The CONCORA Singers
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SOPRANO
Anne Collin Patricia Benjamin Doyle Nancy Hemstreet Eaton Amy Eisen Louise Fauteux Jennifer Ferrand Kelly Stacey S. Grimaldi Erin Healy Jennifer Lamson Christine Fote Macaluso Erica Maas Shippee Wanxue Zhang |
ALTO
Rebecca de Almeida Sarah Armstrong Katie Hart Linda Helmke Katherine Henriques Jillian Hirst Pamela Frigo Johnson Kelley Elizabeth Kelly Karla McClain Cynthia Mellon Debi Newirth Margaret Tyler Ellen Gilson Voth Abby A. White |
TENOR
Travis Benoit Kirk Bobkowski Michael Bogatay Mark Child Richard Diamond Anthony Joseph Kane Robert Lovendale Steve Mitchell Mark Mummert Alexander O'Neil Peter Perkins Jack Anthony Pott Ram Tysoe |
BASS
Dylan Armstrong Jonathan Clune Kenneth R. Downes Ish Gupta Russell Hammond Ethan Nash Patrick Nay Scott Patrick Alexander Patrie Daniel Rodriguez Schlorff Andrey Stolyarov Edward Tyler Jermaine Otis Woodard, Jr. |
Sopranos
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Anne Collin, soprano, holds a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance from Manhattanville College and a graduate degree in Music Education from Boston University. An elementary general music teacher in Greenwich Public Schools, she is an active performer in several community theater groups. Past favorite roles include “Maria” in The Sound of Music (Castle Craig Players), “Young Little Edie” in Grey Gardens (Newington Mainstage), and “Lily” in The Secret Garden (Rocky Hill Community Theater). When not in the classroom or onstage, Anne can occasionally be found in the pit, having music directed Godspell for Phoenix Theater in New Britain, and Cinderella, Jr. and A Christmas Carol for New Britain Youth Theater. She thanks her wonderful family and friends for their love and support. Back to the singers list
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Patricia Benjamin Doyle, soprano, has sung in CONCORA since 2004. She received her B.A. in French from Pennsylvania State University, served in the Peace Corps in Africa, and holds a M.A. in Communication Disorders/Speech Science from the University of Colorado, Boulder. She is an assistant professor and speech pathologist specializing in the rehabilitation of performing voices (singers and actors) at UConn Health in Farmington. She is a member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), the Pan American Vocology Association (PAVA), and the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). She enjoyed numerous years of professional solo and choral singing in Philadelphia, Boulder, and Boston prior to moving to Connecticut in 2003. Back to the singers list
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Soprano Nancy Hemstreet Eaton says singing is like being “caught up with other people in a moment of grace” (credit Garrison Keillor). She has loved to sing since she was a small child and has never stopped, continuing today in CONCORA and the Choir of St. John’s Church, West Hartford. Special thrills were performances in England’s Canterbury Cathedral and at Chartres Cathedral in France. She has degrees in music from Goucher College and Yale University, where she studied voice with Shirley Meier. As an organist-choir director, she served several area churches. When not traveling across oceans, she enjoys spending time in Kennebunk Beach, Maine, with family and friends. Back to the singers list
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Amy Eisen, Soprano, is the children’s Choir Director at St. Mary’s Church in Simsbury. Also a cantor, she sings for funerals and weddings all over New England and works as a soloist for churches around the state. A soloist by profession, Amy believes that nothing compares to singing in a really good choir. Her musical journey began in junior high school and continued through college. Along with Concora, Amy sings for The Hartford Chorale, The Musical Club of Hartford, and ends her voice to The Audio-Artisan, contributing to choral vocal tracks for national and international composers. Beyond her musical talents, Amy is a professional voice actor and narrator, business owner, recording artist, and a wife and mother. You can learn more about her at www.amyeisen.com. Back to the singers list
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Louise Fauteux, soprano, enjoys a diversified career in the arts devoted to education and performance. Highlights of her career include a solo role in Peer Gynt with the New York Philharmonic and a tour of Venice with DiCapo Opera, and leading opera roles in The Magic Flute, Hansel and Gretel, and Dido and Aeneas. 2022 marks her debut at Carnegie Hall with Handel’s Messiah. Locally she is often featured with Con Brio, Alchemy, the Worcester Chorus, and the New Haven Chorale. Ms. Fauteux received her master’s degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from Westminster Choir College. She is a resident artist for the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford and music instructor for the Connecticut Technical High Schools. She welcomes visitors to her website: www.louisefauteux.com
