SINGERS
Please note that all singers do not sing all concerts.
KRISTIN BALL
ALTO

BM in Vocal Performance from Baylor University; MS in Arts Administration from Boston University.
Operations Manager for Virginia Chorale.
Currently a member of the choir, women's ensemble, and select ensembles Vox Caeli and Quartetto at Great Bridge United Methodist Church in Chesapeake.
Served as alto section leader and soloist at International Protestant Church in Zurich, Switzerland.
Has sung with the female ensemble Schwung (Zurich) and the Rocktown Consort (Harrisonburg, VA).
Mother of three awesome children.
Operations Manager for Virginia Chorale.
Currently a member of the choir, women's ensemble, and select ensembles Vox Caeli and Quartetto at Great Bridge United Methodist Church in Chesapeake.
Served as alto section leader and soloist at International Protestant Church in Zurich, Switzerland.
Has sung with the female ensemble Schwung (Zurich) and the Rocktown Consort (Harrisonburg, VA).
Mother of three awesome children.
RANDALL BALL
TENOR

DMA in Vocal Performance, Pedagogy, and Literature from James Madison University, MM and BM in Vocal Performance from Baylor University.
Director of Worship Music and Arts at Great Bridge United Methodist Church.
Currently an Adjunct Professor of Voice at Virginia Wesleyan University, Adjunct Instructor of Voice at University of Virginia (2012-2016), and Applied Vocal Instructor at James Madison University (2009-2011).
On staff as a voice teacher at the Governor's School for the Arts since 2020-2023.
Has sung with Ft. Worth Opera, Waco Lyric Opera, Opera North, Santa Fe Opera, Utah Festival Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, Opernhaus Zürich, and Luzerner Theater.
Director of Worship Music and Arts at Great Bridge United Methodist Church.
Currently an Adjunct Professor of Voice at Virginia Wesleyan University, Adjunct Instructor of Voice at University of Virginia (2012-2016), and Applied Vocal Instructor at James Madison University (2009-2011).
On staff as a voice teacher at the Governor's School for the Arts since 2020-2023.
Has sung with Ft. Worth Opera, Waco Lyric Opera, Opera North, Santa Fe Opera, Utah Festival Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, Opernhaus Zürich, and Luzerner Theater.
CHRISTINA BARTHOLOMEW
SOPRANO

BA in Vocal Performance from East Carolina University; MME from Old Dominion University.
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, Handel's Messiah, Mozart's Coronation Mass, Rutter's Requiem, Mrs. Gobineau (Menotti's The Medium), and Belinda (Purcell's Dido and Aeneas).
Chorus Manager and Young Singers Project Coordinator for Virginia Chorale and adjunct music professor at Old Dominion University and College of the Albemarle.
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, Handel's Messiah, Mozart's Coronation Mass, Rutter's Requiem, Mrs. Gobineau (Menotti's The Medium), and Belinda (Purcell's Dido and Aeneas).
Chorus Manager and Young Singers Project Coordinator for Virginia Chorale and adjunct music professor at Old Dominion University and College of the Albemarle.
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, MME from Norfolk State University.
Current Chairman of District II’s Choral Assessments.
Current Choral Director at Granby High School.
Toured as a soloist in 2019 to sing in 5 cities in Italy.
Toured with the Wesleyan Singers and Wesleyan Chorale in 2014 to sing in Carnegie Hall.
Tenor Section Leader and soloist at First Lutheran Church of Norfolk.
Current Chairman of District II’s Choral Assessments.
Current Choral Director at Granby High School.
Toured as a soloist in 2019 to sing in 5 cities in Italy.
Toured with the Wesleyan Singers and Wesleyan Chorale in 2014 to sing in Carnegie Hall.
Tenor Section Leader and soloist at First Lutheran Church of Norfolk.
LAUREN CLAY
SOPRANO

- BA in International Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Singing fellow of Yale's Norfolk Chamber Music Festival in 2018 and 2019, as part of its Chamber Choir and Choral Conducting Workshop, under the direction of Simon Carrington.
Soprano soloist in J.S. Bach’s Mass in B minor and Jesu Meine Freude; and John Rutter’s Requiem.
Studied voice at Oberlin Conservatory's Baroque Performance Institute.
Won second prize in the adult category at the Virginia National Association of Teachers of Singing competition in 2017.
Currently sings with the Schola Cantorum at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond as well as various other churches and congregations in the region.
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.
BRANCH FIELDS
BASS

