washington, D.C., Voices Professional Ensemble (Rochester, NY), and the James River Singers (Richmond).
KARI DEBLASIO GRIM
ALTO
BM in Choral Music Education from Christopher Newport University.
Resides in Roanoke, VA, where she teaches voice lessons and is a professional member of the music ministry at St. John's Episcopal Church.
Excited to participate in her fourth season with the Virginia Chorale.
Resides in Roanoke, VA, where she teaches voice lessons and is a professional member of the music ministry at St. John's Episcopal Church.
Excited to participate in her fourth season with the Virginia Chorale.
MAX HOLMAN
TENOR
MM in Choral Conducting from Yale University; BM in Music Education from Rutgers University.
Upper & Middle School Choral Teacher at Norfolk Collegiate School.
Artist-in-residence at the Ad Astra Music Festival.
Has conducted in collaboration with Coro Talía (Madrid, Spain), New Music New Haven, the Yale Glee Club, and the New Brunswick Chamber Choir (founder); has served as chorus master at the Castleton Festival (under Maestro Lorin Maazel) and Opera at Rutgers.
Previously accompanied ballet for American Repertory Ballet and Princeton Ballet School, New Haven Ballet, Lustig Dance Theatre, and Mason Gross School of the Arts.
Upper & Middle School Choral Teacher at Norfolk Collegiate School.
Artist-in-residence at the Ad Astra Music Festival.
Has conducted in collaboration with Coro Talía (Madrid, Spain), New Music New Haven, the Yale Glee Club, and the New Brunswick Chamber Choir (founder); has served as chorus master at the Castleton Festival (under Maestro Lorin Maazel) and Opera at Rutgers.
Previously accompanied ballet for American Repertory Ballet and Princeton Ballet School, New Haven Ballet, Lustig Dance Theatre, and Mason Gross School of the Arts.
JOHN IRVING
BASS
DMA in Choral Conducting from the University of North Texas; MM in Choral Conducting from Westminster Choir College of Rider University; BM in Music Education from the University of Texas at Austin.
Director of Choral Studies at Christopher Newport University.
Artistic Director of the Ad Astra Music Festival in Kansas.
Previously served as choral music teacher at Fordham High School for the Arts in New York City, founding choral workshop director of Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute Count Me In program, and interim music director of the Denton Bach Society.
The New York Times praised his choirs in performance as "not just exuberant but polished and precise."
Director of Choral Studies at Christopher Newport University.
Artistic Director of the Ad Astra Music Festival in Kansas.
Previously served as choral music teacher at Fordham High School for the Arts in New York City, founding choral workshop director of Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute Count Me In program, and interim music director of the Denton Bach Society.
The New York Times praised his choirs in performance as "not just exuberant but polished and precise."
ROB KEENE
BASS
Holds degrees in organ performance from DePauw University and Indiana University.
Moved to Virginia in 2011 to begin work as Organist & Director of Music at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Newport News, and in 2013 became Director of Music at Congregation Emet V'Or, Yorktown.
Serves as an instructor for Christopher Newport University's LifeLong Learning Society, teaching courses on Beethoven, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Mozart, and Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen.
Moved to Virginia in 2011 to begin work as Organist & Director of Music at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Newport News, and in 2013 became Director of Music at Congregation Emet V'Or, Yorktown.
Serves as an instructor for Christopher Newport University's LifeLong Learning Society, teaching courses on Beethoven, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Mozart, and Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen.
STEVE KELLEY
BASS
BM and MM from Valdosta State University.
Won top honors in two National Association of Teachers of Singing competitions.
Has sung with the Miami Civic Chorale, the Valdosta Choral Society, the Virginia Choral Society, the Virginia Chorale, the Virginia Opera chorus, and in the professional cores of the Virginia Symphony Chorus and the Ohef Sholom Temple choir, Norfolk.
Won top honors in two National Association of Teachers of Singing competitions.