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Jennifer Ferrand-Kelly, soprano, is pleased to be singing with CONCORA for her 17th season. She performs regularly with VOCE and has appeared with the Hartford Chorale and the Greater Middletown Chorale and its chamber ensemble Alchemy. Recent solo appearances include Bach’s Mass in B Minor with the Worcester Chorus. She can be heard on recordings including In Delightful Company: Choral Works by Charles Fussell with CONCORA, and Sure on the Shining Night, Music of the Spheres, and Blessing: The Music of Paul Mealor with VOCE. Jennifer completed an undergraduate degree in vocal performance at the State University of New York at Geneseo and is currently a psychologist working for Hartford HealthCare. She lives in Glastonbury with her husband and two children. Back to the singers list
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Stacey S. Grimaldi, soprano, enjoys her work as Choir Director at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church in Orange, cantor at funerals and weddings throughout Connecticut, Vocal Section Leader with the Hartford Chorale, and as a member of the professional High Holy Days choir at Congregation Beth Israel, West Hartford. A CONCORA member since 1992, she was the soprano in CONCORA-to-Go from 1999-2020. She was a principal chorister with Connecticut Opera for many years and has also appeared on stage with Artful Living Productions, Ivoryton Playhouse, and Blue Fire Stage Company. Ms. Grimaldi holds a Bachelor of Arts in French language and translation from Oberlin College. When not singing or conducting, she applies her love of language as a freelance medical blogger for Blue Orchid Marketing. Back to the singers list
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Erin Healy, soprano, graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. An avid lover of musical theater, she has performed in many community productions. Some of her favorite roles include “Jane Doe” in Ride the Cyclone (Page to Stage) and the ensembles of The Addams Family (Niantic Bay Playhouse), Cinderella (The Bradley Playhouse), and Something Rotten (East Lyme Regional Theater). In her free time she enjoys reading, crocheting, Dungeons and Dragons, and playing video games like Assassin's Creed, Skyrim and The Legend of Zelda. She currently works at General Dynamics Electric Boat as a Dosimetry Technician.
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Soprano Jennifer Lamson, has been described by the New London paper, The Day, as having "a crystalline voice, pure and unadorned." Jennifer can be found on recordings such as The Voice of the Archangel with Archangel Voices, What Child Is This? with Chorus Angelicus and Gaudeamus, as well as Voce Live, Sure on this Shining Night, and Music of the Spheres with VOCE. Jennifer is a current and founding member of VOCE as well as section leader at Immanuel Congregational Church. Jennifer has also worked under such composers and conductors as Morten Lauridsen, Ola Gjielo, Paul Mealor, Paul Halley, Steven Sametz, Charles Bruffy, and Paul Salamunovich. Jennifer is a music educator in Wallingford, CT.
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Soprano Christine Fote Macaluso holds a Bachelors and a Master’s Degree in Music Education from Central Connecticut State University. While at CCSU, she was a member of the prestigious University Singers and had the honor to perform under the direction of Dr. Pamela J. Perry. Christine teaches general music and chorus for Glastonbury Public Schools where she frequently hosts student teachers from both the HARTT School and CCSU. She has studied voice with Barbara Pierce and Joanne Scattergood. When not singing, she can most likely be found somewhere in Disney World or planning her next trip with her very supportive husband and their three children. Back to the singers list
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Soprano, Erica Maas Shippee is a voice & piano teacher and the Founder of Market Square Music Academy in Newington. Erica sings professionally with Voices of Concinnity and the Schola Cantorum of Saint Joseph's Cathedral and has appeared as a soloist with the Oriana Consort, Manchester Symphony, CONCORA, The Master Singers of Worcester, and Music at the Red Door. She has also performed with The Boston Camerata, the Longy Early Opera Project and the Hartt Opera Theater. She has been lucky to sing on choral tours to Lincoln and Coventry, Vienna, Budapest and the National Cathedral. Erica holds a BM from the Hartt School of Music and an MM from The Longy School of Music in Boston. Erica is thrilled to be back with CONCORA for her 9th season. Back to the singers list
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Wanxue Zhang is a classically trained Soprano and Pianist currently completing her Doctorate in Music Arts at the Hartt School, University of Hartford. She holds two Master's Degrees in Vocal Performance and Music Education from the Xi'an Conservatory of Music and The Hartt School. She also completed her Undergraduate Degree in Music Education at Xi'an Conservatory of Music in China. Wanxue Zhang currently sings regularly with several professional choral ensembles including CONCORA, Yale Camerata, Yale Repertory Chorus, and The Chancel Choir of the South Church in New Britain.