Described by Opera America as “a bass of resonant richness,” is a versatile performer engaged throughout North America and beyond in opera, musical theater, and concert.
Has sung with Santa Fe Opera, New York City Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, Edmonton Opera, Michigan Opera Theatre, Utah Opera, Opera San Jose, and many other regional companies throughout the U.S. and Canada. In concert, has performed with the Munich Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra, Santa Fe Symphony, MDR Leipzig, and the American Symphony Orchestra.
Versatility as a singing actor led to his Broadway debut in South Pacific, understudying the role of Emile de Becque in the 2008 Lincoln Center Theater production, which won seven Tony Awards. Has been Emile in 7 productions of South Pacific throughout the U.S. and Canada, nominated for “Best Actor in a Musical” by theater critic circles in Boston, Massachusetts, and Richmond, Virginia. Recent performances include Sir Lancelot for Intermountain Opera Bozeman, Robert in Bridges of Madison County for The Ghostlight Theater in Michigan, Leporello in Don Giovanni for Indianapolis Opera, also Commendatore for Opera in Williamsburg’s Don Giovanni, and Capt. Von Trapp for Charlottesville Opera, Montana TheaterWorks, and The Southwest Michigan Symphony.
Is a guest artist in the Lackey Clinic fundraising gala, “A Night of Broadway Music” at the Ferguson Center for the Performing Arts, Frank in Opera in Williamsburg’s Die Fledermaus, and Balthazar in Greensboro Opera’s Amahl & the Night Visitors.
Stream or download Branch’s solo album “Be Thou My Vision” on iTunes and all other services.
Has sung with Santa Fe Opera, New York City Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, Edmonton Opera, Michigan Opera Theatre, Utah Opera, Opera San Jose, and many other regional companies throughout the U.S. and Canada. In concert, has performed with the Munich Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra, Santa Fe Symphony, MDR Leipzig, and the American Symphony Orchestra.
Versatility as a singing actor led to his Broadway debut in South Pacific, understudying the role of Emile de Becque in the 2008 Lincoln Center Theater production, which won seven Tony Awards. Has been Emile in 7 productions of South Pacific throughout the U.S. and Canada, nominated for “Best Actor in a Musical” by theater critic circles in Boston, Massachusetts, and Richmond, Virginia. Recent performances include Sir Lancelot for Intermountain Opera Bozeman, Robert in Bridges of Madison County for The Ghostlight Theater in Michigan, Leporello in Don Giovanni for Indianapolis Opera, also Commendatore for Opera in Williamsburg’s Don Giovanni, and Capt. Von Trapp for Charlottesville Opera, Montana TheaterWorks, and The Southwest Michigan Symphony.
Is a guest artist in the Lackey Clinic fundraising gala, “A Night of Broadway Music” at the Ferguson Center for the Performing Arts, Frank in Opera in Williamsburg’s Die Fledermaus, and Balthazar in Greensboro Opera’s Amahl & the Night Visitors.
Stream or download Branch’s solo album “Be Thou My Vision” on iTunes and all other services.
BRENT HARTIGAN
BASS

Undergraduate Vocal Performance at ODU.
- Hired Soloist at First Presbyterian Church of Virginia Beach.
- Sung with Virginia Chorale, Symphonicity, Young Singers Project, Virginia Opera, VMT, Little Theater of Norfolk, Generic Theater.
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."
BEN JONES
BASS

BA in Music Education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha
Served as the Bass section leader and soloist for First Presbyterian Church in Omaha, Nebraska
Chorus teacher at Hugo A. Owens Middle School in Chesapeake, VA
Served as the Bass section leader and soloist for First Presbyterian Church in Omaha, Nebraska
Chorus teacher at Hugo A. Owens Middle School in Chesapeake, VA
KATHRYN KELLY
ALTO