Has sung with the Miami Civic Chorale, the Valdosta Choral Society, the Virginia Choral Society, the Virginia Chorale, the Virginia Opera chorus, and in the professional cores of the Virginia Symphony Chorus and the Ohef Sholom Temple choir, Norfolk.
KATHRYN KELLY
ALTO
BM in Vocal Performance and MM in Vocal Pedagogy & Performance from Westminster Choir College of Rider University.
Recently made her professional operatic debut in Opera Roanoke's production of Rossini's La Cenerentola.
Co-founder of Tidewater Opera Initiative, where she has performed the roles of Despina in Mozart's Così fan tutte and Lauretta in Puccini's Gianni Schicchi.
Has covered roles and performed in the chorus with Virginia Opera, and spent a summer as a Professional Artist at SongFest in Los Angeles.
Currently sings at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Norfolk, as their soprano soloist.
Recently made her professional operatic debut in Opera Roanoke's production of Rossini's La Cenerentola.
Co-founder of Tidewater Opera Initiative, where she has performed the roles of Despina in Mozart's Così fan tutte and Lauretta in Puccini's Gianni Schicchi.
Has covered roles and performed in the chorus with Virginia Opera, and spent a summer as a Professional Artist at SongFest in Los Angeles.
Currently sings at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Norfolk, as their soprano soloist.
ADRIANE KERR
ALTO
BM in Vocal Performance from Virginia Commonwealth University; MM from the New England Conservatory.
Has sung with Berkshire Opera, Virginia Opera, Wildwood Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Tidewater Opera Initiative, and the Norfolk Chamber Consort.
Teaching is one of the great joys of her life; has been on the staff of the Vocal Music Department at the Governor's School for the Arts since 2012.
Has sung with Berkshire Opera, Virginia Opera, Wildwood Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Tidewater Opera Initiative, and the Norfolk Chamber Consort.
Teaching is one of the great joys of her life; has been on the staff of the Vocal Music Department at the Governor's School for the Arts since 2012.
LYNN KOTRADY
ALTO
Solo credits include Bach's Mass in B-minor, Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, Handel's Messiah, Vivaldi's Gloria, and Mendelssohn's Elijah.
Frequent soloist at "Centenary Classics," an early music event in Richmond.
Alto soloist for Richmond's St. Paul's Episcopal Church and Congregation Beth Ahabah.
Frequent soloist at "Centenary Classics," an early music event in Richmond.
Alto soloist for Richmond's St. Paul's Episcopal Church and Congregation Beth Ahabah.
MICHAEL KOTRADY
BASS
Childhood musical studies with conductor and violinist Jorge Gardos, himself a student of Zoltán Kodály.
Vocal instruction began as an undergraduate at the University of Richmond, under James Erb.
Over thirty years of experience as a soloist and chorister with numerous ensembles throughout the region.
Employed since 1997 by wine importer Kysela Père et Fils.
Vocal instruction began as an undergraduate at the University of Richmond, under James Erb.
Over thirty years of experience as a soloist and chorister with numerous ensembles throughout the region.
Employed since 1997 by wine importer Kysela Père et Fils.
ELISE RAMOS KREPCHO
SOPRANO
BM in Vocal Performance from Southeastern University (Lakeland, FL).
Certified music teacher; currently teaching chorus at Grassfield High School in Chesapeake.
Has sung with Lyric Opera of Virginia and served as chorus master for Tidewater Opera Initiative.
Soprano section leader and soloist at Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach.
Certified music teacher; currently teaching chorus at Grassfield High School in Chesapeake.
Has sung with Lyric Opera of Virginia and served as chorus master for Tidewater Opera Initiative.
Soprano section leader and soloist at Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach.
BONNIE LAMBERT-BAXTER
ALTO
Has sung with the Virginia Chorale, Symphonicity, the Williamsburg Symphonia, and Virginia Musical Theater.