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Altos
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Brazilian Mezzo soprano Rebecca de Almeida has performed a variety of roles throughout the US, Latin America and Europe. Her operatic roles include Carmen in Bizet’s Carmen, Giulio Cesare in Handel’s Giulio Cesare, Orfeo in Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice, Dorabella in Mozart’s Cosi fan Tutte, and Count Orlovsky in Strauss’ Die Fledermaus. She has been praised by Tribuna CT for her “luscious voice and warm timbre with a soothing, yet penetrating quality.” In the 22-23 Season, she made her debut at Carnegie Hall, and in Mexico as Donna Elvira in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, where she was invited to come back to sing Marcellina in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro this season. With her deep devotion and love for Sacred & Choir music, Rebecca de Almeida is proud to be a recurring soloist with The New Haven Chorale. The Hartford Chorale also engaged her as their Mezzo Soloist for Bach’s magnificat in D and Handel’s Messiah on their Holiday Concert in the 23-24 season. She is very active on Social Media, so make sure to follow her IG:@rebecca.de.almeida and her website: www.rebeccadealmeida.com Back to the singers list
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Sarah Armstrong holds a BM in Music Education and a MA in Theatre Education and has spent three decades as a professional musician and celebrated educator. During her career she has been the recipient of the Surdna Arts Fellowship (2006), the Shining Star in Teaching Excellence (2011), the Harold Grinspoon Award for Teaching Excellence (2016), the J.P. Mandler Teaching Award for Excellence in Classroom Teaching and the University of Chicago Award for Excellence in Teaching and Mentorship (2021). In addition to singing with Concora, Sarah performs with Voce, the Hartford Chorale, and the Asylum Hill Congregational Church Sanctuary Choir. Singing brings Sarah back to her first love - making music with her friends, serving harmony, and one another, the best way she knows how. Back to the singers list
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Katie Hart, mezzo-soprano, has sung with CONCORA since 2013 and is delighted to be back for another season. Katie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance from the Sunderman Conservatory of Music at Gettysburg College and has studied with Dr. Robert Natter and Steven Scheschareg. In addition to CONCORA, Katie has performed as a soloist with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Hartford Chorale, and Greater Middletown Chorale. When not singing, Katie can be found in the garden or in the kitchen making a wonderful mess with her young daughter. Back to the singers list
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Linda Helmke, mezzo-soprano, is passionate about choral music. She holds BS and MS degrees in Vocal/General Music Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She served as choral director at high schools in Illinois and New Jersey, and currently teaches at the CREC Academy of Science and Innovation in New Britain, CT. She has performed with the Park Forest Singers, IL; Cantabile, NJ; and the Pro Arte Festival Chorus, CT. Mrs. Helmke has also performed as soloist for community oratorio productions and church cantatas. She looks forward to another wonderful musical season with CONCORA! Back to the singers list
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Jillian Hirst, soprano, graduated magna cum laude from Wheaton College (MA) in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music (vocal concentration) and Sociology. With her lifelong passion for music, she combined her interests to produce her recently published undergraduate research on the difference in feelings of belonging between in-person and virtual choirs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, Jill has performed with the Hartford Chorale, the Tanglewood Festival Chorus (Boston Symphony Orchestra), the Shoreline Chorale, and the Edinburgh Music Society. She has appeared as a featured soloist and student conductor with the Wheaton College Chorale and Chamber Singers. She is excited to join CONCORA for their 50th season! Back to the singers list
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Mezzo-soprano Pamela Frigo Johnson is originally from Wisconsin where her first singing experience was as a member of her family’s nine-voice choir singing sacred classical music for Catholic Masses. Pam received her Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance from Lawrence University’s Conservatory of Music. She has been a featured soloist with the Hartford Symphony, the Manchester Symphony and Chorus, the Farmington Valley Symphony, the Middletown Chorale and the Battell Orchestra. She sings alto in the professional quartet of Mishkan Israel in Hamden and is a member of Voce. Back to the singers list