BM in Vocal Performance and MM in Vocal Pedagogy & Performance from Westminster Choir College.
Currently serves as an Adjunct Professor of Applied Voice at Old Dominion University and on the Voice Faculty of the Governor's School for the Arts and maintains a thriving private studio.
She has performed the roles of Gretel (Hansel and Gretel) Monica (The Medium) Tisbe (La Cenerentola) Dorabella (Cosi fan Tutte) among others.
She is a frequent recitalist throughout Hampton Roads and is the soprano soloist at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Norfolk.
Currently serves as an Adjunct Professor of Applied Voice at Old Dominion University and on the Voice Faculty of the Governor's School for the Arts and maintains a thriving private studio.
She has performed the roles of Gretel (Hansel and Gretel) Monica (The Medium) Tisbe (La Cenerentola) Dorabella (Cosi fan Tutte) among others.
She is a frequent recitalist throughout Hampton Roads and is the soprano soloist at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Norfolk.
LOGAN C. KENISON
BASS

Graduated from Old Dominion University with a degree in voice performance in 2022.
Recently played the Commissioner in the Virginia Opera's production of La Traviata.
Works as bass section leader and soloist at Christ and St. Luke's Episcopal Church.
Recently played the Commissioner in the Virginia Opera's production of La Traviata.
Works as bass section leader and soloist at Christ and St. Luke's Episcopal Church.
ELISE RAMOS KREPCHO
SOPRANO

BM in Vocal Performance from Southeastern University (Lakeland, FL). Chorus teacher at Grassfield High School in Chesapeake, VA.. Serves as Secretary for the Virginia Choral Directors Association. Interim Artistic Director for the Williamsburg Choral Guild.
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.
ANDREW LUSHER
BASS

Serves as the Artist and Programming Manager for the Arts for Learning non-profit of Hampton Roads. Enjoyed a successful six years of secondary vocal music teaching. Holds a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Virginia where he was an associate researcher for the Institute of Democracy. Also holds a Master's Degree in Conducting from the Hanns Eisler Hochschule für Musik in Berlin, Germany. Served as a professor for the Musikgymnasium C.Ph.E Bach and enjoyed opportunities conducting RIAS Kammerchor, the Brandenburgisches Staatsorchester Frankfurt, and the Coro Universitario de Mendoza. His Bachelor of Music in Music Education Degree is from Westminster Choir College. Was a member of the Westminster Choir and Westminster Symphonic Choir. Sings for services at St. Paul's Episcopal Church and at Ohef Sholom Temple, both in Norfolk.
STEVEN MARTINEZ
TENOR

MME in Choral Conducting and Vocal Performance from Old Dominion University, BM in Vocal Performance from Christopher Newport University.
Currently serving as Choral Director at Gloucester High School and sings with Cantori Vocal Ensemble in Williamsburg.
Has performed with VA Opera and as section leaders in several churches.
Currently serving as Choral Director at Gloucester High School and sings with Cantori Vocal Ensemble in Williamsburg.
Has performed with VA Opera and as section leaders in several churches.
GARY MONTGOMERY
TENOR

BM in Vocal Performance from Christopher Newport University.
Frequent soloist in Hampton Roads, throughout Virginia, and the East Coast.
In 2017, premiered Kristin Kuster’s opera KEPT: a ghost story with Virginia Arts Festival. Other operatic roles include Arnalta (Monteverdi's L'incoronazione di Poppea), Don Basilio (Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro), Bel Core (Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore), Toby (Menotti's The Medium), and many more. Concert and recital credits include Orff's Carmina Burana, Handel's Messiah, Haydn's The Creation and Missa in angustiis (Lord Nelson Mass), Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, Vaughan Williams' Serenade to music, and Songs of Travel, Wagner's Wesendonck Lieder, and many more. Has performed with many top orchestras including the Dallas Symphony, Houston Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, Richmond Symphony, and Virginia Symphony.
Has worked with many leading conductors including J. Lynn Thompson, John Rutter, and JoAnn Falletta.
Currently works for the Virginia Arts Festival; is a staff singer at Christ & St. Luke's Episcopal Church (Norfolk) and frequent performer with the Virginia Chorale.
Frequent soloist in Hampton Roads, throughout Virginia, and the East Coast.
In 2017, premiered Kristin Kuster’s opera KEPT: a ghost story with Virginia Arts Festival. Other operatic roles include Arnalta (Monteverdi's L'incoronazione di Poppea), Don Basilio (Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro), Bel Core (Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore), Toby (Menotti's The Medium), and many more. Concert and recital credits include Orff's Carmina Burana, Handel's Messiah, Haydn's The Creation and Missa in angustiis (Lord Nelson Mass), Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, Vaughan Williams' Serenade to music, and Songs of Travel, Wagner's Wesendonck Lieder, and many more. Has performed with many top orchestras including the Dallas Symphony, Houston Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, Richmond Symphony, and Virginia Symphony.
Has worked with many leading conductors including J. Lynn Thompson, John Rutter, and JoAnn Falletta.
Currently works for the Virginia Arts Festival; is a staff singer at Christ & St. Luke's Episcopal Church (Norfolk) and frequent performer with the Virginia Chorale.
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.
JP PAUL
TENOR