Has served as soprano/alto soloist at Larchmont United Methodist Church, Norfolk, First Presbyterian Church, Virginia Beach, First Presbyterian Church, Williamsburg, Ohef Sholom Temple, Norfolk, and as Director of Music at First Christian Church, Norfolk.
Currently a speech/language pathologist for Norfolk Public Schools, private piano teacher, and mother of two fantastic children.
Has served as soprano/alto soloist at Larchmont United Methodist Church, Norfolk, First Presbyterian Church, Virginia Beach, First Presbyterian Church, Williamsburg, Ohef Sholom Temple, Norfolk, and as Director of Music at First Christian Church, Norfolk.
Currently a speech/language pathologist for Norfolk Public Schools, private piano teacher, and mother of two fantastic children.
DOUGLAS LYNCH
TENOR
Studied music education and performance at Virginia Wesleyan College and Christopher Newport University; holds a BA and MA in theater from Regent University.
Has composed an original rock musical titled Jeremiah's Passion, taken verbatim from the Old Testament book of Jeremiah, which is currently being developed for production.
Has served as props designer for Tidewater Stage for two seasons and is the current props artisan for the mainstage theater productions at Regent University.
Currently serves as tenor soloist at Ohef Sholom Temple, Norfolk.
Resides in Virginia Beach with his wife, Rachel, and children Madelynn, Morgan, and Chandler.
Has composed an original rock musical titled Jeremiah's Passion, taken verbatim from the Old Testament book of Jeremiah, which is currently being developed for production.
Has served as props designer for Tidewater Stage for two seasons and is the current props artisan for the mainstage theater productions at Regent University.
Currently serves as tenor soloist at Ohef Sholom Temple, Norfolk.
Resides in Virginia Beach with his wife, Rachel, and children Madelynn, Morgan, and Chandler.
JOHN A. MCGUIRE
TENOR
DMA in Vocal Performance from the University of Texas at Austin; MM in Vocal Performance from Northwestern University; BM in Vocal Performance from the University of New Hampshire.
Director of CNU Opera and Assistant Professor of Voice at Christopher Newport University.
An active performer, teacher, and director; leading operatic roles include Alfredo (Verdi's La Traviata), Don José (Bizet's Carmen), Duke of Mantua (Verdi's Rigoletto), and Idomeneo (Mozart's Idomeneo).
Tenor soloist orchestral credits include Bach's St. John and St. Matthew Passions, Beethoven's Christus am Ölberge, and Dvorák's Stabat Mater.
Recent local performances include Beethoven's Irish Songs with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and The Emperor in Puccini's Turandot with Virginai Opera.
Director of CNU Opera and Assistant Professor of Voice at Christopher Newport University.
An active performer, teacher, and director; leading operatic roles include Alfredo (Verdi's La Traviata), Don José (Bizet's Carmen), Duke of Mantua (Verdi's Rigoletto), and Idomeneo (Mozart's Idomeneo).
Tenor soloist orchestral credits include Bach's St. John and St. Matthew Passions, Beethoven's Christus am Ölberge, and Dvorák's Stabat Mater.
Recent local performances include Beethoven's Irish Songs with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and The Emperor in Puccini's Turandot with Virginai Opera.
CELIA BROCKWAY MACCHIA
SOPRANO
MA in Music from the University of Iowa; BA in Music from Marietta College (OH).
Instructor of Music at Richard Bland College of William & Mary, where she teaches music appreciation in addition to conducting the choir and pep band.
Teaches voice lessons privately and for Renaissance School of the Arts.
Serves on the board for the Cantabile Project (Norfolk).
Instructor of Music at Richard Bland College of William & Mary, where she teaches music appreciation in addition to conducting the choir and pep band.
Teaches voice lessons privately and for Renaissance School of the Arts.
Serves on the board for the Cantabile Project (Norfolk).
STEPHANIE MARX
SOPRANO / ALTO
MM in Performance from the University of Texas at Austin; BM in Performance from Northern Arizona University.
