Mariia Pechenova joined Cantare as Artistic Director in 2014. She holds a Master’s degree in Conducting from St. Petersburg State University, Russia. She serves on Sacramento Valley Choral Coalition’s Board of Directors, is Music Professor at Folsom Lake College and Sierra College, and is a pianist and organist. She holds the title of Laureate, winner of the Grand Prix and First Prize at European and Russian competitions. Mariia has assisted internationally renowned artists Vladimir Miller, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Elena Obraztsova, and conductors Yuri Temirkanov, Saulius Sondeckis, Alexander Sladkovsky, Andreas Spörri. Mariia’s conducting experience includes work with professional choral groups and instrumentalists.

Cantare Chorale of the Sierra Foothills, founded in 1992, is a community chorus of mixed voices based in El Dorado County, California. Their mission is to bring quality choral music to their community and to provide a venue for aspiring musicians to develop and share their talent. The group includes singers from diverse musical and personal backgrounds--administrators, businesspeople, educators, engineers, homemakers, designers, medical professionals, and more. Singing a variety of styles of music—classical, madrigal, sacred, secular, folk, jazz, Broadway, spiritual, contemporary—with pleasure they share their voices and music with the El Dorado County community and beyond.

Cappella Gedanensis was founded in 1981, continuing tradition of the 16th century Gdańsk Board of Aldermen Ensemble. Prof. Alina Kowalska Pińczak is the founder of the orchestra and historically its 17th Kapellmeister, but also the very first woman holding this position.
So far Cappella has had the honour of touring through almost all of Europe, as well as North America and Asia, taking part in numerous festivals and concerts. They specialize in baroque music and in bringing into light the rich heritage of Gdańsk music. Their repertoire includes – among others – composers such as: F. de Rivulo, P. Siefert, C. Fórster, C. Bűthner or pieces by Freislich brothers.

The ensemble’s recording oeuvre features two platinum discs: ‘The Four Seasons’ by Antonio Vivaldi in 2000 and Christmas Carols CD entitled ‘Nowy Rok u Ojca Świętego’ (New Year with the Holy Father) in 2002.
 

Ernest R. Neal currently serves the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tulsa as the Cathedral Organist/Choirmaster as well as Director of Music for the Diocese. He holds a Master's Degree in Organ Performance and Choral Conducting from the University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK.

The Holy Family Cathedral Choir is a semi-professional ensemble that serves as the principal choir for Cathedral as well as for diocesan services such as ordinations of priests and bishops.

Carole Bellavance is the musical director of Le Chœur de la Cité. She holds a B. Mus degree from Université Laval in Quebec City. Her involvement with the youth Ms. Bellavance has spent nearly thirty years teaching music to the younger generation in Beauport, a Quebec City suburb. She has initiated and developed the «music-studies» programme at the Premières-Seigneuries School Board. Her involvement with adults For over twenty years, Carole has worked with adult choirs, initially as a pianist and then as choir director. A well appreciated pedagogue, she is renowned for her ability to bring the best out of every singer in a rigorous but friendly atmosphere. Over the years, under her leadership, her choirs have acquired a solid reputation in the community based on precision and musicality proper to her. These choirs have performed in the province of Quebec and in concert tours in Europe and the United States. Ms. Bellavance has contributed significantly to major events such as tribute concerts to honor Jean-Pierre Ferland, Jean Ferrat, Gilles Vignault, Paul Piché and Claude Léveillée. During the Quebec City 400th anniversary celebrations held on July 18, 2008, she acted as designer and musical co-director of a major event gathering a chorus of 1400 voices at the Quebec Coliseum. She also assisted in the preparation of a grand chorus for the famed event « Le mur du son» presented in Montreal in 2009, Quebec City in 2010 and Lauzanne (Switzerland) in 2012. Since 2002, she has often been invited to participate in major choral happenings in France, including tribute concerts for Gilbert Bécaud and Claude Nougaro in Alès and similar events in Champagne and Rhônes-Alpes. Honors and awards Ms. Bellavance is the recipient of the Jean-Paul Guindon award, presented by the Alliance des chorales du Québec to emphasize her outstanding implication and work ethics. She was presented with the «Distinction Seigneurie 2011» trophy by the Education community in recognition of her remarquable contribution to the radiance of the educational world in the collectivity. Carole Bellavance is actually the musical director of le Chœur de la Cité, le Chœur de Bellechasse and le Chœur en Supplément’Air, all located in Quebec City and its vicinity.