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Kelley Elizabeth Kelly, mezzo-soprano, finds great joy in geekdom, martinis, and singing with CONCORA. A church singer since she could first hold a hymnal open, she believes singing is praying twice and is currently holding down the fort as a cantor at Hartford’s beautiful Christ Church Cathedral. Much to her parents’ everlasting chagrin (they wanted an economist), Kelley earned a bachelors in music from Smith College, which she followed with graduate work in fine art photography at RIT, a certification to teach Zentangle, and a commitment to be herself. She lives in Newington with her husband, three feisty teenagers, and an even feistier cat.
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Karla McClain, mezzo-soprano, received her Bachelor of Music in Education from Ohio Wesleyan University, and her Master of Science in Music Education from Central Connecticut State University. Currently, she teaches Choir at Illing Middle School in Manchester, CT. In addition, she sings as a section leader at South Church in New Britain. Career highlights include being selected as the CT- ACDA Choral Director of the Year in 2021, and conducting the RI Junior High All-State Choir. She is a frequent clinician for CMEA and ACDA, and is currently the Middle School Repertoire and Resources Chair for ACDA Eastern Division. Karla is also a longtime staff member at Laurel Music Camp. She lives in Cromwell with her husband and two teenagers.
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Mezzo-soprano Cynthia Mellon joined CONCORA in 2001. Her formal training took place at the Cleveland Institute of Music and University of Connecticut. Cynthia has performed with The Cleveland Orchestra, Robert Page Singers, the Hartford Symphony, Connecticut Opera, New Britain Opera, Opera Theatre of Connecticut, and as a frequent choral soloist. She is currently alto soloist and section leader at South Church in New Britain and has sung in the High Holy Days ensemble at Beth Israel in West Hartford since 2001. Cynthia has two daughters and two granddaughters. A certified veterinary technician by day, she helps her very supportive husband care for their eighteen pets back home. In her spare time, Cynthia paints, and she and her husband Rick love to kayak, bike, and garden. Back to the singers list
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Debi Newirth, mezzo-soprano, attended the Hartt College of Music, where she majored in Opera Theater and Vocal Performance, where director Jack Zei once said she had been given “una voce d'oro." She performed as an AGMA choral artist with Connecticut Opera in eight productions during and following college. A Robert E. Smith award winner in the COA Scholarship competition, Debi has been performing in both choral and solo settings since she was seven years old--most recently with the chamber ensemble Alchemy. Debi has also appeared with the GMChorale, the VOCE core concert choir, and previously participated in CONCORA summer symposiums. After waiting several years for audition opportunities to arise, she is thrilled to be joining the CONCORA roster. Back to the singers list
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Margaret Tyler has been a soloist with countless ensembles in the U.S. and Europe. She is currently in seven professional choirs and has been featured on many recordings. For the premiere of Meneely-Kyder’s Letter From Italy, 1944, Margaret was chosen to portray “Dorothea” and is featured in the opera documentary, narrated by Meryl Streep. She created “The Goddess Diana” in the premiere of Montgomery’s opera-oratorio Callisto. She has brought to life roles such as “Filippyevna” in Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, “Mercedes” in Bizet’s Carmen, “Marcellina” in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, “Marthe Schwerlein” in Gounod’s Faust, and “Kate Pinkerton” in Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. Margaret is a vocal coach and voice teacher, and lead singer at Calvary Church in Stonington, Connecticut. Back to the singers list