Has performed opera roles, including Countess Almaviva in Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro, Mimi in Puccini's La Bohème, Erste Dame and Pamina in Mozart's Die Zauberflöte, Fiordiligi in Mozart's Così fan tutte, Blanche de la Force in Poulenc's Dialogues des carmélites, and Micaela in Bizet's Carmen. Has worked with Michigan Opera Theatre, Arizona Opera, Austin Lyric Opera, and Virginia Opera.
Performed as soprano soloist with the Scottsdale Symphony in Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 and the Mesa Symphony in Handel's Messiah.
Has been a semi-finalist in the Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition, a District Winner (southwest and western regions) in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, finalist in the Palm Springs Opera Competition, and has received several first place awards from the National Association of Teachers of Singing.
Has performed opera roles, including Countess Almaviva in Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro, Mimi in Puccini's La Bohème, Erste Dame and Pamina in Mozart's Die Zauberflöte, Fiordiligi in Mozart's Così fan tutte, Blanche de la Force in Poulenc's Dialogues des carmélites, and Micaela in Bizet's Carmen. Has worked with Michigan Opera Theatre, Arizona Opera, Austin Lyric Opera, and Virginia Opera.
Performed as soprano soloist with the Scottsdale Symphony in Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 and the Mesa Symphony in Handel's Messiah.
Has been a semi-finalist in the Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition, a District Winner (southwest and western regions) in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, finalist in the Palm Springs Opera Competition, and has received several first place awards from the National Association of Teachers of Singing.
FRANK B. MITCHELL III
BASS
BS in Music Education from Hampton Institute (now Hampton University).
Has appeared with the National Symphony Orchestra (Washington, D.C.), the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Opera North, the Mozart Opera Festival, and Israel's Haifa Symphony.
Past roles include Sparafucile (Verdi's Rigoletto), Antonio (Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro), Giorgio Germont (Verdi's La Traviata), Escamillo (Bizet's Carmen), The Emperor (Puccini's Turandot), The Duke of Verona (Gounod's Romeo et Juliette), Micha (Smetana's The Bartered Bride), Elder Ott (Carlisle Floyd's Susannah), and Sisera (Paul Schoenberg's D'vorah).
Frequently requested as an oratorio and cantata soloist throughout the east coast for works including Handel's Messiah, Mendelssohn's Elijah, Haydn's The Creation, and Brahms' and Verdi's Requiems.
Made his Carnegie Hall debut in 1992 in a concert of African-American spirituals; has appeared at the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center on numerous occasions.
Has appeared with the National Symphony Orchestra (Washington, D.C.), the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Opera North, the Mozart Opera Festival, and Israel's Haifa Symphony.
Past roles include Sparafucile (Verdi's Rigoletto), Antonio (Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro), Giorgio Germont (Verdi's La Traviata), Escamillo (Bizet's Carmen), The Emperor (Puccini's Turandot), The Duke of Verona (Gounod's Romeo et Juliette), Micha (Smetana's The Bartered Bride), Elder Ott (Carlisle Floyd's Susannah), and Sisera (Paul Schoenberg's D'vorah).
Frequently requested as an oratorio and cantata soloist throughout the east coast for works including Handel's Messiah, Mendelssohn's Elijah, Haydn's The Creation, and Brahms' and Verdi's Requiems.
Made his Carnegie Hall debut in 1992 in a concert of African-American spirituals; has appeared at the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center on numerous occasions.
GARY MONTGOMERY
TENOR
Obtained a BM in Vocal Performance from Christopher Newport University.
Has sung with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus and is a professional member of the music ministry at Freemason Street Baptist Church, Norfolk, where he is a frequent soloist.
Excited to return for his third season with the Chorale.
Has sung with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus and is a professional member of the music ministry at Freemason Street Baptist Church, Norfolk, where he is a frequent soloist.
Excited to return for his third season with the Chorale.