MM in Classical Voice Performance, University of Memphis; BA in Vocal Music Performance, Murray State University.
Director of Development for YWCA South Hampton Roads (January 2023).
Core member of the Virginia Symphony Chorus since August 2022.
Board member of Bay Youth Symphony Orchestra since January 2023.
Member of the DT100, a group of driven young professionals promoting the growth, well-being and prosperity of Downtown Norfolk.
Amateur CrossFit athlete and attends Stability CrossFit in Virginia Beach.
Enjoys critiquing film in his spare time.
Director of Development for YWCA South Hampton Roads (January 2023).
Core member of the Virginia Symphony Chorus since August 2022.
Board member of Bay Youth Symphony Orchestra since January 2023.
Member of the DT100, a group of driven young professionals promoting the growth, well-being and prosperity of Downtown Norfolk.
Amateur CrossFit athlete and attends Stability CrossFit in Virginia Beach.
Enjoys critiquing film in his spare time.
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 Catabile 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 Catabile Project and Tidewater Opera Initiative.
Currently serves as Virginia Opera’s Children’s Chorus Master.
KATHERINE SANFORD SCHROCK
SOPRANO

MM Vocal Performance, University of Michigan; BM Vocal Performance, University of Maryland
Has sung principal operatic roles with Opera San Jose, Nashville Opera, Opera Colorado, Opera Modesto, Pacific Northwest Opera
Has sung principal operatic roles with Opera San Jose, Nashville Opera, Opera Colorado, Opera Modesto, Pacific Northwest Opera
- Debuts with Virginia Opera this season as Edith in Pirates of Penzance.
REBECCA SEEKATZ
ALTO

BM in vocal performance from Rice University under the instruction of Suzanne Mentzer.
Has sung with the Houston Bach Society, Mercury Baroque of Houston, the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus, and the Lafayette Master Chorale, often as a featured soloist.
Was a studio singer for Aire Born Recording Studios where she recorded new choral works for publishers such as Chorister’s Guild, Lorenz Music, Beckenhorst Press and many others.
Former private piano/voice instructor and director of the Houston Boychoir Preparatory Chorus.
Currently a full time mom to three sweet kids.
Has sung with the Houston Bach Society, Mercury Baroque of Houston, the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus, and the Lafayette Master Chorale, often as a featured soloist.
Was a studio singer for Aire Born Recording Studios where she recorded new choral works for publishers such as Chorister’s Guild, Lorenz Music, Beckenhorst Press and many others.
Former private piano/voice instructor and director of the Houston Boychoir Preparatory Chorus.
Currently a full time mom to three sweet kids.
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.
SERENA STUMP
SOPRANO

BMA in Applied Music with a concentration in Choral/Vocal Music from Virginia Wesleyan University, summa cum laude (2021). MAEd from VWU (2022). Previous member and soloist in the Virginia Chorale’s Young Singers’ Project (2017). Studied voice with Billye Brown Youmans at Virginia Wesleyan University. Has performed in choirs and as a soloist with the Williamsburg and Virginia Symphonies, and has done solo work for various churches throughout Hampton Roads. Composed and premiered original works and arrangements with the VWU choirs.
SARAH TAYLOR
SOPRANO

BM in Vocal Performance and BA in Art History from Indiana University; Masters in Public Administration and Policy from the University of Georgia. Current Director of Finance & Administration for the School of Education at William and Mary. Soprano soloist at Bruton Parish Episcopal (Williamsburg). Has sung with the Seattle Opera Chorus and Boston University Tanglewood Institute.
NERISSA THOMPSON
ALTO