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Ellen Gilson Voth is an active conductor and a published, regularly commissioned composer. Currently Artistic Director of the Farmington Valley Chorale, she has served as Artistic Director of Novi Cantori and conductor of the Pioneer Valley Symphony Chorus, as well as music faculty at Western CT State University, Westfield State University, Western New England University, Gordon College and Ithaca College. A widely published composer, her choral premieres and commissions (including CONCORA, 2017) extend nationwide, and her works in opera and art song have garnered national attention as well. She is a regular guest conductor, clinician, performing pianist, and organist. Voth also serves as Vice Chair of Choral Arts New England, a grant-awarding agency. Her doctorate (DMA) is from The Hartt School, University of Hartford. www.ellengilsonvoth.net Back to the singers list
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Abby A. White is finishing her Bachelors of Music Education with a Choral Concentration at the Hartt School this year. She sings professionally with CONCORA and Voce and serves as the Alto Choral Scholar at St. John's Episcopal. There, she teaches the youth choir (ages 7-17) voice, body and breath based techniques, how to read music notation and apply music theory. She maintains a private studio teaching people of various ages voice, piano, acting and meditation. Ab is excited to meet and work with new students of all ages and abilities! Back to the singers list
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Tenors
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Travis Benoit, tenor, from Worcester, MA received his Master of Music Degree from Manhattan School of Music in spring of 2020. Previous credits include Joseph Haydn’s The Creation (Uriel) with Providence Singers, The Passion According to Saint Luke (The Evangelist), Composer William David Cooper’s New Work, The Pirates of Penzance (Frederic) with The Valley light Opera Company, and Die Zauberflöte (Tamino) with Nahant Music Festival as a vocal apprentice. A concert soloist and recitalist throughout New England, he was selected to sing in Thomas Hampson Masterclass hosted by MSM in 2019. His current ensembles include CONCORA, EnsembleNYC, Providence Singers, Worcester Chorus, Vox Futura. Travis is adjunct vocal faculty with Phillips Academy in Andover as well as Choral Ensemble assistant at Endicott College in Beverly, MA. Back to the singers list
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Tenor Kirk Bobkowski, a Worcester Massachusetts native, graduated from Keene State College with a Bachelor of Music in Performance and Education and did his Masters work at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He has worked with many ensembles including The Worcester Chorus, Worcester State Chorale, Keene Chorale, Masterwork Chorus, Gardner Singers, and Quincy Choral Society. His recent opera roles include Tamino (The Magic Flute), Nemorino (L’elisir d’amore), Ferrando (Così fan tutte), and Frederic (The Pirates of Penzance). Kirk is on roster with CONCORA and Vellichor. He is currently the Choir Director at Chocksett Middle School and leads an afternoon vocal studio at Wachusett High School.
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Mark Child, tenor, joined CONCORA in 2009. He has sung with the Hartford Chorale and CONCORA-To-Go, CONCORA’s educational outreach quartet. He served on CONCORA’s board of directors for three terms beginning in 2012. He holds a Master of Liturgical Music degree from Hartt College of Music as well as a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Bucknell University. In addition to his activities as a singer, he also serves as Director of Music Ministries and organist for Grace Episcopal Church in Windsor, Connecticut.
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Tenor Richard Diamond is Director of Vocal Music at Ellington High School and also works with the Connecticut Music Educators Association's Equity and Advocacy Committee. He has been section leader with the Hartford Chorale and served as choir director and section leader at St. James Episcopal Church in Farmington. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Mathematics from Bowdoin College, a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the New England Conservatory, and Sixth-Year Certification in Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University. Back to the singers list
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Tenor Anthony Joseph Kane has been happily singing with CONCORA since 2003. A full-time general music teacher in Cheshire, Connecticut, he is also Assistant Cantor at Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church in New Britain, and has been a section leader with the Hartford Chorale and Saint Joseph’s Cathedral Choir. Tony has been a guest singer with the South Church Chancel Choir and First Lutheran Church Choir in New Britain. Civically active, he currently serves on the Board of Education in the City of New Britain, where he lives with his wife, Mariette, and their two children.