CAROLINE MORSE
ALTO
BM in Music Education, magna cum laude, from James Madison University; graduated from the JMU Honors Program with a presented lecture recital and thesis titled Selections of Music from the English Reformation, with Emphasis on Pedagogical Applications for the High School Choral Classroom.
Currently in her first year of teaching at Warhill High School (Williamsburg).
Professional core alto with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus and the Freemason Street Baptist Church choir (Norfolk).
Honored to be joining the Chorale for the season finale concert!
Currently in her first year of teaching at Warhill High School (Williamsburg).
Professional core alto with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus and the Freemason Street Baptist Church choir (Norfolk).
Honored to be joining the Chorale for the season finale concert!
BRYSON MORTENSEN
BASS
DMA in Choral Conducting & Voice from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; MM in Choral Conducting and BM in Vocal Performance from Brigham Young University (Provo, UT).
Has conducted the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and the Festival Choir of Madison, WI.
Has sung with the Bach Chamber Choir, the Baroque Artists of Urbana-Champaign, and the Deseret Chamber Singers, and has performed as a soloist in Handel's Messiah, Carissimi's Jepthe, Pergolesi's Stabat Mater, Schubert's Mass in G, and several other smaller works and cantatas.
Currently serves as Director of Choirs at Virginia Wesleyan College, where he conducts the Virginia Wesleyan Chorale and Virginia Wesleyan Singers and teaches courses in Choral Music Education and Music History.
Has conducted the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and the Festival Choir of Madison, WI.
Has sung with the Bach Chamber Choir, the Baroque Artists of Urbana-Champaign, and the Deseret Chamber Singers, and has performed as a soloist in Handel's Messiah, Carissimi's Jepthe, Pergolesi's Stabat Mater, Schubert's Mass in G, and several other smaller works and cantatas.
Currently serves as Director of Choirs at Virginia Wesleyan College, where he conducts the Virginia Wesleyan Chorale and Virginia Wesleyan Singers and teaches courses in Choral Music Education and Music History.
KIMBERLY NICKERSON
SOPRANO
BS in Vocal Performance from Western Washington University (Bellingham, WA).
Has performed with Virginia Musical Theatre in roles including Julie Jordan in Carousel and Laurey in Oklahoma; and with Virginia Opera, as Barberina in Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro, and in the chorus and as a cover for operas including The Merry Widow, Romeo et Juliette, Carmen, and La Traviata.
Has taught at the Governor's School for the Arts and currently maintains a private voice studio.
Currently serves as Assistant Director of Music and is a frequent soloist at First Presbyterian Church, Virginia Beach.
Mom of two amazing and supportive children.
Has performed with Virginia Musical Theatre in roles including Julie Jordan in Carousel and Laurey in Oklahoma; and with Virginia Opera, as Barberina in Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro, and in the chorus and as a cover for operas including The Merry Widow, Romeo et Juliette, Carmen, and La Traviata.
Has taught at the Governor's School for the Arts and currently maintains a private voice studio.
Currently serves as Assistant Director of Music and is a frequent soloist at First Presbyterian Church, Virginia Beach.
Mom of two amazing and supportive children.
MEGAN PACHECANO
SOPRANO
MM in Classical Voice from the Manhattan School of Music; BM in Voice Performance from the University of Texas at Austin.
Member of the 2016/17 Metropolitan Opera Extra Chorus.
Soloist and chorister on the Naxos recordings American Choral Music and Salvatore Di Vittorio: The Respighi Choir.
Professional opera singer working with such companies as the Caramoor Festival, Odyssey Opera, Austin Opera, LoftOpera, Opera New Jersey, The Opera Company of Middlebury, Salt Marsh Opera, and New Rochelle Opera.
Concert soloist with such organizations as the Helena Symphony, Westminster Choral Festival, Astoria Symphony Orchestra, Round Rock Symphony Orchestra, Ad Astra Music Festival, and the Orchestra of New Spain.
