Our People

Dr. Ryan Deignan is the Artistic Director of the Rochester Choral Arts Ensemble, Honors Choirs of SE Minnesota, and the Twin Ports Choral Project, which was named a finalist for the American Prize in Choral Performance 23-24. Deignan was a fellow at the 2022 Baylor International Choral Conducting Masterclass.

In addition to teaching and conducting, Dr. Deignan performs as a professional vocalist. His ensemble work includes projects with Borealis Chamber Artists, Madison Choral Project, Red Shift, Dallas Bach Society, and Orpheus Chamber Singers. He was featured soloist for the Palouse Choral Society, Cedar Rapids Chorale, University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra, Denton Bach Society, Orchestra Iowa, and Cedar Rapids Opera.

Deignan was Director of Choirs for the West Des Moines Valley High School choral program of 350 students, seven traditional choirs, two show choirs, and four jazz choirs. Under his direction, Valley Singers performed at the 2016 NC-ACDA Convention in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Prior to West Des Moines, Deignan was Associate Director of Vocal Music at Cedar Rapids Washington High School, where he led a Slice of Jazz to the 2012 Iowa Vocal Jazz Championship.

Deignan studied music education with Jeremy Manternach and Jessica Nápoles, voice with Edwin Andereck and Stephen Swanson, vocal pedagogy with Jeremy Manternach and Stephen F. Austin, and conducting with Craig Arnold, Timothy Stalter, and Allen Hightower. He holds a BA in Vocal Performance from Luther College, an MA in Music Education from the University of Iowa, and a DMA in Choral Studies with a cognate field in Vocal Pedagogy from the University of North Texas.

Hannah Wallace is a recent graduate from the University of Minnesota- Duluth with a Bachelor of Arts. With her Arts Administration degree, Hannah has served in a variety of capacities in an arts organizations that are centered in music, like interning at the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra. Even though Hannah does not consider herself artistic, she understands and promotes the value of the arts in our area and has made it her mission to continue to take advantage of any opportunities that arise to advocate for the arts. Hannah is currently employed with the University of Minnesota- Duluth as the Music Department's executive office and administrative specialist, where she hopes to be able to help promote the importance of music and the arts in higher education.

In her capacity as Chorus Manager for TPCP, Hannah manages the box office, edits and updates the website, administers media regarding the season to sponsors and patrons, communicates directly with the choir concerning updates and administrative work, handles communication with patrons, markets for TPCP through social media, and more! She is excited to continue to contribute to the Twin Ports Choral Project and exhibit their mission to the upper Minnesota region.

Hannah appreciates a wide variety of art including music, the visual arts, theater, and has become a recent fan of the ballet. She enjoys spending time with her husband and parents, cuddling with her cat, cultivating a collection of healthy houseplants, and reading fiction novels.

Emily Valine is the Staff Accompanist and Fine Arts Department Administrative Assistant at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN, where she enjoys working both onstage and behind the scenes as she collaborates with the CSS Choral Ensembles, accompanies vocal and instrumental music majors, and organizes the inner workings of the department. Emily is an accompanist for the Lake Superior Youth Chorus (Cantemus), and she performs regularly as a collaborative pianist with the Twin Ports Choral Project.

Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music (Piano Performance and Pedagogy) from The College of St. Scholastica. As a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music, she maintains a private piano studio in Duluth and is active in the Minnesota Music Teachers Association at the state and local levels. Emily received the Advocate for Choral Excellence Award from the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) of Minnesota in 2015, and she is blessed to be surrounded by beautiful choral music nearly every day.

Dr. Charlotte Botha is an Assistant Professor and the Director of Choral Activities at Hamilton College in Clinton, NY, where she conducts the Hamilton Voices choral theatre ensemble and the College Choir, and teaches music theory and musicology. Her research interests include foreign-language choral diction, text-painting, and equitable practices for including the music of and by marginalized communities in choral programs. Hailing from South Africa, her tenure as conductor of the Drakensberg Boys Choir solidified her passion for making music with and composing for young singers. Botha has worked extensively with mixed and equal-voice singers from around the world as conductor, honor choir clinician, and composer. Recent guest conducting engagements have included the Women of Song Festival at Ball State University in Indiana; High School and Middle School All-State choirs in Texas, Alabama, and Missouri; and the Amal’ eZulu poetry symphony at the University of Johannesburg. She holds a DMA from The University of North Texas, an MMus from Nelson Mandela University, and a BMus from the University of Pretoria.

It is a great joy to visit Minnesota and work with the creative musical artists of Twin Ports Choral Project this season.

Christopher Mason is the Director of Choral Activities at the University of Minnesota Duluth where he directs the flagship University Singers and teaches secondary choral methods, conducting, and ear training. He is also the Founding Artistic Director of Vox GR, Grand Rapids’ premier professional choir. Previous academic appointments include Interim DCA at Southern Methodist University, DCA at Aquinas College, and Adjunct Professor at Grand Valley State University. Mason’s research focuses on the Latin American Baroque, specifically the analysis and historically informed performance of the music of Manuel de Sumaya, one of the first American-born boy choristers to become chapel master at theCathedral of Mexico City in the 18th century.