In the hearth of the city, le Chœur de la Cité In September 2005, following a singers meeting, Carole Bellavance, Lucie St-Pierre and a few chorists decided to meet once a week for the sole pleasure of singing. Le Chœur de la Cité was born. Since then, much has been accomplished and many challenges have been taken on. By choice, its repertoire includes mainly French and ‘’québécois’’popular songs, however, on occasion, the group has performed in different musical styles over the years. Consequently, le Chœur de la Cité was invited to participate in Quebec City sponsored cultural events such as the Quebec Winter Carnival and the Victorian Christmas. Other activities held at Le Musée de la Civilisation and at l’Aquarium de Québec were also intertained by the choir. Since 2012, le Chœur de la Cité has been associated with the Centre des Loisirs St-Sacrement and has been actively involved in its activities. Le Chœur de la Cité loves sharing its passion for music with other choirs and musical ensembles, as evidenced by concerts held at Palais Montcalm with l’Harmonie des Cascades de Beauport in 2008, 2009, 2014 and at a benefit-concert «Assurer la relève» at Grand Théâtre de Québec in 2015. Moreover, the choir has been associated in major events targeting large audiences such as a choir happening to celebrate Quebec City 400th anniversary in 2008 and a 1400 voices chorus concert entitled «et si Québec m’était chanté» also held in 2008 at the Quebec Coliseum. In the same vein, le Choeur de la Cité participated in a spectacular event «Juste pour Chanter» held in Montreal in 2009 as part of the «Juste pour rire» festival and contributed significantly to the magnificent « Mur du son» concert in Quebec City in 2010. Open to the world, the choir has represented its province in a tour of New England French speaking communities in 2007. In 2008, they were host to La Chorale Saint-Jean representing the University of Alberta and in the fall of 2010, Viva Voce singers from Chambéry, France were their invited guests. Le Choeur de la Cité visited Chambéry in 2014. Choir singing knows no boundaries. In 2012, le Choeur de la Cité presented some of its repertoire in France at Périgueux, Juno Beach Center in Courseulles-sur-mer, Ouistreham and in Waterloo, Belgium. In 2014, the choir toured France and Italy and shared the stage with local singing groups in Chambéry, Aix-les –Bains, Laudun and Ollioules. It was an unforgettable experience for all those involved. In the summer of 2011, le Choeur de la Cité had the great privilege of sharing the stage with world renowned musical ensembles such as the Red Army Chorus during a military TATOO, part of The Quebec City International Festival of Military Bands. This wonderful event was repeated in 2012 and 2013. Thereafter, the choir was invited to represent Canada at the Liberty TATOO in Caen, France in June 2014. Participating in this memorable show, an integral part of the 70th Anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy celebrations was quite an honor for the choir. As sole representative of Canada, le Choeur de la Cité received a heartwarming welcome from the residents during other concerts held in Mondeville, Courseulles-sur-Mer and Arromanches. In addition to the above commitments, the choir has regularly performed in its hometown at concerts, in the spring and at Christmas. At times, this meant having to memorize up to 80 musical pieces. All this success could not be achieved without the contribution of outstanding individuals. In that regard, le Choeur de la Cité has greatly benefited from its choir director’s creativity, boldness and high expectations. Ms. Carole Bellavance’s implication and accomplishments in the choral world are well known and vastly recognized at home and abroad. From the onset, she has associated herself with Lucie St-Pierre, her faithful accomplice, who with passion and pleasure has accompanied the choir at the piano for the last ten years. Let’s not forget the chorists without whom nothing would be possible. It is worth mentioning that fifteen of those chorists were members of the inaugural cohort along with Carole Bellavance and Lucie St-Pierre ten years ago. Ten years, and it’s only the beginning.

Finley Woolston devotes himself to music after a career in both the United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy.  He was a cum laude voice major at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.  He’s the Music Director of The Crystal Coast Choral Society, a community chorus based in Swansboro, NC, and The Joyful Band of Singers, an auditioned chamber choir formed as needed for special events.  He’s also the Music Director of Richlands United Methodist Church, Richlands, NC. He sings tenor with Schola Cantorum, the official choir of the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina.  He’s prepared choruses for performances in Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall in New York City, and has also toured in Turkey as a member of The Jonathan Griffith Singers. Woolston serves on the Board of Directors for the Carolina Chamber Music Festival and the East Carolina Musical Arts and Education Foundation. His voice is heard on Public Radio East, WTEB, 89.3 FM as a classical music announcer weekday mornings, and as producer and host of The Choral Tradition heard Sundays at 3:00 p.m. 

The Joyful Band of Singers is an invitation only, auditioned chamber choir formed by Music Director Finley Woolston in 2004 in response to a request from the American Cancer Society to provide entertainment for a fund raising concert in Greenville, North Carolina.  Membership depends on the requirements of the occasion and varies from concert to concert.  The original name of the group was The Sine Nomine Singers, but after a few concerts needing to explain that is Latin for “The No Name Singers” the name was changed. After that original concert the group was invited to sing at numerous events in Eastern North Carolina.  

The ensemble has appeared at fund raising events in support of relief efforts for different causes, including the United Methodist Church Haiti Relief, Foundation for Hospice, and local food banks and homeless shelters.  They have performed as backup singers and in concert with Ginger Garner and Her Band, a local jazz ensemble. They have also established an on-going tradition of travelling to Ocracoke Island on the Outer Bands of North Carolina to perform annual Christmas concerts in support of local charities.  They have been invited to Ocracoke Island to perform as part of OcraFest, one of the premier folk music festivals on the east coast.  In 2010 they were invited to sing in New York City as part of events honoring a U.S. Marine seriously wounded in Afghanistan. 

Rick Noel is a resident of Minford, Ohio. He studied music at Shawnee State University, Portsmouth, Ohio. Mr. Noel is the Director of Music at First Baptist Church in Waverly, OH., the percussion director of the Marching Oaks High School Band, Oak Hill, OH., and is the associate director of the D.M. Davis Male Voice Choir and combined Choirs and the Director of the D.M. Davis Ladies Choir, all of Jackson, Ohio.

The D.M.Davis Male Voice Choir, Est. January 2009 in Jackson, Ohio. Senior Director, Wilbur McCormick, Associate Director Rick Noel, Accompanist Stephanie Jarvis. The D.M.Davis Ladies Choir, Est. February 2015, Jackson, OH. Director Rick Noel, Accompanist Stephanie Jarvis. These two choirs, each with membership of over 25 voices, perform on their own and/or will combine and perform as a mixed chorus of around 50 voices. Their home is the Markay Cultural Arts Center in Jackson, Ohio.

Katie McGuire Menges started her musical career at a young age singing, playing piano, trumpet and the accordion. Mrs. Menges attended South Dakota State University where she received her degree in Music Education and recently started her ninth year of teaching. Mrs. Menges has traveled the world performing with several groups including the Air Force's premier entertainment unit, Tops In Blue as a keyboardist. Mrs. Menges has been serving in the Air National Guard for over 14 years. She has enjoyed being a member of the Fort Walton Beach Community Chorus and humbled to direct such a talented group.

The Fort Walton Beach Community Chorus was formed in 1975 by Founding Director, Steve Johnson, along with 50 energetic and spirited singers from local communities. The inaugural choral engagement, the Testament of Freedom-Writings from Thomas Jefferson, was held at Lion’s Park on Bayshore Drive in Niceville, FL. Since then the FWBCC has produced Spring and Christmas concerts each year, blending Patriotic, contemporary and musical Broadway numbers. Our current cast of long-standing and newer members are dedicated singers and performers whose objective continues to be providing quality and enjoyable entertainment to everyone. As a non-profit organization, the FWBCC has awarded more than ,000 to local graduating seniors as the further their education in music.

Carol Mathew has been the Minister of Music at Hope United Methodist Church in Billings, Montana since its inception in 1981.  Ms. Mathew holds a Bachelor’s degree in music with a double Major of Music Education and Choral/Piano from Rocky Mountain College in Billings and has completed further  music educational workshops from both the University of Minnesota and the Berkshire Choral Institute in Sheffield, Massachusetts.  Ms. Mathew is a private piano teacher as well as the music coordinator for the “Messiah Festival” (a charitable production of Handel’s Messiah to provide funds for housing for cancer patients who travel to Billings for treatment.

Hope Chancel Choir from Hope United Methodist Church in Billings, Montana consists of twenty-five singers, twenty of whom are participating in DCINY. We are educators, office managers, engineers, students, bankers, geo-techs, politicians and retirees.  We share a love of music, a love of the fellowship our group offers, and most importantly, our faith. 
 

Mr. Gregory Day is the Artistic Director for the Lincoln-Way Area Chorale. Greg received his B.ME. from Augustana College in 1977 and his Master’s Degree from Northern Illinois University in 1979, with a double emphasis in Choral Conducting and Choral Composition. His post graduate studies focused on Vocal Pedagogy and Vocal Production. He attended the University of Iowa, Indiana University, and Columbia University in New York, where he studied under the widely renowned Bernard Taylor. Greg has over 40 years of choral conducting experience, directing over 500 concerts and working with choirs at all levels.

The Lincoln-Way Area Chorale, located in the south suburban area of Chicago, was founded by Mr. Charles Stark in 1995. Four years ago, Gregory Day assumed the position of Artistic Director. Under his leadership, the Chorale has received two national endorsements, an opportunity for an international commission piece, as well as captured the attention of other professionals in the choral field both nationally and internationally. The group is noted for their dynamic contrast and purity of tone. The Chorale consists of 108 singers from all walks of life, sharing their love for a wide variety of choral music.

Roy Hoobler received his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Marshal University in Piano Performance. His has worked for and continued his studies with Marylin Overturf, Lois Van Damn, Robert Godwin, and Tom Helms; Singing and accompanying choirs in Alabama and Florida.

The Masterworks Choir is a non-auditioned community choir focused on promoting classical music in the area. They work with other entities in the area and perform at different venues throughout the year. They are an associate member of the National Federation of Music Clubs.

Russell Oliphant graduated from BYU with a degree in Music Education with an emphasis on choral music and a minor in Ballroom Dance. He has had experience working with choirs and groups of all ages and skill levels. He has sung in many collegiate and community choirs such as the Sonoran Desert Chorale, Cantorum, and all of the auditioned choirs at BYU. He has taught privately for 5 years and has helped many students have success in making music and enjoying the process. He currently teaches choral music at Timpview High School in Provo.

Founded by Stacey Thompson and Sterling Keyes in 2010, the Orem Chorale is an opportunity for singers in Utah Valley to develop their musical talents and share them with the community. The focus of The Orem Chorale is to inspire, uplift and unite our community – Orem and beyond – through beautiful music. As we progress toward that goal, we strive continually to improve our own musicianship and vocal abilities through challenging repertoire spanning a broad range of music and styles.

Craig Bond received his Bachelor of Arts in Music and Physical Education from the San Francisco State University. Mr. Bond majored in piano and voice. As a graduate student he studied choral conducting at Sonoma State University and at the Northern Arizona University . Mr. Bond was the choral director for the St. Helena Unified School District for 33 years prior to his retirement in 2007. During his tenure in the school district he taught vocal music from the Elementary level through High School. Mr. Bond's middle and high school choirs consistently received Unanimous Superior Ratings at the annual California Music Educator's Association Choral Festivals and his high school jazz choirs won first place and sweepstakes awards at numerous high school vocal jazz festival in California, Nevada and Oregon. Mr. Bond took his groups on concert tours to Europe on 12 different occasions during his time at St. Helena High School. They performed in France, Germany, Holland, England, Austria, Italy, Slovenia , Croatia and at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. In 2007 Mr. Bond formed the non-profit organization called "The St. Helena Choral Society". This organization includes the St. Helena Children's Chorus, St. Helena Teen Choir, the Jazz @ 7 Vocal Ensemble and the St. Helena Chamber Choir.

The St. Helena Chamber Choir is part of the non profit organization known as the St. Helena Choral Society. This St. Helena based community choir has been in existence for over 35 years. The choir performs twice annually in their very popular Christmas and Spring Concerts, accompanied by a chamber orchestra. This 60 voice ensemble performs a wide variety of choral literature but specializes in major classic choral works by such composers as Bach, Handel, Brahms, Haydn, and Mozart . The St. Helena Chamber Choir meets on Monday evenings at the Grace Episcopal Church in St. Helena and is directed by Mr. Craig Bond.

Peter Sims, Director of Music Peter Sims has been an active church musician since his teenage years. A graduate of Butler University in Indianapolis, Peter taught high school vocal music for 23 years and sang with the Indianapolis Opera Company. During that time, he was also a part-time music director for several churches and has been serving our church in a full-time capacity since 2002. Peter was director and pianist for the Northern Michigan Chorale for over eight years and continues as the director of the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra Chorus. He also served as interim chorus director in the summer of 2014 for the “Baroque on Beaver” Music Festival, held on Beaver Island, as well as director of the Little Traverse Choral Society for the 2015-2016 concert season. A musical highlight for Peter has been the opportunity to sing at Carnegie Hall five times, twice under the direction of the legendary Robert Shaw. During the workweek, you’ll find his cocker spaniels Pasha and Tanner sharing the music room with Peter and all the volunteer church musicians. Outside activities include caring for a fleet of vehicles and boating on Crooked Lake during the summer months. He will be retiring at the end of 2016, looking forward to enjoying the winter at his home in Englewood, FL!

The Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra Chorus has been an important part of the orchestra since 2002. The group sings Handel's "Messiah" every December and has performed in spring productions of Carmina Burana as well as numerous Masses by Mozart and Haydn. Comprised of 40+ auditioned singers, the group is excited to be participating in today's concert!

Johannes (John) S. Wervers received an Honours Degree in Music from Brock University, a Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Toronto. He studied conducting with Roman Toi at the Royal Conservatory of Music of Toronto. John embarked on a study tour in Vienna, Austria with Dr. Maust where he presented his seminar on Richard Strauss. John attended the International conducting program at the Mozarteum, Salzburg, Austria as well as obtaining his Master of Music degree in conducting from the University of Regina.
As a music leader for over 35 years, John has established and directed numerous choral and instrumental ensembles.

The New Tecumseth Singers/The Dufferin Concert Singers are groups of non-professional singers from small communities located in Central Ontario, Canada. All members love to sing, and one of our main goals is to make choral music more available and inclusive for performers of all ages. Each spring and fall, several concerts of high quality music are performed in local area venues. All our concerts include local young talented singers/musicians, thus allowing them the opportunity to perform within their local communities. We thank the council of the Town of  New Tecumseth for their financial support.

Managing Director of Utah Conservatory, Head of Voice Department and member of piano faculty. Served 10 years as Adjunct Assistant Professor for the University of Utah's Actor Training Program, also developing the Department of Theatre’s Musical Theatre studio courses, as well as a year for the U’s Music Department. Served 11 years on the music faculty at Brigham Young University, teaching voice, group voice and diction. Graduate from Brigham Young University with a Masters Degree in Music Performance. Studied with Rita Patané, Seth Riggs, William Schuman, David Triestram, Ray Arbizu, Joan Kreugar, and was past president of the Southern Utah Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Current member of UTMA and NATS. Founder of Utah Vocal Arts and Metropolitan Vocal Arts Institute, and principal of Beachwood Arts Management. Founding Board Member of Opera West. A winner of the American Opera Auditions, U.S.A. World Showcase, and a regional finalist for the Metropolitan Opera Auditions. Cook has done opera and concert work throughout the United States, including solo performances with the National Choral Society at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall, Utah Symphony, and several seasons in repertory with Utah Opera Company. She performed off-Broadway, is featured as Roxanne in Stuart Crane's cast recording of Cyrano, and serves as a professional choral conductor and competition adjudicator.

Allyson Kuechmann studied voice and choral directing at USC and Moorpark College, CA and performed in The Count of Luxembourg, The Student Prince and The Yeoman of the Guard, as well as singing with Chambers, Chorales and several church choirs. She directed numerous childrens’ choirs, then moved to Montana in 1996, and became the voice teacher for the Von Trapp Children, forming the Flathead Valley Homeschool choir at their request. She has directed the Valley Voices Community Choir since its inception in 2000. She lives in Kalispell with her husband of 39 years, Jim and has 3 children and 5 grandchildren.

The Valley Voices Community Choir has its home in beautiful Flathead Valley, Northwest Montana, 30 minutes drive from Glacier National Park. We draw members from the entire valley, and have been happily singing together since 2000. We willingly present free concerts for our community in Spring and Winter each year, as well as singing at hospitals, care facilities, community events and anywhere we are asked to share the joy of song. We embrace singers of all ages and abilities, and our favorite warmup exercise reminds us why we gather each week ….. “ We love to sing, oh yes we do !”

Christopher Goodson is Director of Music and Worship at Wesley United Methodist Church at Frederica, where he plans and leads worship services and directs the music ministry, Music@Wesley. Chris is also actively engaged in several music-related outreaches in the community in an effort to minister to others through supporting music and the arts in the Golden Isles, including the Golden Isles Community Messiah Chorus, the Golden Isles Community Chorus, the Coastal Brass Choir and others. Chris holds a B.M. in Music Education—Wind/Percussion (cum laude) and M.M. in Choral Conducting, both from University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Currently, Chris is a student in Doctorate of Worship Studies program at the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies in Jacksonville, Florida.

The Golden Isles Community Messiah Chorus is in its 31st year of operation. The 90-member Chorus includes choristers from all over the Golden Isles, including representation from over 35 churches. Each year, the chorus comes together in November in order to prepare and present the Christmas portion of MESSIAH with chamber orchestra and organ. With new members joining each year, we also have members who have sung with the group for its entire existence. Began at St. Simons UMC by Director Barbara Meadows and organist Jane Lane Harper, the chorus now calls Wesley United Methodist Church at Frederica, on St. Simons Island, home.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Ceila Leung obtained her music degree from The University of Hong Kong.  Before taking up the job as musical director, she has been an arts administrator for 12 years working with festivals, theatre and choir companies.  She was the project manager for the World Youth Choir during Summer 2008, while the group performed in China, Macau and Hong Kong.  As a conductor since she was 12, Leung has worked with choirs from ages 5 to 70.  Recently, she has established 2 singing groups in Hong Kong comprised of singers she has worked with through the years, the groups are: Sing City and Phoenix Singers, Hong Kong. 

Phoenix, is referring to the many Flame Trees that are found in HK, blooming in May around the city. Flame Trees are known as “Phoenix Trees” in Chinese.
Phoenix Singers, Hong Kong musically directed by Celia Leung is a recently established choir comprised of singers who also sing with other notable choirs in Hong Kong and have performed together and collaborated at various events for over 10 years. The chorus meets once a week to share the joy of singing. Phoenix Singers, Hong Kong gave their debut performance in September this year to fantastic reviews.  The repertoire includes pop music, jazz numbers and choral classics.