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Robert Lovendale, Tenor, holds degrees in music education and music performance, with course work from Hartt College of Music and Central Connecticut State University. Robert recently retired from Avon Public Schools where he taught instrumental music. He directed the orchestras and bands at Avon Middle and High Schools. Robert plays French horn and trumpet, and regularly performs with various ensembles in northern CT. Robert and his wife Jeanine reside in New Hartford and are both members of The Hartford Chorale.
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Steven A. Mitchell is recognized as a distinguished choral conductor, teacher, and soloist. As Director of Choral Music at Kingswood Oxford School in West Hartford, he leads seven vocal ensembles in both the Middle School and Upper Schools. His solo credits include The Miami Bach Society, Florida Grand Opera, Miami Symphony, CONCORA, Connecticut Concert Opera, VOCE, and New World Symphony Orchestra. Conducting credits: The Miami Boy Choir, University of Miami Chorale & Men’s Choir, Hartt Suzuki Institute, Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Northern & Southern CT Regional Honor Choirs, and numerous school and religious organizations. As a community leader, Steve collaborates with local arts organizations, adjudicates for Fantastic Festivals, and is co-founder and technical director of the magical Hartford event NightFall, which showcases talented artists from Greater Hartford.
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Mark Mummert, tenor, is Cantor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Worcester, MA and Assistant Director/Accompanist for the Worcester Chorus. He serves on the voice faculty at Hanover Conservatory. He was the 2015 Distinguished Visiting Cantor at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg and Director of Worship at Houston’s Christ the King Lutheran Church, the home of Bach Society Houston (2008-2015). He was the Seminary Musician at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (1990-2008). Mark is a composer of the first musical setting of Holy Communion in Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006). As a professional singer, he has performed for the Lincoln Center Mostly Mozart Festival, Worcester Chorus, Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia, the Bach Choir Houston, Houston Chamber Choir, CONCORA, and St. John’s Schola Cantorum. He studies voice with Jane Shivick. Artistic management for Mark is provided by Seven Eight Artists. Back to the singers list
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Alexander ONeil studied music education and vocal performance at CCSU. He has studied the tenor voice with Jack Pott and the countertenor voice with Benjamin Rauch. He enjoys the opportunity to sing multiple voice parts, especially within the same performance. Alex performs in multiple professional ensembles including Voce, Concora, Hartford Chorale, and recently participated in his debut performance at Carnegie Hall with Voices of Concinity. Alex is a tenor section leader at Immanuel Congregational Church and works at Wesleyan University as the ITS service desk manager. Back to the singers list
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Peter Perkins has sung baritone and tenor for CONCORA since 1985. He currently teaches high school and middle school choral music in Litchfield and is music director for the music theater productions. From 1993 to 2009 he was the Director of Music at the Westminster School in Simsbury and started his career at Tremper High School in Wisconsin. Mr. Perkins holds a Bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Connecticut and a Master’s degree in choral conducting from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He is a section leader for Crescendo and has been a soloist and section leader for area churches, the Hartford Chorale, and the Eastern Orthodox recording choir Archangel Voices. Back to the singers list
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Jack Anthony Pott is a highly respected conductor, soloist, voice teacher, and clinician, and has been a featured tenor soloist with many ensembles in Connecticut. In addition to singing with CONCORA, he is a featured soloist on albums of the music of Morten Lauridsen and Paul Mealor, by the Hartford-based professional choir, Voce, for which he serves as Principal Tenor. Having been a member of the voice faculty for both Central Connecticut State University and the Hartt School Community Division, he now teaches privately. He is currently the Director of Music & Arts at Asylum Hill Congregational Church in Hartford, and the Interim Music Director for the Hartford Chorale. Jack resides in South Windsor, CT, with his wife, two children, and two dogs. Back to the singers list