Attended Westminster Choir College as a candidate for a Bachelor's in Music Education.
Has performed with the Virginia Opera for four seasons; past productions include Samson and Delilah, Turandot, and Carmen.
Previously sang with Tidewater Opera Initiative as a mainstage performer in Dido and Aeneas and The Medium.
Served as Music Director for several local theater productions including the Williamsburg Player's 2016 Jekyll and Hyde and LTN's 2018 local premiere of First Date.
Holds a position as the alto Section Leader and soloist at First Lutheran Church of Norfolk.
Has performed with the Virginia Opera for four seasons; past productions include Samson and Delilah, Turandot, and Carmen.
Previously sang with Tidewater Opera Initiative as a mainstage performer in Dido and Aeneas and The Medium.
Served as Music Director for several local theater productions including the Williamsburg Player's 2016 Jekyll and Hyde and LTN's 2018 local premiere of First Date.
Holds a position as the alto Section Leader and soloist at First Lutheran Church of Norfolk.
AARON TODD
TENOR

BM in Choral Music Education from James Madison University. Tenor Section Leader, Richmond Symphony Chorus & Chamber ChoirAaron has served as a choral and orchestral director at the middle- and high-school levels in Henrico County Public Schools and Richmond Public Schools. He also sings, plays piano, and conducts in church music ministries in the Short Pump area.
As a spirited music educator and choral singer, he has sung in workshops and performances under such conductors as Axel Theimer, Scott Tucker, Bruce Chamberlain, Joe Miller, Charles Bruffy, Nigel Short, and Rodney Eichenberger.
Pursuing his passions for learning and development as well as cultivating cultures of diversity, equity, and belonging, Aaron currently works as an HR professional with the West Cary Group in downtown Richmond and Camp Kids Place LLC in Arlington, VA.
As a spirited music educator and choral singer, he has sung in workshops and performances under such conductors as Axel Theimer, Scott Tucker, Bruce Chamberlain, Joe Miller, Charles Bruffy, Nigel Short, and Rodney Eichenberger.
Pursuing his passions for learning and development as well as cultivating cultures of diversity, equity, and belonging, Aaron currently works as an HR professional with the West Cary Group in downtown Richmond and Camp Kids Place LLC in Arlington, VA.
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.
John is a highly sought-after ensemble singer and soloist in the Greater Richmond Area. He serves as the staff bass section leader and soloist at Richmond's St. James Episcopal Church. He also sings regularly as a bass section leader at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (Richmond).
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.
John is a highly sought-after ensemble singer and soloist in the Greater Richmond Area. He serves as the staff bass section leader and soloist at Richmond's St. James Episcopal Church. He also sings regularly as a bass section leader at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (Richmond).
MELINDA VAN NIEL
SOPRANO

Sings with the choir of Christ and St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Norfolk, VA.
Has sung with many ensembles in her career as a section leader and soloist, including the Choir at The Chapel of the Cross Chapel Hill, Duke University Evensong Choir, the Choir of the Church of the Holy Trinity Philadelphia, and the Choral Fellows of the Harvard University Choir.
Has also performed with the Philadelphia Opera Company Chorus has sung a variety of opera roles including Zerlina in Don Giovanni, Dorabella in Cosi Fan Tutte, Cherubino in Le Nozze di Figaro, and Laurie in The Tender Land.
Has sung with many ensembles in her career as a section leader and soloist, including the Choir at The Chapel of the Cross Chapel Hill, Duke University Evensong Choir, the Choir of the Church of the Holy Trinity Philadelphia, and the Choral Fellows of the Harvard University Choir.
Has also performed with the Philadelphia Opera Company Chorus has sung a variety of opera roles including Zerlina in Don Giovanni, Dorabella in Cosi Fan Tutte, Cherubino in Le Nozze di Figaro, and Laurie in The Tender Land.
KEATON WHITEHURST
SOPRANO

BA in Music (Vocal Performance) from Shenandoah University’s Conservatory of Music.
MME from Old Dominion University.
Former member of Virginia Chorale: Young Singer’s Project.
Has sung with the City Choir of Washington and the Virginia Symphony Chorus.
Section Leader at Christ & St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Norfolk.
Works closely with the Virginia Children's Chorus and gives private voice lessons through the Academy of Music.
Currently the K-5 music teacher at Christopher Academy, Portsmouth.
MME from Old Dominion University.
Former member of Virginia Chorale: Young Singer’s Project.
Has sung with the City Choir of Washington and the Virginia Symphony Chorus.
Section Leader at Christ & St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Norfolk.
Works closely with the Virginia Children's Chorus and gives private voice lessons through the Academy of Music.
Currently the K-5 music teacher at Christopher Academy, Portsmouth.