Sarah Lawrence enjoys a widely varied career as a singing actor in opera, musical theater, and in concert, singing everything from Baroque to Broadway. Sarah has performed with the symphonies of Augusta, Omaha, Madison, Milwaukee, Boise, the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, the San Luis Obispo Symphony Orchestra, Music St. Croix, Oratorio Society of Minnesota, and Wisconsin
Chamber Orchestra, singing repertoire including Handel’s Messiah, Haydn’s Creation, Bach’s B minor Mass, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, and Prokofiev’s Ugly Duckling. A frequent pops soloist, Sarah has sung concerts of Rodgers & Hammerstein, Lerner & Loewe, and Bernstein, and was a guest soloist with Greek tenor Mario Frangoulis with Omaha Symphony.

Equally comfortable on the stage, Ms. Lawrence has performed more than 30 roles in opera and musical theater, including Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, Frasquita and Micaëla in Carmen, and Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte. Musical theater roles include Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady and Lily in The Secret Garden (The Duluth Playhouse), Ivey Smith in On the Town and Eileen in Wonderful Town (Skylark Opera), and Julie Jordan in Carousel (Minnesota Orchestra). Ms. Lawrence appeared as Christine Daaé as a member of the Third National Tour of The Phantom of the Opera and in Phantom: The Vegas Spectacular.

This season includes engagements with Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, Music St. Croix, and Oratorio Society of Minnesota. Sarah makes her home in Duluth with her husband, Calland Metts, and daughter, Giulia. For more information about Sarah Lawrence, please visit sarahelawrence.com.

Calland Metts is enjoying a widely varied career. He has performed in such operas as Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte and Lenozze di Figaro, Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore, Verdi’s La traviata, Bizet’s Carmen and numerous Gilbert and Sullivan operettas with such opera companies as Opera Columbus, Cleveland Opera, Lyric Opera Cleveland, Marin Opera, Chicago Opera Theater and Greensboro Opera.

Equally at home on the musical theater stage, Cal has performed the roles of Emilede Becque in South Pacific, Man #1 in I love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, and Billy Bigelow in Carousel, to name a few. Cal has sung with the Symphonies of St. Louis, Milwaukee, Columbus, Madison, Rockford, Sheboygan, Cheyenne, Pensacola, and Walla Walla in such works as Handel’s Messiah, Bach’s B minor Mass, Mozart’s Requiem, and numerous Pops concerts.

Cal and his wife, Sarah Lawrence, are the General Artistic Directors of Lyric Opera of the North. Cal is proud to be a partner with Ann Gumpper in the Lyric Opera of the North Scenic Shop, and is also a faculty member at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College and Lake Superior College.

Marcus McConico, tenor, has been active in opera, concert, and as a recitalist for over 25 years. With symphony orchestras and choral organizations Marcus has appeared as tenor soloist in works including Turkish Oratorio Yunus Emre, Händel’s Messiah, Haydn’s The Creation, Bach’s B Minor Mass, Bach’s Matthäus-Passion, Carmina Burana, Beethoven’s Chorale Fantasie, Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis, Verdi’s Messa da Requiem, Brubeck’s Christmas Cantata La Fiesta de la Posada, Karl Jenkin’s The Armed Man, Severin Behnen’s Messiah, and Brahms’ Liebeslieder-Walzer.

Marcus was selected to co-present a program titled “Caruso and Lanza: A Centennial Tribute Lecture Recital,” at the International Congress of Voice Teachers (ICVT) conference in Vienna, Austria in August 2022.

Mr. McConico holds an MM in Vocal Performance from the University of Tennessee, and a BM in Vocal Performance from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Mr. McConico is an Adjunct Instructor of Voice at the University of Minnesota Duluth and currently a Doctoral candidate at the University of Minnesota School of Music in the Twin Cities.

Elsa Persson was born and raised in the St. Croix Valley area of Minnesota and Wisconsin and is currently a student at the University of Minnesota Duluth. She is very excited to work on her first mass solo with the Twin Ports Choral Project! Elsa is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a classical voice emphasis and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with an acting emphasis. She has performed in many shows at UMD and in the community, such as The Importance of Being Earnest and Street Scene at UMD and Cavalleria Rusticana and La Bohème with Lyric Opera of the North. Her upcoming projects include playing the role of Chorley and covering Claudie Viardot in Michael Ching’s new opera Notes on Viardot at Music on Site in Wichita, Kansas in December 2024, as well as playing Trinculo at UMD in Shakespeare’s The Tempest in February 2025.

Dr. Bret Amundson is the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN, where he also directs Bella Voce. Dr. Amundson is also the Artistic Director of the Lake Superior Youth Chorus. He holds a BA in Music Education and Vocal Performance from Saint John’s University, a MM in Choral Conducting from Saint Cloud State University, a DMA in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington, and an MBA in Change and Leadership from The College of St. Scholastica.

Choirs under Dr. Amundson’s direction have performed at state and regional conventions. In 2007, the Cathedral High School Concert Choir performed at the Minnesota Music Educators Association’s Mid-Winter Clinic. That same year, he was awarded the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) of Minnesota’s Outstanding Young Conductor Award. In 2015, Twin Ports Choral Project was invited to perform, under his direction, at the ACDA-MN State Conference and, in 2016, the North Central ACDA Regional Conference. In 2017, Bella Voce was invited to perform at the ACDA-MN State Conference; in 2018 and 2023, the Lake Superior Youth Chorus' Cantemus was invited to perform at the same conference. In 2020, Bella Voce performed at the North Central ACDA Regional Conference, In 2014, Dr. Amundson was awarded The College’s Benedictine Professorship in General Education, and in 2015, he was named one of Duluth’s 20 Under 40.

