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.
Managing Director for Virginia Chorale.
Active choir member 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.
Managing Director for Virginia Chorale.
Active choir member 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.
Music teacher at Sparrow Road Elementary School in Chesapeake.
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).
Voice teacher at the Governor's School for the Arts 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.
Music teacher at Sparrow Road Elementary School in Chesapeake.
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).
Voice teacher at the Governor's School for the Arts 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).
Adjunct music professor at 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).
Adjunct music professor at Old Dominion University.
BRIAN BLAIR
TENOR
Earned an BM from Christopher Newport University.
Has served as a core singer with the Williamsburg Chorale Guild for their 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 seasons.
Currently a Tenor section leader at Bruton Parish Episcopal Church in Williamsburg
Has served as a core singer with the Williamsburg Chorale Guild for their 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 seasons.
Currently a Tenor section leader at Bruton Parish Episcopal Church in Williamsburg
JOSEPH BROWN
TENOR
Earned a BM and MAT from Christopher Newport University.
Earned a Post-Graduate certificate in choral conducting from Old Dominion University.
A member of YSP in 2015.
Current choral director for Maury High School.
Performs as a clarinetist and bass clarinetist with the Chesapeake Bay Wind Ensemble and Tidewater Winds Concert Band.
Serves as a tenor section leader at Christ and St. Lukes Episcopal church.
Earned a Post-Graduate certificate in choral conducting from Old Dominion University.
A member of YSP in 2015.
Current choral director for Maury High School.
Performs as a clarinetist and bass clarinetist with the Chesapeake Bay Wind Ensemble and Tidewater Winds Concert Band.
Serves as a tenor section leader at Christ and St. Lukes Episcopal church.
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.
CARTER CAMPBELL
BASS
A versatile music educator and performer in Hampton Roads.
Has appeared with the Virginia Chorale, the Norfolk Chamber Consort, and Opera in Williamsburg for their production of Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice.
Has also appeared in numerous vocal and instrumental ensembles at his alma mater Old Dominion University, where he graduated with a BM in Instrumental Music Education and an MME in Applied Choral Conducting, studying piano with Dr. Andrey Kasparov, voice with Dr. Larry Giddens, and choral conducting with Dr. Nancy Klein.
Currently the orchestra director at Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach, in addition to teaching fifth grade strings at two Virginia Beach elementary schools.
Active as an organist and chorister at St. Benedict's Catholic Church in Chesapeake.
Has appeared with the Virginia Chorale, the Norfolk Chamber Consort, and Opera in Williamsburg for their production of Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice.
Has also appeared in numerous vocal and instrumental ensembles at his alma mater Old Dominion University, where he graduated with a BM in Instrumental Music Education and an MME in Applied Choral Conducting, studying piano with Dr. Andrey Kasparov, voice with Dr. Larry Giddens, and choral conducting with Dr. Nancy Klein.
Currently the orchestra director at Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach, in addition to teaching fifth grade strings at two Virginia Beach elementary schools.
Active as an organist and chorister at St. Benedict's Catholic Church in Chesapeake.
HANNAH CAYEM
SOPRANO
B.M. in Music Education and Vocal Performance, Ithaca College.
M.M. in Vocal Performance, George Mason University.
Recent roles include Laeticia (The Old Maid and the Thief), Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi), and Zerlina (Don Giovanni).
National Semfinalist in the NATS Competition, 2025 and 2026.
Faculty, The Academy of Music.
M.M. in Vocal Performance, George Mason University.
Recent roles include Laeticia (The Old Maid and the Thief), Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi), and Zerlina (Don Giovanni).
National Semfinalist in the NATS Competition, 2025 and 2026.
Faculty, The Academy of Music.
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.
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.
Has sung with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus, the Cantata Chorus, the Norfolk Chamber Consort, the Camerata Choristers, and the Virginia Chorale.
SARAH GRACE EVANS
SOPRANO
Bachelor's in Music with a concentration in Choral Music Education from Christopher Newport University
Master's in Teaching from Christopher Newport University.
Current Choral Director at Great Bridge Middle School in Chesapeake, VA.
Soprano Section Leader at Christ and St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Norfolk, VA.
Master's in Teaching from Christopher Newport University.
Current Choral Director at Great Bridge Middle School in Chesapeake, VA.
Soprano Section Leader at Christ and St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Norfolk, VA.
KIRKLAND FENERTY
BASS
B.M. - Vocal Performance Concentration from James Madison University.
Currently in his second season of work with the VA Opera Chorus (‘24-’25,’25-’26), Commonwealth Concert Opera (‘24-’25,’25-’26), and a frequent soloist in the Richmond area. With performances in the U.S. and abroad, his operatic roles include the titular character in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Marcello and Schaunard (Puccini’s La Bohème), Nick Shadow (Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress), Wagner (Gounod’s Faust), Silvio (Leoncavallo’s I Pagliacci), and Papageno (Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte).