Member of the 2016/17 Metropolitan Opera Extra Chorus.
Soloist and chorister on the Naxos recordings American Choral Music and Salvatore Di Vittorio: The Respighi Choir.
Professional opera singer working with such companies as the Caramoor Festival, Odyssey Opera, Austin Opera, LoftOpera, Opera New Jersey, The Opera Company of Middlebury, Salt Marsh Opera, and New Rochelle Opera.
Concert soloist with such organizations as the Helena Symphony, Westminster Choral Festival, Astoria Symphony Orchestra, Round Rock Symphony Orchestra, Ad Astra Music Festival, and the Orchestra of New Spain.
JENNIFER PIAZZA-PICK
SOPRANO
MM in Vocal Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music; BM in Vocal Performance & Music Education from Ithaca College.
Was a member of the House Chorus at the Nationaltheater Mannheim (Germany).
Has performed with Ithaca Opera, Long Beach Opera, Opera Piccola San Antonio, Cincinnati Opera, the Opera Theater of Lucca, the Pinceton Festival, the Oregon Bach Festival, the Pacific Chorale, the San Antonio Chamber Choir, the Composers Alliance of San Antonio, and many others.
Was the recipient of the George Cortes Award for Classical Singing by the Artist Foundation of San Antonio, the winner of the Hawaii Public Radio Art Song Contest, and a finalist for the American Prize in the women's art song division.
Currently teaches at Virginia State University and the University of Richmond, maintains a private studio, and performs around the United States.
Was a member of the House Chorus at the Nationaltheater Mannheim (Germany).
Has performed with Ithaca Opera, Long Beach Opera, Opera Piccola San Antonio, Cincinnati Opera, the Opera Theater of Lucca, the Pinceton Festival, the Oregon Bach Festival, the Pacific Chorale, the San Antonio Chamber Choir, the Composers Alliance of San Antonio, and many others.
Was the recipient of the George Cortes Award for Classical Singing by the Artist Foundation of San Antonio, the winner of the Hawaii Public Radio Art Song Contest, and a finalist for the American Prize in the women's art song division.
Currently teaches at Virginia State University and the University of Richmond, maintains a private studio, and performs around the United States.
CORBIN THOMAS PINTO
SOPRANO
MM from Virginia Commonwealth University; graduated magna cum laude from James Madison University with a BM in Music Education.
Directs the children's choir at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Norfolk.
Has sung as a soloist in numerous venues across Hampton Roads, including Handel's Messiah with Symphonicity.
An active and accomplished music educator, she has developed recognized choral programs at Bayside High School and Tallwood High School in Virginia Beach, which has performed with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra & Chorus and was selected to host a masterclass by the world-renowned vocal ensemble Chanticleer in 2011.
Directs the children's choir at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Norfolk.
Has sung as a soloist in numerous venues across Hampton Roads, including Handel's Messiah with Symphonicity.
An active and accomplished music educator, she has developed recognized choral programs at Bayside High School and Tallwood High School in Virginia Beach, which has performed with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra & Chorus and was selected to host a masterclass by the world-renowned vocal ensemble Chanticleer in 2011.
JONATHAN RATHSAM
TENOR
PhD in Acoustics from the University of Nebraska; BA in Physics from Grinnell College.
Cantorial soloist at Congregation Emet V'Or, Newport News, and choir member at Ohef Sholom Temple, Norfolk.
Research engineer in acoustics at NASA.
Cantorial soloist at Congregation Emet V'Or, Newport News, and choir member at Ohef Sholom Temple, Norfolk.
Research engineer in acoustics at NASA.
IAN RICHARDSON
BASS
BM from the University of Iowa; MM from the University of Knoxville, TN - both in opera/vocal performance.
Has performed with Kentucky Opera, Ash Lawn Opera, St. Petersburg Opera, Marble City Opera, Knoxville Opera, and Des Moines Metro Opera. Has also sung with the Richmond Symphony Chorus, Capitol Opera Richmond, and the Piedmont Singers.