Grew up in Alexandria, Minnesota and participated in many choirs such as St. John's Boys Choir and Youth Chorale of Central Minnesota. Manager at Northern Waters Smokehaus. Lover of music, running and videogames.

Nathan Berthelsen is a new Duluth resident, moving to start a position in Academic Access and Support at St. Scholastica. Before his role at CSS, Nathan was a proud middle school choir educator in central and southern Minnesota. He received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from St. Olaf College and Master of Education from St. Scholastica and continues to find learning opportunities. He is thrilled to join TPCP and to share in the joy of singing alongside passionate and committed musicians.

Emilie Bowman began her choral singing career in the 4th grade. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Healthcare Management and Scandinavian Studies from Concordia College, where she sang in The Concordia Choir. Since moving to Duluth, she has sung in Twin Ports Choral Project, DSSO Chorus, Arrowhead Chorale, Lyric Opera of the North, and First Lutheran Church choir. In addition to music, Emilie is passionate about helping non-profit organizations serve our community. She works as a Business Analyst for Essentia Health and serves on numerous non-profit boards.

Anneliese Braaten set the tone for her musical career when she perfected the art of practicing piano to get out of washing dishes. She considers herself lucky that this plan worked out, as music is an integral part of her life now. She graduated from Luther College where she majored in elementary education, and music with an emphasis in horn.

Anneliese is a 1st grade teacher. In addition to singing in TPCP, she plays horn in the Twin Ports Wind Orchestra, is a collaborative pianist with the Lake Superior Youth Chorus, and is an assistant coach for the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton Nordic Ski Team. She is excited to be singing with the Twin Ports Choral Project!

Grace Brinkert has been singing all her life, in choir or otherwise. She joined Twin Ports Choral Project after graduating from the College of St Scholastica in 2022, and has been singing with them since. While Grace does not work in the arts full-time, she performs when she can - whether that be with TPCP, Lyric Opera of the North, or Duluth Playhouse. Off-stage, she can be found watching actual-play shows, playing games with her friends, or simply relaxing at home with her partner and two cats. Grace hopes that the Twin Ports and greater MN continues to be a thriving space for music and artists.

Peter Brown grew up in Duluth and is currently a full-time student working towards a M.A. in Liturgical Music from St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2018 and has since spent over 3 years studying philosophy and theology through the Saint Paul Seminary in Saint Paul, MN. During his time at Saint Paul Seminary, Peter was also involved in music, ranging from traditional forms such as motets and Gregorian chant to contemporary Christian music. Peter has also gigged for multiple years as a pianist in various bands and musical settings and has played on multiple recording projects. Apart from his involvement in music, Peter enjoys spending time with friends, running, and pondering the many and wonderful mysteries of existence.

Rhonda Card is in her first year as the Choir Director at Cloquet Middle and High School. Rhonda graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 2022 with a Bachelor's degree in music education. She was very active in the university’s vocal ensembles, serving as President and Vice President of University Singers and President of the ACDA student chapter. Rhonda had the honor of participating as a Student Conductor with ACDA-MN in the 2021 Summer Dialogue with Dr. Axel Theimer. As a vocalist, she has reached both the semi-finals and finals of Minnesota National Association for Teachers of Singing (NATS) in both musical theater and classical, as well as the National NATS for Musical Theater.

Rhonda is an active member of the Twin Ports Vocal scene. She worked as a Choral Scholar at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary for three years, teaches voice lessons and works as a director with the Lake Superior Youth Chorus. When she's not singing, Rhonda likes to go for hikes with her dog or find new restaurants around Duluth with her friends. Rhonda feels very lucky that she gets to surround herself with wonderful colleagues in this beautiful city. She loves everything Duluth has to offer!

Richard Carrick is a conductor, clinician, singer, and educator based in Duluth, MN. He serves as the Director of Choral Activities at The College of St. Scholastica, the Director of Music at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, co-founder and conductor of the Borealis Chamber Artists, and Chorus Master for the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra. Richard holds a D.M.A. in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington, where he studied with Geoffrey Boers and Giselle Wyers. He is also the managing editor of ACDA-MN’s Star of the North. When not working with choirs, Richard enjoys exploring trails in the woods or baking with his children.

Hannah Christenson, born in Janesville, WI, moved up to Duluth in 2016 with her husband, Paul. As an elementary music teacher in Proctor at both Bay View and Pike Lake elementary schools, she has the pleasure of encouraging the love for music in nearly 900 children's lives. In 2014, Hannah graduated from Luther College with a BA in elementary education and music education (vocal emphasis) and shortly after, completed her masters of education (technology integration) at St. Catherine University. She has performed with Nordic Choir while at Luther College and The Singers while living in the Twin Cities, is occasionally on worship team at the Duluth Vineyard church, and teaches private piano and voice lessons at her in-home studio.

When not participating in music activities, Hannah stays busy taking care of her toddler, Brenley, and twin babies, Vesper and Summit. She also enjoys hiking with her family and two golden doodles, all kinds crafting, playing board games, and baking desserts. A shout out to her husband for caring for (and thriving with) all three kids alone when she is at choir and encouraging her to get back into music outside of teaching!