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Ram Tysoe is a Bahamian-born composer-performer. Ram performs in multiple regional auditioned ensembles and professional choirs, including the Handel+Haydn society and the Tanglewood Festival Choir. He is a tenor and youth educator at St. John’s Episcopal Church in West Hartford, CT. Ram is also an avid learner and tutor at the Hartt school of Music. On the side, Ram enjoys gigging and performing in a folk duo, “Ram and Ian.” Ram aims to continue creating professionally premiered compositions while teaching and performing as a multi-genre vocalist and full-time chorister. Back to the singers list
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Basses
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Dylan Armstrong received his Bachelor's degree from the Hartt School of Music, majoring in opera and oboe. He studied with such teachers as Richard Cross, Humbert Lucarelli, Albert Goltzer, and Miriam Charney and has performed all over New England in opera, oratorio and music theater. Dylan has also been a professional church musician for over 30 years including over 20 years at Asylum Hill Congregational Church where he has been King Kaspar in the Boar's Head Festival. He conceived, wrote and performed as Charles Ives in a concert celebrating his music in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of Ives' marriage to Harmony Twichell. Dylan has worked in Information Technology for 25 years and is currently at Hartford HealthCare. Dylan is always thrilled when he can sing with his lovely and talented wife, Sarah Armstrong. Back to the singers list
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Bass Jonathan Clune earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in French and Latin from Yale where he also studied music theory and composition. In New York City, he sang with Cappella Nova, an acclaimed early music ensemble led by Richard Taruskin. Jon arranged many popular and folk song settings for a street quartet where he met his wife, CONCORA mezzo-soprano Sarah Potter. He has served as soloist and section leader for Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford and South Congregational Church in New Britain, and currently performs with Voce.
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Ken Downes, baritone, is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, where he studied bassoon, saxophone, and voice. He has performed in the Montage Chamber Singers, Cantillare, The Cantata Singers and with a general business band. When not singing, he is office manager for his wife’s legal practice and part-time Hospice Chaplain. Ken resides in the village of Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts. Back to the singers list |
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Ish Gupta, bass-baritone, is a freelance musician and theatre director based out of New Haven, and is excited to be back with CONCORA this season. He's a proud UConn Husky, a Newtown native and enjoys cooking, learning about the stock market, and cat-sitting for his neighbors. He does stand-up and writes satire if you are into that kind of thing. Back to the singers list |
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Originally from Chicago, Illinois, bass Russ Hammond moved east after receiving his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Bradley University and studying for two years, as a Graduate Assistant, in the opera program at the University of Illinois. He also holds a Master’s in Music from the University of Connecticut and a 6th year degree in Educational Leadership from Southern Connecticut State University. In 2017 he retired, after a 30 year career as a music educator. In addition to CONCORA, Russ sings in the Hartford Chorale. He also is a Student Teacher Supervisor for the University of Connecticut and is the Music Director for The Shoreline Chorale in Madison Connecticut. Russ lives in Chester, Connecticut, with his wife Michele. Back to the singers list
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Bass Ethan Nash is Director of Choirs at Glastonbury High School and Artistic Director of the West Hartford Women’s Chorale. He holds a B.A. in Music from Yale University and a D.M.A. in Choral Conducting from Hartt School. Ethan is a songleader at Temple Sinai in Newington and has been a cantorial soloist at Beth Hillel Synagogue in Bloomfield and at Yale University. Ethan worked at Wesleyan University’s Center for Creative Youth in the Musical Theater department from 2004-2016. He has also previously served on the faculty of School of the Holy Child (Rye, NY), Hartford Conservatory, Middlesex Community College and Hartwick College Summer Music Festival. Ethan lives in Wethersfield with his wife, Danica and their two sons, Ari and Elliot. Back to the singers list
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Bass-baritone Patrick Nay participates as a dramatic coloratura soloist and ensemble member throughout New England, and has been a resident of Connecticut since 2017. He currently participates in Voce, CONCORA, Joyful Noise's Gaudeamus, and is a regular section leader at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church in Hartford. Most recent solo performances includes Brahms' Requiem, Handel's Messiah, Bach's Weimar Cantatas, and Mozart's Die Zauberflöte.