Currently serves as cantor at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (Richmond) and staff singer at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church (Richmond).
Also composes in addition to singing, including choral works, art songs, and chamber music.
Has performed with Kentucky Opera, Ash Lawn Opera, St. Petersburg Opera, Marble City Opera, Knoxville Opera, and Des Moines Metro Opera. Has also sung with the Richmond Symphony Chorus, Capitol Opera Richmond, and the Piedmont Singers.
Currently serves as cantor at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (Richmond) and staff singer at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church (Richmond).
Also composes in addition to singing, including choral works, art songs, and chamber music.
EMILY RUSSELL
ALTO
BM from James Madison University.
Taught music in private and public schools in Hampton Roads; now has a private voice and piano studio.
In addition to singing with the Chorale, performs frequently with Virginia Opera and has performed with the Cantabile Project and Tidewater Opera Initiative.
Currently serves as Virginia Opera's Children's Chorus Master.
Taught music in private and public schools in Hampton Roads; now has a private voice and piano studio.
In addition to singing with the Chorale, performs frequently with Virginia Opera and has performed with the Cantabile Project and Tidewater Opera Initiative.
Currently serves as Virginia Opera's Children's Chorus Master.
MARSHALL SEVERIN
BASS
BM in Vocal Performance from Christopher Newport University.
Has sung in the chorus and covered multiple roles with Virginia Opera, and has performed with Tidewater Opera Initiative as Guglielmo in Mozart's Cosí fan tutte and Marco in Puccini's Gianni Schicchi.
Has sung in the chorus and covered multiple roles with Virginia Opera, and has performed with Tidewater Opera Initiative as Guglielmo in Mozart's Cosí fan tutte and Marco in Puccini's Gianni Schicchi.
ANTHONY SMITH
BASS
Musical Director in Residence, University of Richmond Department of Theatre & Dance.
Conductor, Peninsula Youth Wind Ensemble (Newport News).
Director Choir & Theory, Soundscapes USA (Newport News).
Freelance musical director, collaborative pianist, flutist, and concert percussionist.
Conductor, Peninsula Youth Wind Ensemble (Newport News).
Director Choir & Theory, Soundscapes USA (Newport News).
Freelance musical director, collaborative pianist, flutist, and concert percussionist.
NERISSA THOMPSON
ALTO
Performed with the Virginia Chorale and Virginia Opera for three seasons.
Made her debut with Tidewater Opera Initiative as Mrs. Nolan in Menotti's The Medium.
Received her education at Westminster Choir College of Rider University as a candidate for a BM in Music Education.
Serves as alto soloist at First Lutheran Church, Norfolk.
Made her debut with Tidewater Opera Initiative as Mrs. Nolan in Menotti's The Medium.
Received her education at Westminster Choir College of Rider University as a candidate for a BM in Music Education.
Serves as alto soloist at First Lutheran Church, Norfolk.
JOHN TYNDALL
BASS
BA in Vocal Performance from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Made his professional operatic debut as Barone Douphol in Verdi's La Traviata with the Bronx Opera Company.
Performed at Carnegie Hall with Musica Sacra under the direction of Kent Tritle and as soloist with the Atlantic Chamber Ensemble for Beck's Song Reader album, of which two recordings were featured on National Public Radio.
Bass section leader and soloist at Richmond's St. James Episcopal Church and Congregation Beth Ahabah.
Made his professional operatic debut as Barone Douphol in Verdi's La Traviata with the Bronx Opera Company.
Performed at Carnegie Hall with Musica Sacra under the direction of Kent Tritle and as soloist with the Atlantic Chamber Ensemble for Beck's Song Reader album, of which two recordings were featured on National Public Radio.
Bass section leader and soloist at Richmond's St. James Episcopal Church and Congregation Beth Ahabah.