Lyric soprano, Lora Gauthier Dixon, is an Instructor of Voice and director of the Opera Studio at University of Minnesota Duluth. Ms. Dixon has enjoyed performing a wide variety of solo, chamber, opera, and ensemble music throughout her career. She has performed the operatic roles of Mimí in La Bohème, Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi, Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, Blanche in Dialogs of the Carmelites, and Miss Jessel in The Turn of the Screw. Ms. Dixon has been a featured gala soloist with Palm Beach Opera, and was a finalist in the Dallas Opera Guild and the Denver Lyric Opera Guild competitions. Her oratorio and concert performances include Brahms’ Requiem, Mozart Requiem, and Fauré Requiem, as well as Handel’s Messiah.

Ms. Dixon earned her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of North Texas, where she was a Teaching Fellow. She progressed to post-graduate studies in Vocal Pedagogy at the University of Colorado Boulder where she was a member of the Graduate Teacher program and recipient of the Berton Coffin award. She later went on to become a student of renowned pedagogue Shirlee Emmons.

Ms. Dixon’s former university and private students have won performance-based scholarships in prestigious music programs such as Vanderbilt University, University of Southern California, and Eastman School of Music. She is passionate about helping each student find their healthiest vocal production and attain creative freedom in performing.

Born in Texas and raised in Minnesota, mezzo-soprano Kathryn Engstrom is also an accomplished pianist and Horn player. Kathryn was a member of the renowned Texas All State Choir, and was selected to study Horn, Voice, and Piano at St. Olaf Summer Music Camp in Minnesota, studying under Dr. René Clausen and Dr. Paul J. Christiansen.

Kathryn received a Scholarship to study Music Education at the University of Minnesota, studying voice with Dr. Lawrence Weller, Conducting under Dr. Thomas Lancaster, and was accepted with Scholarship into the Graduate program in Vocal Performance.

A section leader for 5 years with the Minnesota Chorale, Kathryn also held section leader and soloist positions at Central Lutheran and St. John's Episcopal Churches in Minneapolis.

Kathryn has performed extensively under conductors Christoph Eschenbach, Hugh Wolff, Eiji Oue, Helmuth Rilling, Roger Norrington, David Zinman, Phillip Brunelle, Robert Shaw, and Christopher Seaman, with the Houston Symphony Orchestra, Oregon Bach Festival Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, and Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.

A member of acclaimed Oregon Bach Festival for 9 years, Kathryn sang in the Grammy-winning recording of the Penderecki Credo under Helmuth Rilling.

A successful audition during the Oregon Bach Festival led Kathryn to Germany, where she sang in numerous projects of the International Bach Academy under Helmuth Rilling, with performances and Master Classes in Stuttgart and Munich, with tours in Greece, France, Hungary, Austria, and Italy.

Christopher Fettig is the Associate Director of Choral Activities at the University of Minnesota Duluth where he conducts the UMD Concert Chorale, Chamber Choir, vocal jazz ensemble Chill Factor, and teaches voice lessons and ear training. Before coming to Duluth, he had a very successful 36-year career as the Director of Choral Activities at Bemidji High School. He has received recognition as the Outstanding Young Choral Director in 1991 from ACDA of Minnesota, Teacher of the Year for ISD 31 in 1999, Choral Director of The Year from ACDA of Minnesota in 2007, East Grand Forks Senior High School Hall of Fame for Fine Arts in 2012, and Featured Alumnus of The Bemidji Choir from Bemidji State University in 2022. Mr. Fettig holds a BS degree in Vocal Music Education from Bemidji State University and an MA degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Illinois. Christopher is very excited to be a part of the TPCP Chamber Singers under the direction of Dr. Ryan Deignan.

Jen Fuchs has enjoyed performing with amateur and professional choruses from around the country. In the 24-25 season, she is looking forward to performances with Lyric Opera of the North and Borealis Chamber Artists, in addition to concerts with TPCP and Sunday anthems at her home congregation, First Lutheran in Duluth. By day, Jen is a school social worker and enjoys hiking, camping and visiting National Parks with her husband and two daughters.

According to his Mom, Jack Gunderson began singing before he could talk, and he hasn’t stopped yet. His professional career as a singer/bassist/trombonist/actor and arranger has taken him across the US, Canada, the Caribbean, and several foreign countries. He enjoys many styles of music and has performed in a wide variety of venues, groups, clubs, concert halls, and theaters. He has a bachelor’s degree in vocal music education from the University of Minnesota, and sang with Robert Shaw at the Meadowbrook School of Music, where he also studied with John Wustman and Blake Stern. He studied for several years with Barbara Kierig, who urged him to audition for the MN Opera Chorus, and they hired him for seven productions. Wearing a kilt and sword, and singing right next to James Morris in “MacBeth” was a unforgettable experience! He’s done a lot of studio recording, including three of his own albums, several albums with David Haas, radio and television commercials, and many live concert recordings. Jack is a founding musician and performer of Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua and still performs there. He is also an accomplished goldsmith, silversmith, and does fine jewelry repairs. His current, most favorite gig is singing his fifth season with Twin Ports Choral Project!

Maryn Hakes (they/them) earned their Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance with minors in History and German from Stetson University in DeLand, FL, their Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Minnesota Duluth, and their Master of Science in Teaching from The College of St. Scholastica. Maryn currently works with Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota running a queer youth group and a teen health center.. In addition to their paid work, Maryn is active at the intersection of faith and queerness and engaged in justice and liberation work, focusing especially on queer inclusion within the Catholic Church. They are an active member of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary and a contributor to the New Ways Ministry blog. They enjoy brewing beer, cider, and mead, baking, knitting and crocheting, building Legos, and gardening. Maryn is also an avid runner and cross-country skier, activities they often do with their yellow lab, Anja.