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Scott Patrick, baritone, holds a B.M. in Vocal Performance from UConn, and studied voice under Rod Nelman. During his undergrad, he was honored to hold positions of President, Secretary, and Bass Section Leader of UConn Choirs. He also served as a bari-tenor, beatboxer, and Assistant Music Director for Extreme Measures, one of UConn’s all-gender-inclusive a cappella groups. Scott also collaborated with UConn Opera, singing within the opera choruses for several of their productions. Currently, Mr. Patrick sings at Hartford’s Cathedral of Saint Joseph, and is thrilled to join both CONCORA and Voce’s rosters this year! When not singing, Scott can be found enjoying the beauties of nature, cooking and baking his favorite foods, playing Magic: The Gathering, and spending quality time with loved ones. Back to the singers list
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Alexander Patrie, bass, is a teacher, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist whose passion is to heal the world with music. He holds a B.M. in Classical Vocal Performance from Western Connecticut State University. He is an avid teacher of voice, guitar, and piano and is also a passionate songwriter and producer. In April 2021, his composition “Shame” was chosen by Carnegie Hall to be featured in the “In Response” music festival which presented artistic reflections of COVID 2020. Alexander is also the musical director of the New Haven-based Soul/R&B ensemble Fernanda and The Ephemeral. Back to the singers list
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Daniel Rodriguez Schlorff (he/él/siya), bass, is Senior Minister of Third Congregational Church in Middletown, CT. He has sung with other fine choral groups, such as Voce, Pro Arte Singers, and Yale Camerata. He has also been Principal Double Bassist for the American Chamber Orchestra. Daniel earned the BA in Philosophy and Religion and then went on to earn a MAR at the University of Chicago Divinity School through Meadville/Lombard. He then earned another MA from Hartford Seminary and the Doctor of Ministry from Pacific School of Religion (Berkeley, CA). Daniel’s most recent publication, “Musical Dimensions of Liturgical Presiding,” appear in the book, Living the Church & Song: Propositions for an Ecumenical Theology of Liturgical Music. For more information, please see schlorff.com. Back to the singers list
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Andrey Stolyarov, baritone, is excited to be singing with CONCORA for a ninth season. Andrey is a Russian-born American composer, conductor, singer, and educator. As a composer, he has received national and international recognition for his works, and has recently been commissioned by The Choral Arts Society of New Jersey, CONCORA, and the Young New Yorkers' Chorus. Andrey is an adjunct professor of music theory at The Hartt School, where he has taught since 2015. He is currently serving as Minister of Music at Gilead Congregational Church in Hebron, Connecticut, where he conducts the choir and plays the organ. Additionally, Andrey is the conductor of the Hebron Community Chorus, a non-auditioned group that he helped create in 2021. He is an active professional singer, currently performing with Voce and CONCORA. Andrey is active on his Youtube channel, https://youtube.com/darushkii , where you can hear his music and other educational content. Additional information can be found at http://www.andreystolyarov.com/ and https://andreystolyarov.bandcamp.com/
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Edward Tyler, baritone, a native of Auburn, New York, received his Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Connecticut, and his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the Crane School of Music. He recently retired from Manchester High School after teaching Choral Music, Theory, and Theatre for thirty-three years. Ed is the Artistic Director of The Master Singers of Worcester, a community choir based in both Worcester and Manchester. He is a clinician, adjudicator, and a published composer with over seventy works and two music textbooks to his name. In 2019, Ed was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Connecticut chapter of the American Choral Directors' Association. He can now be found in the kitchen or on the golf course. Back to the singers list
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Jermaine Otis Woodard Jr, baritone, is devoted to a diversified professional performing career in choral, opera, musical-theatre, oratorio, contemporary-inspirational, jazz, liturgical, and sacred music. Along with CONCORA, Woodard actively serves on the roster of: Voce (Signum records); Voices of Concinnity (Consonare Chamber Ensemble); Crescendo; Cathedral of Saint Joseph’s Schola Cantorum/Cathedral Quartet; Berkshire Opera Festival Chorus; premier recording ensembles Composer’s Choir and Vox Futura, and the newly-emerged Voices of Hartford. Woodard serves as Baritone section-leader/soloist at Asylum Hill Congregational Church and The Hartford Chorale; also serving on the board-of-governors with The Hartford Chorale and Consonare. Jermaine cantors at Sacred Heart Parish of Bloomfield, Cathedral of St. Joseph’s, University of Saint Joseph’s, and Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center (West Hartford). Back to the singers list
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