Opera Chorus credits include Bizet's Carmen, Gounod's Faust, Heggie's Dead Man Walking, Monteverdi's L'incoronazione di Poppea, and Geter's Loving v. Virginia (WP). Past choral work includes collegiate engagements with The JMU Chorale, a brief stint with the Madison Singers (JMU), and as a ringer/cantor for several congregations in the Greater Richmond and Shenandoah regions.
Currently in his second season of work with the VA Opera Chorus (‘24-’25,’25-’26), Commonwealth Concert Opera (‘24-’25,’25-’26), and a frequent soloist in the Richmond area. With performances in the U.S. and abroad, his operatic roles include the titular character in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Marcello and Schaunard (Puccini’s La Bohème), Nick Shadow (Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress), Wagner (Gounod’s Faust), Silvio (Leoncavallo’s I Pagliacci), and Papageno (Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte).
Opera Chorus credits include Bizet's Carmen, Gounod's Faust, Heggie's Dead Man Walking, Monteverdi's L'incoronazione di Poppea, and Geter's Loving v. Virginia (WP). Past choral work includes collegiate engagements with The JMU Chorale, a brief stint with the Madison Singers (JMU), and as a ringer/cantor for several congregations in the Greater Richmond and Shenandoah regions.
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.
BRENT HARTIGAN
BASS
Undergraduate Vocal Performance at ODU.
Baritone/Tenor Section Leader and Soloist at First Presbyterian Church of Virginia Beach.
Chorus Manager for Virginia Chorale.
Has sung with Virginia Chorale, Atlantic Music Festival, Young Singers Project, Virginia Opera, Lyric Opera of Virginia, Symphonicity, and Virginia Musical Theater.
Previous Roles of note include Jean Valjean (Les Misérables), Eisenstein (Die Fledermaus), Leporello (Don Giovanni), Adam/Noah (Children of Eden) and as the Tenor for Buxtehude’s Membra Jesu Nostri.
Baritone/Tenor Section Leader and Soloist at First Presbyterian Church of Virginia Beach.
Chorus Manager for Virginia Chorale.
Has sung with Virginia Chorale, Atlantic Music Festival, Young Singers Project, Virginia Opera, Lyric Opera of Virginia, Symphonicity, and Virginia Musical Theater.
Previous Roles of note include Jean Valjean (Les Misérables), Eisenstein (Die Fledermaus), Leporello (Don Giovanni), Adam/Noah (Children of Eden) and as the Tenor for Buxtehude’s Membra Jesu Nostri.
NICOLE HOUSTON
ALTO
MM in Music Theory and Composition and BM in Music Education/Voice from Norfolk State University.
Served as Student Conductor, Assistant Student Conductor, and Alto Section Leader for the Norfolk State University Concert Choir.
Performed in the Spartan Chorale at NSU, and currently sings with the I. Sherman Greene Chorale.
Performed solo alongside Grammy Award-winning artists Kathleen Battle and Richard Smallwood.
Specializes in composition, music education, vocal performance, and choral conducting.
Currently is the Choral Director at Oscar F. Smith High School.
Served as Student Conductor, Assistant Student Conductor, and Alto Section Leader for the Norfolk State University Concert Choir.
Performed in the Spartan Chorale at NSU, and currently sings with the I. Sherman Greene Chorale.
Performed solo alongside Grammy Award-winning artists Kathleen Battle and Richard Smallwood.
Specializes in composition, music education, vocal performance, and choral conducting.
Currently is the Choral Director at Oscar F. Smith High School.
CASSANDRA HOWARD
SOPRANO
Studied vocal performance at Old Dominion University under Sondra Gelb.Has performed as a soloist internationally in France, Italy, Switzerland, and Japan. She has also been a featured soloist with the Symphonicity Orchestra and The Virginia Beach Chorale.
Has performed with the Virginia Opera and has held professional positions at several churches in the Hampton Roads area.
Currently soprano section leader at Trinity Episcopal Church and The Virginia Beach Chorale.
Has performed with the Virginia Opera and has held professional positions at several churches in the Hampton Roads area.
Currently soprano section leader at Trinity Episcopal Church and The Virginia Beach Chorale.
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
Graduate of Florida State University, with a master's degree in voice performance.
An avid and enthusiastic student of history, and is currently preparing for auditions for the upcoming season.
Happy to be back for the Virginia Chorale's 2026-2027 season.
An avid and enthusiastic student of history, and is currently preparing for auditions for the upcoming season.