One of the most enjoyable aspects about Kim’s life in Duluth is singing with the TPCP, which she joined in February of 2017. She started singing professionally with the Schola Cantorum in San Francisco in the last part of the the 1990s and has been been blessed to be singing with a variety of professional and community choral groups since then. One highlight was singing with The Minnesota Beethoven Festival under the direction of Dale Warland for eight seasons.

Before moving to Duluth in 2008, Kim received her Minnesota K-12 Teaching Licence from Bemidji State University, where she taught choir at Voyageurs Expeditionary High School and sang in choral groups there. She earned her Masters degree in Vocal Music Education at University of Minnesota Duluth. In Duluth, she has worked as a substitute teacher, organist and choir director, and has enjoyed singing with other choral groups, including the DSSO Chorus periodically. She has a massage therapy business in Duluth and also teaches SunDo, a form of Taoist yoga.

Abby is a student at UMD pursuing a dual-degree in Biology and Writing Studies. Having grown up in a musical family, she was involved in high school and church choirs growing up. Though she didn’t plan to continue with music throughout college, she auditioned for the University Singers on a whim and kept with them for two years; as well as a year with the university’s Chamber Choir. She performed as a chorus member with the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra for the Twin Ports debut of Michael Tippett’s ‘A Child of Our Time’, and with UMD’s symphony orchestra in Gustav Holst’s ‘Cloud Messenger’. This is her first year with TPCP, and she is excited to experience the joy of singing with a large choir again.

​

Rachel Holte has been singing in the Duluth area her entire life. She graduated from The University of Wisconsin Superior in 2016 with a Bachelors of Music Education Degree. During college, Rachel enjoyed singing with the UWS Acapella and Chamber choirs as well as being involved with the campus operas. She has also had the great pleasure of singing with the Duluth Superior Symphony Chorus and has been a chorus member in Lyric Opera of the North productions. Rachel currently works as an Elementary Music Educator in Cloquet, MN. When not teaching, she spends her time with friends, family, and her many pets.

Matthew Hunke is returning for his second year with the Twin Ports Choral Project. Originally from the Twin Cities, Matthew earned his Bachelors in Vocal Music Education at UMD in 2023. He has sung with the University Singers, multiple UMD vocal jazz ensembles, chamber groups, and played the roll of Dick Deadeye in UMD's production of The HMS Pinafore. He has also been involved with the Lake Superior Youth Chorus as a student intern and accompanist on bass guitar and percussion. He is currently in his second year teaching at Hermantown Middle School.

Rachel Inselman, soprano is a Professor of Voice at the University of Minnesota Duluth. She has performed numerous opera roles as well as appearances as soloist with symphony orchestras throughout the United States including the Cleveland Orchestra, Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, Toledo Symphony, and Lincoln Symphony Orchestra. International credits include engagements with the Shanghai Broadcasting Symphony Orchestra, Paris Sinfonietta, and the Tatui Wind Ensemble in Brazil. As a recitalist, Rachel has appeared in Australia, Italy, Costa Rica, Brazil, Turkey and Canada. She was named a winner at the 1996 Metropolitan Opera District Auditions for the fourth consecutive year, and a third-place finalist at the Met Regional Auditions in 1995 and 1996.

Professor Inselman's current and former students have placed in vocal competitions such as NATS, Classical Singer, Hal Leonard, Schubert Club, Thursday Musicale, MET Auditions, gone to prestigious universities for the master’s degrees, and have sung with opera companies such as the MET and Washington National Opera.

Rachel loves living in Duluth and teaching at UMD, but mostly loves being with her dogs!

Tasha Kapp is a MN native who graduated from UMD with a Bachelor of Music, Vocal Performance. Over the course of her career, Tasha attended Tanglewood Institute, performed on NPR's From the Top, and been a featured soloist with the Arrowhead Chorale, Arrowhead Guild of Organists, Borealis Chamber Artists, DSSO, Friends of the Felgemaker, Twin Ports Choral Project, and Victory Chorus. She is a member of Strikepoint Handbell Ensemble and sits on the Board of Directors for Borealis. In her free time, Tasha enjoys spending time with her beloved husband and 3 cats, caring for her houseplants, and crafting.

Iris Kolodji has been a music educator for nearly a decade. She currently teaches choir and leads the theater department at Marshall School in Duluth, MN, where she has been a faculty member since 2022. In addition to her work at Marshall, Iris serves as the choir director at Glen Avon Presbyterian Church in Duluth. Iris holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Music Education from the University of Minnesota and a Master’s in Music Education from the University of St. Thomas.

Her teaching career began internationally in Kathmandu, Nepal, where she spent four years teaching elementary music and serving as the musical director for the Kathmandu Chorale. Upon returning to Minnesota, Iris continued her work in music education by directing high school choir and managing the theater program in Pierz, MN.

Iris lives in Duluth with her partner, Aaron, and their dog, Joon. They are excited to welcome their first child in April!

