Greenwich Choral Society Announces New Music Director, Conductor

GREENWICH, CT — The Board of Directors of the Greenwich Choral Society recently announced the appointment of Dr. Christine Howlett as the new music director and conductor of the ensemble as it approaches its 100th anniversary.

Howlett’s appointment comes after a year-long search following the retirement of Maestro Paul Mueller, and was conducted with the participation and support of the members of the Choral Society.

"Christine demonstrated her keen intelligence, strong musicianship, excellent teaching skills and a wonderful sense of humor throughout the long search process and convinced us that we could continue to make beautiful music with her as our new music director,"said Joanne Falinski, chair of the Choral Society Board of Directors, in a news release.

Sue Grele, a chorister, said, "Wunderbar! Christine’s personality and musicianship shone even in front of a group of strangers."

Jon Hunt, another long-time chorister, said, "No doubt about it - she’s the one for GCS."

Howlett said she's "delighted" to have been appointed music director.

"Alongside the remarkable performance history of GCS, I am inspired by the impressive culture of commitment and volunteerism I have found in the ensemble. It is an honor to follow in Paul’s footsteps, and I’m grateful for his kindness and support as I assume this new role," she said in a news release. "With the 100th Anniversary season just around the corner, I am excited to lead the chorus through this impressive milestone. Now, on to the music."

Howlett, a Canadian conductor and soprano, is associate professor and director of choral activities at Vassar College, where she conducts the Vassar College Choir and women's chorus and teaches music theory and voice. Her choruses have sung at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, the National Collegiate Choral Organization and the American Choral Directors Association’s Eastern Division Conferences.

Howlett is a regular guest conductor and chorus master for the Hudson Valley Philharmonic, and she is the artistic director of Cappella Festiva, an auditioned choral ensemble in the Hudson Valley.

A supporter of contemporary music, Howlett has commissioned and premiered works by Eleanor Daley, Libby Larsen, Shavon Lloyd, Tarik O'Regan, and many others. Upcoming commissions include works by Katerina Gimon and Caroline Shaw, winner of the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Music.

Howlett earned a bachelor's degree in vocal performance from the University of Toronto. She studied at Indiana University, earning a master's degree in early music voice performance and a doctor of musical arts in choral conducting.

Howlett will begin her tenure with auditions for prospective new members in August and with the resumption of rehearsals of the chorus in September for its traditional December holiday concerts.