Happy to be back for the Virginia Chorale's 2026-2027 season.
MICHAEL KOELLNER
BASS
BM in Music Education with emphasis in choral conducting from the University of Arizona.
Has sung as a bass staff singer in various ensembles, including St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, the Helios Ensemble, the Tucson Barbershop Experience, the Tucson Masterworks Chorale, where he was also the assistant director, and in the University of Arizona’s premiere ensemble, Symphonic Choir where he served as president and bass section leader.
Has sung as a bass staff singer in various ensembles, including St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, the Helios Ensemble, the Tucson Barbershop Experience, the Tucson Masterworks Chorale, where he was also the assistant director, and in the University of Arizona’s premiere ensemble, Symphonic Choir where he served as president and bass section leader.
ELISE RAMOS KREPCHO
SOPRANO
BM in Vocal Performance from Southeastern University (Lakeland, FL). Chorus and Guitar teacher at Grassfield High School in Chesapeake, VA. Has served consecutive terms as Secretary for the Virginia Choral Directors Association. Former Interm Artistic Director of Williamsburg Choral Guild, and is the Director of Music at First Presbyterian Church, Virginia Beach.
DREW LUSHER
BASS
Thoughtful cultural leader who uses interdisciplinary arts engagement to foster dialogue and build community. With over a decade of experience in the cultural education field, his international, regional, and local efforts have focused on centering individual and community voices through compelling, relevant, and meaningful arts experiences.
Programs and Partnerships Manager at the Chrysler Museum of Art and regularly presents at arts conferences and consults for nonprofit cultural organizations.
Completing a PhD in Public Policy from Old Dominion University (Norfolk, Virginia). Holds a Master of Education in Educational Psychology from the University of Virginia (Charlottesville, Virginia), a Master of Music in Conducting from Hanns Eisler Hochschule für Musik (Berlin, Germany), and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Westminster Choir College (Princeton, New Jersey).
Programs and Partnerships Manager at the Chrysler Museum of Art and regularly presents at arts conferences and consults for nonprofit cultural organizations.
Completing a PhD in Public Policy from Old Dominion University (Norfolk, Virginia). Holds a Master of Education in Educational Psychology from the University of Virginia (Charlottesville, Virginia), a Master of Music in Conducting from Hanns Eisler Hochschule für Musik (Berlin, Germany), and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Westminster Choir College (Princeton, New Jersey).
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.
LAUREN MILES
SOPRANO
BM in Vocal Performance from East Carolina University. Member of the East Carolina University Chorale (2023-2026).
Voice/ Piano teacher at The School of Rock, Chesapeake (2025).
Recent operatic roles include Viardot’s Cendrillon (Cendrillon), Handel’s Alcina (Morgana), Blow’s Venus and Adonis (Venus), and Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro (Countess). Additional performance credits include Handel’s Messiah, Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, and numerous choral and solo performances with East Carolina University, Belmont University, and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (Washington, Nc).
Voice/ Piano teacher at The School of Rock, Chesapeake (2025).
Recent operatic roles include Viardot’s Cendrillon (Cendrillon), Handel’s Alcina (Morgana), Blow’s Venus and Adonis (Venus), and Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro (Countess). Additional performance credits include Handel’s Messiah, Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, and numerous choral and solo performances with East Carolina University, Belmont University, and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (Washington, Nc).
GARY MONTGOMERY
TENOR
BM in Vocal Performance from Christopher Newport University. Frequent soloist throughout Virginia and the East Coast.In 2017 he 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 also worked with many leading conductors including J. Lynn Thompson, John Rutter, and JoAnn Falletta. He 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.
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.
Mom of two amazing and supportive children.
DANIEL OLENICK
BASS
BM in Music Education with an emphasis in choir from George Mason University.
Cantor and Bass Section Leader at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More in Arlington, VA.
Bass for Voce Chamber Singers.
Cantor at many Catholic Churches in the DMV area.
Bass with the Young Singer's Project 2017-2020.
Center Director for Mathnasium LLC in Burke, Virginia.
Cantor and Bass Section Leader at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More in Arlington, VA.
Bass for Voce Chamber Singers.
Cantor at many Catholic Churches in the DMV area.
Bass with the Young Singer's Project 2017-2020.
Center Director for Mathnasium LLC in Burke, Virginia.
ABBY OUTLAW
SOPRANO
BM in Vocal Performance from Virginia Commonwealth University. Has performed with Capital Opera Richmond, the Richmond Symphony, Central Virginia Masterworks Chorale, the Eckhart Ensemble, and Richmond Choral Society. Currently sings with the Piedmont Singers of Central Virginia, the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.
JP PAUL
TENOR
MM in Classical Voice Performance from the University of Memphis and frequent soloist in Hampton Roads and Virginia.