I grew up in Proctor MN and have been around Duluth my whole life. I sang throughout elementary and high school and have always had a passion for music. I recently graduated from the University Of Minnesota Duluth with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics with an additional major of Statistics & Actuarial Science. Throughout all of college I was a member of the University Singers and took part in the Vocal Chamber Ensemble and Opera program. I am excited to continue my passion of music with this talented group!

Jenna Meyer is beyond excited and grateful to be performing with Twin Ports Choral Project! A local Duluthian, Jenna has grown up surrounded by incredible music, and she began singing at age seven under the mentorship of Jennifer Campbell (who she met while singing in the aisles of a grocery store)! Jenna was an active member of the Duluth East A’Cappella and Choralaires choirs, and she was an MMEA All-State SSAA Choir Participant in 2017. Jenna attended the College of St. Scholastica, and she was active in Bella Voce, Concert Choir, and Chamber Choir. She graduated from CSS with a degree in Elementary Education and minors in Fine Arts and Psychology. Most days, you will find Jenna singing songs with her sweet Kindergarten students at Stella Maris Academy.

Carolyn Mikel is a recent graduate of the College of Saint Scholastica where she obtained her degree in vocal and instrumental education. She has performed with groups such as the Borealis Chamber Artists, Duluth Superior Symphony Chorus, and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary Cantors. She has active membership in groups such as the American Choral Directors Association, the Minnesota Band Directors Association, and the Minnesota Music Educator Association. Currently, she is teaching as a long-term substitute for a second-grade classroom for Stella Maris Academy and working as an intern for the Lake Superior Youth Chorus. This is Carolyn's second concert with TPCP!

Aine has called Duluth home for the last 12 years after moving from Minneapolis for school. She graduated from UMD in 2015 with a degree in Psychology and from UWS in 2020 with a degree in Vocal Music. During her time at both schools, she was involved in every choir they had to offer. While at UWS she studied with Dr. Vicki Fingalson, and after graduating she continued to study on and off with Dr. Jeff Madison. Aside from TPCP, she is heavily involved in the music scene of the Twin Ports including singing in The Arrowhead Chorale, Lyric Opera of the North, Borealis Chamber Artists, the Music Ministry at First Lutheran Church and working as the Chorus Administrator for the DSSO-Chorus. When she isn’t doing music, you can find Aine at the customer service desk of the Duluth Whole Foods Co-Op, spending time at a local brewery with her friends, or spending time outside with her dog McCoy.

Kate Moch, soprano, is a senior vocal music education major, and will be graduating this spring with a B.M. in k-12 Vocal Music Education. During her time she has been involved in multiple ensembles, including vocal jazz, opera, chamber singers, and university singers. She has also served as an officer for many music organizations, including as a section leader/librarian/VP of U Singers, and as a vocal representative for the music student association. Kate is in her second year as an intern for the Lake Superior Youth Chorus. She is looking forward to sharing this wonderful concert with everyone for her first performance with TPCP!

Marisa is a senior at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, double majoring in Chemistry and Women and Gender Studies. At UMD, she was an active member of the University Singers and Chamber Singers groups for four years, where she developed her vocal skills and love for choral music. Though no longer in these groups, she continues to enjoy singing in her free time. Marisa is now excited to work with the Twin Ports Choral Project, and is eager to expand her music portfolio and connect with new voices in the community.

Gunnar Molstad is a music educator and performer based in Duluth, Minnesota. He directs 5-8 vocal music at North Star Academy, leading four choirs, three musical theater courses, and the school’s GSA. Gunnar also serves as director of Camerata, Lake Superior Youth Chorus's advanced Tenor-Bass choir, and as guest music director for Denfeld High School's production of Evil Dead The Musical (2024) and Heathers: the Musical (2025). In addition, Gunnar coached the Bass II section for the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA)'s 2024 All-State TTBB chorus.

Since moving to Duluth in 2022, Gunnar has been active in the local music scene, performing with groups such as Twin Ports Choral Project, Borealis Chamber Singers, and Lyric Opera of the North. Recent roles with LOON include Bartender in Speed Dating Tonight (2023) and featured ensemble parts in Cavalleria Rusticana (2023) and the upcoming Radio Hour (2025). Outside of LOON, Gunnar played Peter in the debut reading of Duluth composer Wendy Durrwachter's comic opera 86 DESSERT (2024). He also enjoys participating in sacred projects, including holy day performances at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary.

He lives in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood with his wife Zoe Blumhardt and their four cats.

Quinn Muhich is the Choir Director at Stella Maris Academy in Duluth, where he directs the junior and senior high choirs and plans liturgical music for the school masses. For the last three years, he has been singing with the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary Choir. In 2023, he graduated Summa Cum Laude from The College of St. Scholastica (CSS) with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and a Fine Arts minor. While at CSS, Quinn took voice and piano lessons, sang in two choral ensembles, played in the band, and studied under Dr. Richard Carrick. Currently, he is pursuing a Masters of Education with an emphasis on Culturally Responsive Instruction. This will be his first performance with Twin Ports Choral Project!

Singing has always been an important part of Taj Munson’s life. Previously, Taj performed with a wide variety of ensembles, from chamber and symphonic choruses to pop a capella groups, from street corners to Boston’s Symphony Hall. In addition to singing, Taj enjoys playing a variety of instruments in kitchen bands and pick-up sessions, especially when he can rope his wife and two sons to join in. Recently returned to his hometown of Duluth, he is delighted to once again be involved in choral music.

Dawson has been singing with TPCP since 2019/2020 and is thrilled to be returning for another season. When he is not singing, Dawson enjoys teaching Social Studies at Lincoln Park Middle School in Duluth and keeps himself busy in the summer working as a recreation specialist for the Duluth Parks and Rec department. In his free time, you will find him acting in theater productions, singing sea shanties, or playing card games with friends. Dawson would like to thank everyone for their support of Twin Ports Choral Project and for the opportunity to perform with such talented, inspiring musicians.

Rylee Newton is the choir teacher at Superior Middle School in Superior, WI where she directs several curricular and co-curricular ensembles. Rylee also works with the Lake Superior Youth Chorus as the Outreach Coordinator. She graduated magna cum laude from The College of St. Scholastica in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. Rylee first performed with Twin Ports Choral Project in 2020 for their encore performance of Considering Matthew Shepard. This is her fourth season with the organization.

Al Odean has been singing in various groups in the Twin Ports for the past three decades including Twin Ports Choral Project since 2012 and more than fifteen years with the Arrowhead Chorale. The son of a choral music director, his interest in choral music has always been at the forefront of leisure activities and he enjoys singing with this professional organization.

I am so excited to be a part of TPCP this year as it’s my first time joining! I currently am a piano teacher at UMD and have been deeply involved in music my entire life. I am from the cities area and moved to Duluth for college at UMD. I graduated with a degree in piano performance in 2023. I participated in choir and vocal jazz in college and loved both so much. Singing with other musicians has always been such a highlight for me and I’m grateful for the opportunity to do it again.

Since the second grade, Dominick Olivanti has been passionate about choral music. He has performed with ensembles such as the Virginia Acapella Choir (M. Krage), Mesabi Symphony Chorus (Dr. R. Berg), The Bemidji Choir (Dr. D. Jilek), and the Saint Cloud State Concert Choir (Dr. M. Ferrell), as well as participating in several workshops, honorary events, and select ensembles. As a soloist, Dominick has earned numerous accolades, including placing 2nd at the National American Teachers of Singing competition in 2019, and receiving an invitation to a six-week operatic workshop in Italy that same year. He continues to study under Dr. Cory Renbarger at Bemidji State University. When not performing, Dominick travels throughout Minnesota to work with high school students and is actively involved in the Twin Ports’ vibrant music scene. He holds degrees in Planning and Community Development, as well as Music with an emphasis in Choral Conducting, from St. Cloud State University and is the Marketing Director for Arrowhead Transit.

Hannah Osborne is a former graduate of The College of St. Scholastica where she sang with the women’s ensemble, Bella Voce, under the direction of Dr. Bret Amundson. While singing with Bella Voce, she had the opportunity to perform at the 2017 American Choral Directors’ Association of Minnesota’s State Conference as well as the 2020 American Choral Directors’ Association Central-North Regional Conference. Hannah holds a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nursing, working as a maternal-child public health nurse with St. Louis County. She is eager to contribute to the meaningful stories, values, and mission that the Twin Ports Choral Project extends to its listeners.

This is Graham's second year in TPCP. Before joining, he was a member of UMD's Vocal Jazz Ensembles, as well as many other groups throughout high school. He graduated from UMD in 2023 with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science. Graham started his musical journey playing guitar at age 8. In recent years, he has expanded to also playing electric bass and jazz drums. Beyond music, he bounces between many other hobbies, including gardening, game design, writing science fiction, powerlifting, and countless others. He is also a lifelong public radio fan, co-hosting the program Finding the Groove on The North 103.3 for the last 5 years.

My name is Kirsten Papas, and I am a 22 year old soprano from Cloquet, Minnesota. I recently received my BFA in vocal performance at the College of Saint Scholastica, and hope to continue my studies soon as I prepare to audition for grad school in the upcoming months. Music has been a part of my life ever since I was a little girl, and my first opportunities to sing came from the Catholic mass tradition. Being that I wasn't able to take part in the sacraments, I took to cantoring and found that I loved sharing music with others in this way. I feel very honored to be able to perform the Vaughn Williams mass as my first project with TPCP, and am very excited to take part in more projects in the future. Some of my notable past involvements include the DSSO's Carmina Burana, the St. John's Passion with UWS and Saint Scholastica, and the MMEA 2019-2020 All-State Mixed Chorus.

Morgan Paulson is the Choral Director at both Northwestern High School and Middle School in Maple, Wisconsin. At the middle school she directs 7th grade and 8th grade choirs as well as teaches 6th grade general music. At the high school she directs Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, and Show Choir. She also directs the musicals there.

Morgan graduated from University of Minnesota Duluth in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music Education.

I’m from Bismarck, ND and moved to Duluth in 2020. I finished school at UMD where I majored in Social Work and was apart of many of the choirs. In my free time, I enjoy hiking with my partner and hanging out with our four cats!

Medora Richards is a versatile vocalist based in the Midwest who got her start in church choirs and children’s theater productions; Since finding her footing as a child in these groups, Richards has excelled in an Ensemble setting. Richards is a proud supporter of the Lodi High Schools Music program, where she found her passion for music From there, she easily made the transition to University of Minnesota - Duluth‘s choral program as a member of the vocal jazz group Lake Effect, a section leader of University Singers for 2 ½ years, and a member of Chamber Singers in its mixed and treble iterations. As a classical soloist, Richards studied voice under Rachel Inselman since 2021 and has prepared a variety of repertoire across languages and time. Medora had the honor of singing the Alto Aria in UMD’s Masterwork production of Gustauv Holst’s The Cloud Messenger and singing the role of Olga Olsen most recently in the UMD Opera Studio production of Weill’s Street Scene. Richards has worked offstage as well: she worked as a stage manager and sang for multiple UMD Opera Scenes shows as well as assistant director on H.M.S. Pinafore in Fall 2022.