Operatic roles include Mayor Upfold (Albert Herring), Beppe (Pagliacci), Alfredo (Die Fledermaus), Don Basílio (Le nozze di Figaro), and others. Concert and recital credits include Rossini’s Petite messe sollenelle, Handel's Messiah, Haydn’s Missa in angustiis (Lord Nelson Mass), Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, Vaughan Williams' Serenade to Music, and many more.
Currently works as an independent fundraising consultant and is a staff singer at Galilee Episcopal Church Virginia Beach) and frequent performer with the Virginia Chorale.
Also part of the Virginia Opera chorus in 2023-2024 and a member of the professional core of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus.
Operatic roles include Mayor Upfold (Albert Herring), Beppe (Pagliacci), Alfredo (Die Fledermaus), Don Basílio (Le nozze di Figaro), and others. Concert and recital credits include Rossini’s Petite messe sollenelle, Handel's Messiah, Haydn’s Missa in angustiis (Lord Nelson Mass), Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, Vaughan Williams' Serenade to Music, and many more.
Currently works as an independent fundraising consultant and is a staff singer at Galilee Episcopal Church Virginia Beach) and frequent performer with the Virginia Chorale.
Also part of the Virginia Opera chorus in 2023-2024 and a member of the professional core of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus.
CORBIN PINTO
SOPRANO
Received a MM from Virginia Commonwealth University summa cum laude and BM in Music Education magna cum laude from James Madison University.
An active and accomplished music educator and has taught in Virginia Beach City Public Schools for 22 years.
Currently the Director of the Vocal strand of the Visual and Performing Arts Academy at Salem HS in VA Beach.
Artistic Director and Concert Choir director for the Virginia Children's Chorus.
Has served as a leader on many educational committees including curriculum writing for VBCPS, vice-president for VA Choral Directors Association, and Review Committee for the VA DOE Vocal Instructional Guide.
Resides in Norfolk with her three children and husband.
An active and accomplished music educator and has taught in Virginia Beach City Public Schools for 22 years.
Currently the Director of the Vocal strand of the Visual and Performing Arts Academy at Salem HS in VA Beach.
Artistic Director and Concert Choir director for the Virginia Children's Chorus.
Has served as a leader on many educational committees including curriculum writing for VBCPS, vice-president for VA Choral Directors Association, and Review Committee for the VA DOE Vocal Instructional Guide.
Resides in Norfolk with her three children and husband.
SAMUEL ROBINSON
BASS
BM in Music Education from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Currently a Tenor section leader with All Saints Episcopal Church, Richmond, and serves as the Choral Director at Bell Creek Middle School in Hanover, VA.
Has performed previously with the Richmond Symphony Chorus and American Boychoir School.
Currently a Tenor section leader with All Saints Episcopal Church, Richmond, and serves as the Choral Director at Bell Creek Middle School in Hanover, VA.
Has performed previously with the Richmond Symphony Chorus and American Boychoir School.
EMILY RUSSELL
ALTO
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, has performed with Virginia Opera and served as their Children's Chorus Master.
She is a frequent soloist for Symphonicity and the Orchestra of Eastern Shore.
In addition to singing with the Chorale, has performed with Virginia Opera and served as their Children's Chorus Master.
She is a frequent soloist for Symphonicity and the Orchestra of Eastern Shore.
SARAH SCHWEIT
SOPRANO
BM in Vocal Music Education from James Madison University.
Owner of Embellish Music Studios.
Soprano and Music Director of The Doorway Singers.
Has an active private voice studio.
Former Director of Choirs at Col. Fred Cherry Middle School (2018 - 2023).
Performs with various local theaters and churches.
Owner of Embellish Music Studios.
Soprano and Music Director of The Doorway Singers.
Has an active private voice studio.
Former Director of Choirs at Col. Fred Cherry Middle School (2018 - 2023).
Performs with various local theaters and churches.
AVA STEVENSON
SOPRANO
BM in vocal performance from Old Dominion University.
Has performed with the Virginia Opera Adult Chorus since 2024. Is an active performer in both community and professional theatres throughout the Hampton Roads area. Favorite productions include Fiddler on the Roof with Virginia Stage Company and Ride the Cyclone with Little Theatre of Norfolk.
Recently began teaching private voice lessons and serves as a professional soprano at St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
Has performed with the Virginia Opera Adult Chorus since 2024. Is an active performer in both community and professional theatres throughout the Hampton Roads area. Favorite productions include Fiddler on the Roof with Virginia Stage Company and Ride the Cyclone with Little Theatre of Norfolk.
Recently began teaching private voice lessons and serves as a professional soprano at St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
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.