Madilyn Roeser is a lifelong lover of choral music. She graduated from The College of St. Scholastica with a degree in Elementary Education in 2021 and is now a second grade teacher at Lakewood Elementary. While at The College of St. Scholastica, Madilyn sang in Concert Choir and Bella Voce. As a young singer, she performed with the Lake Superior Youth Chorus and was a member of the A'Cappella choir and the Choralaires chamber ensemble at Duluth East High School. Madilyn is delighted to be a part of a group so dedicated to high quality music making.

Patrick Russell is an active performer and educator. He is the Director of Music at Pilgrim Congregational Church in Duluth, where he directs the choir. He maintains a teaching studio at Encore Music Studios and regularly accompanies soloists, choirs, and cabarets. He is a founding member of the Twin Ports Choral Project and a co-founder of Borealis Chamber Artists.

Patrick is an active theater artist in the Duluth area as a music director, pianist, and actor. Recent shows include Spitfire Grill, Singin’ in the Rain, The Fantasticks, She Loves Me, Assassins, Guys and Dolls, and Company. As an actor: Iolanthe (Lord Chancellor), A Midsummer Night's Dream (Snug), and Les Misérables (ensemble). As composer: Humpty Dumpty: The Musical (Rubber Chicken Theater) with collaborator Chani Ninneman.

​

Brayden Slattery is a senior vocal music education major at UMD, who is just starting student teaching. He has been in multiple productions in the UMD opera studio. As Ralph Rackstraw in UMD opera studios production of HMS Pinafore, and Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls. He has been active in multiple choirs at UMD, singing in the University Singers for 4 years, while being a section leader for 2 ½ of those years. As a voice student under Rachel Inselman, he won the 2022 classical NATS in his division, as well as placing second in 2023 in the musical theater division. During his time at UMD, Brayden has worked in the Twin Ports professionally, singing in Lyric Opera of the Norths production of Cavalleria Rusticana in the chorus, as a tenor section leader for the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra for their recent production of Beethoven’s 9th symphony. He currently works for the Lake Superior Youth Chorus as an intern for their upper elementary choir Cantala. Where he has conducted multiple concerts as well as at the 2024 Minnesota Music Educators Associations midwinter clinic. He is incredibly excited to sing challenging music with other great musicians!

Elise Sterling is an English teacher at Superior High School in Superior, WI where she runs the school’s esteemed student-driven newspaper and webcast, Spartan Spin. Additionally, she is the Choir Coordinator at the Lake Superior Youth Chorus. Elise is a graduate of The College of St. Scholastica where she studied Secondary English Education with a minor in music. During her time at St. Scholastica, she sang in the advanced treble ensemble, Bella Voce and studied voice under Dr. Jennifer Lien. She is excited to join TPCP for another performance!

Brianna has been a passionate choral singer for nearly 20 years. She has performed with the Minnesota State University-Moorhead Choirs, Fargo Symphony Orchestra, and University of Wisconsin-Superior Choirs, along with their student opera company. Currently, she is part of the DSSO Chorus and also sings as a cantor during mass at Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior. Brianna has appeared on stage with Lyric Opera of the North and the Duluth Playhouse. She is proud to be involved in the lively performing arts community in the Twin Ports, and is grateful for the continued support and generosity from local patrons towards artists.

James Williams graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Minnesota State University Mankato. He has performed in Minnesota Valley Chorale, Musicorum, and MSU-M Concert Choir. He has traveled both domestically and internationally with choral ensembles. He directed the adult choir at Centenary United Methodist Church in Mankato MN for seven years. He is currently an accountant and enjoys spending time with his wife and children.

A Duluth native, Zach Wood loves spending time outdoors, whether he's playing ultimate frisbee with Duluth's own club team, cross country skiing in the winter or hiking northern Minnesota's beautiful trails.

Since 2010, he sang throughout his time in the Duluth Public Schools system from Ordean East Middle School, Duluth East High School and The University of Minnesota Duluth, as well as two years singing with the choirs at St. Olaf University in Northfield, Minnesota. He credits his successful singing experiences to the wonderful direction and encouragement from previous choir directors; Sheila Schusterich, Jerome Upton, Tina Thielen-Gaffey, and Christopher Aspaas (respectively).

He is very excited for the opportunity to sing alongside the talented musicians of TPCP and looks forward to sharing music with the community.

Catherine Zbaracki grew up in Duluth and is thrilled to be living here again with her husband and two daughters. She received her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Minnesota Duluth where she studied voice with Rachel Inselman and Alice Pierce. Catherine is currently teaching voice lessons as an adjunct faculty member at UMD, and piano lessons to a small private studio of elementary school students. She is an active member of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary parish in Duluth where she cantors and sings in the choirs as well as co-leading their Choristers youth choir. Catherine can also be heard performing with Borealis Chamber Artists and Lyric Opera of the North. In addition to her musical pursuits, she is also a Parent Educator for Early Childhood Family Education classes in the area and is enrolled in the associated Masters program through the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities.