Guest Artists for all is miracle
IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
*INDICATES MEMBERS OF TRANSEPT CONSORT
Blanton Alspaugh, producer
For more than thirty years Blanton Alspaugh has produced classical music broadcasts and recordings throughout North America and in locations around the world. Collaborating with leading artists and ensembles including, in recent years, Ekaterina Antonenko, Jader Bignamini, James Blachly, Charles Bruffy, James Conlon, Roderick Cox, David Danzmayr, Sir Andrew Davis, Steven Fox, Christopher Gabbitas, Carlos Kalmar, Alexander Lingas, John Mauceri, Gianandrea Noseda, Gerard Schwarz, Leonard Slatkin, Robert Spano, Richard Sparks, Patrick Summers, Emmanuel Villaume and Lidiya Yankovskaya; the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Experiential Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, the Oregon Symphony, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Toronto Symphony; The Dallas Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Minnesota Opera, Opera Saratoga, Washington National Opera and Wolf Trap Opera; the Artefact Ensemble, the Benedict XVI Choir, Cappella Romana, the Cathedral Choral Society, the Kansas City Chorale, the National Chorus of Korea, PaTRAM Institute Choirs, and the Phoenix Chorale. These recordings receive enthusiastic critical acclaim and are frequently counted among each year’s finest classical albums. They also frequently receive the peer recognition of GRAMMY® nominations and awards. Blanton has received eleven GRAMMY® Awards, including awards in 2013, 2019 and 2020 as Producer of the Year, Classical. In 2023 Blanton and his Soundmirror colleagues purchased the 50-year-old company from its founder, John Newton, and now operate it as an employee-owned business. In addition to his role as senior producer Blanton serves as vice president of the company.
Ashley Ballou-Bonnema, soprano
Ashley Ballou-Bonnema, a vocalist based in Sioux Falls, SD received her B.A. from Augustana University and her Masters degree in Music performance from the University of South Dakota. The acting executive director and founder of the 501(c)3 organization, Breathe Bravely, Ashley utilizes her unique experience and expertise as a vocalist to inspire an impact that uses the art of singing to combat the effects of cystic fibrosis. Breathe Bravely's flagship programs, sINgSPIRE and the sINgSPIRE Virtual Choir, utilize the therapeutic and life-giving principles of singing to encourage increased respiratory strength, breath awareness, and breath management skills in hopes that those individuals living with progressive lung disease may achieve maximum breath potential. Most of all, the global sIngSPIRE programs are a catalyst for meaningful and empowering connection - dedicated to creating a community in which every voice can find belonging. Ashley and her husband, Mark, along with their four dogs, are lucky to call Sioux Falls, SD home.
Bethany Battafarano, soprano*
Bethany Battafarano, whose voice Germany's Rheinische Post has heralded as simply "wonderful," is a soprano soloist and chamber singer with specializations in historical performance practices of Europe and Latin America. Bethany has recorded and toured nationally and internationally with such acclaimed groups as The Rose Ensemble, Schola Antiqua of Chicago, South Dakota Chorale, Quince Ensemble, and Apollo Master Chorale, among many others. She currently serves as an Artist in Residence at Rockefeller Chapel in Chicago. In addition to performing, Bethany enjoys work in nonprofit leadership and artistic directing. She is a founder with award-winning nonprofit Border CrosSing, whose professional choir centers Latin American music, as well as with experimental chamber ensemble Artemis, which received commissions by the Walker Art Center and Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) of New York, among others. Bethany served as the bilingual Director of Music at St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Minneapolis, through which she founded a diocese-wide Spanish language voice performance program.
Aaron Cates, tenor*
Aaron Cates is an active ensemble performer and has been a soloist in both domestic and international engagements, including performances with the Baylor Symphony Orchestra, Tel Aviv Symphony, Canterbury Cathedral Choir-in-Residence, and Duke Chapel. Aaron has received vocal fellowships for his participation in the Charlotte Bach Akademie, the Illinois Bach Academy, and the Voces8 US Scholars Program. Over the coming year, Aaron looks forward to performances with Santa Fe Desert Chorale, Seraphic Fire, and SERVIRE Chorus. Aaron currently resides in Washington DC, where he is a staff singer at the Washington National Cathedral. Aaron is a native of Charleston, South Carolina, and holds a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from Baylor University. Outside of his passion for singing, Aaron thoroughly enjoys board/video games, escape rooms, trivia, spending quality time with family and friends, and travel.
William Cedeño, Flute
Principal flutist of the South Dakota symphony, William Cedeño, started his musical career at the age of 9 in the world renown Venezuelan program; "El Sistema". In 2003, William was accepted into the Simon Bolivar Conservatory of Music and shortly after that, He won the principal position at the Francisco de Miranda orchestra. After moving to the United States, William attended Idyllwild Arts Academy as a Post-Graduated High school student under a full scholarship and joined the studio of Sara Andon. Later for his undergraduate studies he attended The San Francisco conservatory of music in the studio of Timothy Day, Principal of the San Francisco Symphony, and Rice university, studying with Leone Buyse. During the summer of 2015, William attended the Aspen Music Festival on a full scholarship and in 2016 as the flute fellow. He was also a member of the Orchestra of the Americas where toured South America during the summer of 2017. William attended the Music Academy of the West during the summer of 2018 where he was chosen as a Keston Max Fellow and traveled to London, performing a concert with the London Symphony Orchestra. In 2019, William performed Nielsen’s Flute Concerto with the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra. Most recently, he has played as a section member with the London Symphony Orchestra and the Minnesota Symphony Orchestra. William continues to perform with the Lakes area music festival every summer.
Anna Cox, Soprano
Soprano Anna Cox is originally from Algona, Iowa, and is a recent graduate of South Dakota State University with a degree in Communication Studies. While in college, Anna sang with SDSU’s Concert Choir, Choralia Women’s Choir, and was featured as a principal role in H.M.S Pinafore with the Opera Workshop. Anna also performed in various theatrical productions with State University Theatre and Prairie Repertory Theatre during her collegiate career. Since graduating, Anna now works as an Admissions Counselor at South Dakota State University and has remained active in her musical career by singing with the South Dakota Symphony Chorus and serving as a worship and choral musician at the Brookings First United Methodist Church.
Julie DeBoer, alto*
Julie DeBoer serves as an Associate Director of Music and Chorister Program Director at Washington National Cathedral. She oversees and implements the music education program for the choristers and conducts a variety of services at the Cathedral. As a concert soloist, Julie has performed with Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus, Music of the Baroque, South Dakota Chorale, Bella Voce and William Ferris Chorale. As an ensemble singer, she has worked with Chicago Symphony Chorus, Grant Park Chorus, South Dakota Chorale, Music of the Baroque and Transept Consort. Prior to her appointment at Washington National Cathedral, served on the voice and choral faculty for seven years at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where she taught a large voice studio and a variety of classes, including Treble Choir, Diction, Opera Literature, Song Literature, and Voice for non-majors. During her time in Eau Claire, she was also Choir Director at Grace Lutheran Church. Julie holds bachelor’s degrees in Voice Performance and Religious Studies from Lawrence University, where she graduated summa cum laude, and she earned a master’s degree in Voice Performance and Literature from Northwestern University.
David DeHoogh-Kliewer, bass
Dr. David DeHoogh-Kliewer, a recipient of the University of Sioux Falls Outstanding Faculty Award and an Encore Award for the American Choral Directors Association - South Dakota chapter, is Professor of Music and serves as the fourth tenured Director of Choral Activities since 1932. At USF, he teaches courses in conducting, music theory, music education, conducts the university choirs, and serves as Chair for the Visual and Performing Arts. David completed a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Kansas, a master's degree in Vocal Music Education from the University of South Dakota, and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Music and Education from Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas. He is a member of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), serving as the South Dakota chair for Repertoire & Resources - College and University Choirs. He also serves SD-ACDA as a Senior High Honor Choir judge, section leader, and event host. At USF, David facilitates the collegiate chapter of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). He conducts the Jubilation Ringers (handbell choir) as well as the Sanctuary Choir at First Baptist Church, just as choral professors from USF have during the last century. David is married to Michelle, a mental health counselor at USF, and they have two daughters, Hannah and Emma.
Brett Eisenbeis, bass
Originally from Freeman, South Dakota, Brett Eisenbeis has been passionate about choral music as long as he can remember. He pursued studies in both music and chemistry at St. Olaf College where he had the privilege of singing in choirs led by Dr. John Ferguson, Dr. Christopher Aspaas, and with the St. Olaf Choir under the direction of Dr. Anton Armstrong. After returning to South Dakota, Brett started his career in IT at Sanford Health as an IT Analyst. He continued his passion for music by singing at St. Joseph Cathedral, playing piano for choral ensembles and musicals, and working as a pianist at East Side Lutheran. Additionally he helped to establish the Sioux Falls Children’s Choir as the first president of the board. Brett has sung with Dr. Timothy Campbell in Transept concerts since 2018 and in the South Dakota Symphony Chorus. Remaining connected to his home community of Freeman, Brett served as a board member of the Swiss Choral Society and played piano for Schmeckfest musicals. Now residing in Los Angeles, Brett is an active member of the Angel City Chorale. In addition to working as an IT Project Manager for Ascension Health, he dedicates time as a board member for the Heritage Hall Museum & Archives (Freeman, SD).
Robbie Erhard, CELLO
Robbie Erhard joined the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra as principal cello and member of the Dakota String Quartet in 2020 after serving as acting principal for the 2019 - 2020 season. Praised by Strings Magazine for “the practiced grace of a Martha Graham dancer: things that should be impossible, but are made to look easy—utterly natural”, Robbie enjoys a diverse career performing as a chamber musician, soloist, orchestral musician and across a variety of musical genres. Prior to joining the SDSO, he served as cellist with both the Ceres Quartet and the Altius Quartet, performing in concert halls across the US for several years. Memorable chamber music experiences include performances with Emmanuel Ax and Anton Nel. Recent highlights as a soloist include performances with the SDSO and with Boulder Bach Festival. During the summers, Robbie plays with Central City Opera, Lakes Area Music Festival and seeks other diverse performing opportunities across the country and abroad. He is currently on faculty at Augustana University where he enjoys an active teaching schedule. Robbie’s summer festival credits include a String Quartet Fellowship at the Aspen Music Festival, multiple summers at Kneisel Hall and participation in the Juilliard String Quartet Seminar. He is fortunate to count among his most influential mentors members of the Cleveland, Juilliard, Pacifica, Takacs and Ying String Quartets. Robbie received his undergraduate degree from University of Colorado Boulder, and his Masters degree from the Eastman School of Music where he was teaching assistant to Alan Harris. Passionate about expanding his musical horizons, he has performed extensively across genres and finds the Lakota Music Project, a part of the Bridging Cultures program at SDSO, to be particularly rewarding and meaningful.
Matthew Goinz, BARITONE*
Musician and educator Matthew Goinz has performed in venues around the world, created arrangements that have been heard from California to South Korea, and enjoyed collaborations with prominent artists of our day. Based in New York City, Matthew is the Founding Artistic Director of the choral theater ensemble “The Sound Between” and maintains active performing relationships with several Grammy-recognized ensembles including The Clarion Choir, The Choir at Trinity Wall Street, and Skylark Vocal Ensemble. He was on staff at Washington National Cathedral from 2018-2022, has sung with Seraphic Fire, The Santa Fe Desert Chorale, and True Concord Voices and Orchestra, and can be heard on a number of Grammy-nominated recordings. From 2014-2018, he was a performing member of and tour manager for the acclaimed tenor/bass ensemble, Cantus. A sought-after vocal arranger, Matthew most recently worked on Mad Gallica’s epic, genre-bending debut EP, “Enter the Vortex.” Matthew continues to enjoy work as a conductor, music director, pianist, vocalist, and arranger in diverse styles and genres. He holds a DMA in conducting from the University of Maryland where he was the Chorusmaster for the Maryland Opera Studio and conducted the University of Maryland Chorale and Bach Cantata Series. Matthew makes his home in West Harlem with his wife, soprano and actor Sophie Amelkin, and Lucy, the sweetest beagle that ever was. He fancies himself a pretty good cook.
Tami Hayzlett, alto
Tami Hayzlett, alto, is a life-long resident of South Dakota. She and her husband own several businesses where she serves as the Chief Financial Officer. She has sung with Grammy- nominated South Dakota Chorale, St. Joseph Cathedral’s In Ecclesiis (alto soloist), Brandon Chorus’ “Messiah” (alto soloist), Sioux Falls Master Singers and Dakota Vocal Works. Tami has also served as Interim Director of Music Ministries at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and continues to be involved in church choirs, praise teams and small groups both.
Kristen Herbst, alto
A life-long music lover, Kristen Herbst attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. While there, she studied vocal performance and music education, and also sang and toured with the Nordic Choir under the direction of Weston Noble for 3 years. After teaching choir and general music at the middle school, high school, and college levels for 4 years, Kristen shifted her career focus to Learning and Development and still enjoys it 25 years later. She continued her involvement in music in the Twin Cities, directing 2 children’s choirs for 8 years, and singing with the National Lutheran Choir for 10 years. Kristen lives in Sioux Falls with her husband and children. She serves as one of the cantors at First Lutheran Church and also sings in the choir. In the fall of 2015, she began singing with the South Dakota Symphony Chorus and truly loves the music, the people, and the performance opportunities.
Joseph Hubbard, bass*
Joseph Hubbard, bass. With stage engagements at Lyric Opera of Chicago, The Second City, State Opera Bulgaria, Virginia Opera, Aldeburgh Festival, and Aspen Music Festival, he has performed over 30 different operatic roles, ranging from early 17th century to new premieres. As a concert soloist, he has been featured at Washington National Cathedral, Boston Symphony Hall, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Art Institute of Chicago, Catedral Basilica de Santiago de Compostela, Sankt Jacobs Kyrka Stockholm, Beth Morrison Projects, Marsh Chapel Boston, American Bach Soloists & Academy, Bethlehem Bach, BWV: Cleveland’s Bach Choir, Mountainside Baroque, Duke University, Dartmouth College, University of Chicago, and Madison and Boston Early Music Festivals.He sings in ensembles such as The Clarion Choir, Artefact Ensemble, Schola Antiqua of Chicago, Ensemble Altera, Transept Consort, Ampersand, Benedict XVI, Handel+Haydn Society, The Newberry Consort, and South Dakota Chorale, with whom he served for a decade as Artistic Advisor. Joseph holds degrees from Northwestern University (M.Mus) and the University of North Texas (B.Mus), as well as a postgraduate Certificate from the Opera Institute at Boston University. He has been a guest teacher at colleges and universities across the US, including as an Artist in Residence at Baylor University, and is on the voice faculty at the University of Minnesota International Choral Academy. Based in Washington, DC, he serves as resident bass at Washington National Cathedral.
Kate Jackman, MEZZO-SOPRANO*
Kate Jackman is an American mezzo-soprano who is highly regarded for her multifaceted musicianship and acting skills. She has established herself as a versatile performer who excels in a myriad of musical expressions. Throughout her career, Kate has taken on a variety of operatic roles, showcasing her exceptional range. She has premiered several new works with Urban Arias, The Figaro Project, and the Decameron Opera Project, and has been praised for her performances as Bradamante in Handel’s Alcina with Fargo-Moorhead Opera, the title role in Carmen with Maryland Concert Opera, and Bloody Mary in Annapolis Opera’s production of South Pacific, among others. Her lead role in Oliver Knussen’s Higglety Pigglety Pop! at the Tanglewood Festival of Contemporary Music was particularly noteworthy, earning her high praise from critics who commended her for being “…winningly wily and dauntless, and in good voice” (David Write, Boston Classical Review) as she “…touchingly incarnated Jennie, Sendak’s beloved terrier.” (Alex Ross, The New Yorker). Kate’s passion for Art Song performance has also been a major focus of her career. She has given recitals at some of the most prestigious venues in the country, including Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, and Seiji Ozawa Hall at The Tanglewood Music Center. In addition to her operatic and recital work, Kate has also been a highly sought-after concert performer. She has performed solos from Handel’s Messiah at The Kennedy Center and with the Helena Symphony, and has been featured on internationally televised programming with The Basilica of the National Shrine in Washington, D.C.. Her other concert performances include singing the alto solos in Rachmaninoff’s Op.37 with The Thirteen and The South Dakota Chorale, Manuel de Falla’s El Amor Brujo with the Baltimore Philharmonia, and narrating Stravinsky’s A Soldier’s Tale with The Lunar Ensemble. Kate's dedication to her craft is evident in her ongoing performances and appearances. This season, she made her solo debut with The Bach Choir of Bethlehem and returned to the Helena Symphony for their new staged production of Sweeney Todd. She also performed the performed the role of Julia Child in Lee Hoiby’s one-woman opera Bon Appetit! with Penn Square Opera and presented a charity recital at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler, TX, in honor of her late mother-in-law, Kelly Hoffmann Jackman. With her exceptional vocal range and electric stage presence, Kate Jackman continues to be a beloved figure in the world of classical music and opera.
Doosook Kim, Violin
Doosook Kim is appointed Concertmaster of the South Dakota. Symphony Orchestra and First Violinist of the Dakota String Quartet. She has appeared as a soloist of the SDSO, as a chamber musician, and as a visiting educator in South Dakota, the neighboring states, and abroad in Europe and Korea. As a soloist and chamber musician, Kim has performed extensively in the United States and abroad, including Germany, France, Italy, and Korea and the summer festivals such as Tanglewood, Aspen, Spoleto, and the Colorado Music Festival. Kim had taught at the Augustana University, the University of Sioux Falls, the various Music Camps in Korea, and the Lutheran Summer Music Camp. Currently, she teaches exclusively private students in the Sioux Falls area. Her students have won numerous competitions and have succeeded in professional and graduate studies for their own musical and professional careers.
Hope Knedler, alto
Hope Knedler is a musician and educator based in Vermillion, South Dakota. She has been exploring the fine arts since a young age, participating in ensembles and camps. Growing up in a family of artists and art educators, teaching music was the natural fit. She graduated from the University of South Dakota in 2019 with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education. Currently, she works as the band director at Vermillion Middle School. Outside of teaching, she can be found playing Horn in various area ensembles such as the Sioux City Municipal Band, Vermillion Community Theatre Orchestra, Yankton Area Summer Band, and surrounding churches on occasion. She is also an active member of USD's Symphonic Choir. Other activities she enjoys are painting, making coffee, and playing with her two cats: Matcha and Pumpkin.
Rachael Kramer, alto
Rachael Kramer, mezzo-soprano, resides in Sioux Falls, SD with her husband Chase, raising four children (8, 6, 3, 1). She directs the Christmas at the Cathedral Choir for the Catholic Community Foundation of Eastern South Dakota, cantors frequently at St. Joseph Cathedral, and teaches private voice lessons. She has been a vocal soloist with the Sioux Falls Municipal Band and the Sioux Falls Mariachi band on numerous occasions. From 2011-2020, Rachael taught vocal music, including six years at O’Gorman High School. Her choirs received high honors at local choral ensemble contests, and toured nationally, including performances at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, Washington D.C, and Nashville, TN. The South Dakota American Choral Directors Association awarded Rachael with the ‘Young Educator of the Year’ award in 2014. During her time at Augustana University (College) for her BA in Music Education, Rachael was the vocal finalist of the 2010 Concerto-Aria concert and placed first in the South Dakota Music Teachers Association vocal competition in 2011.
Brody Krogman, bass-baritone*
Brody Krogman, Delhi, India, an active solo and choral bass-baritone, is a native of Sioux Falls. Professionally, Brody was a soloist for Liszt’s Via Crucis, Fauré’s Requiem, and Mozart’s Coronation Mass with the Cathedral of Saint Joseph sacred art series. Other solo performances include Haydn’s Die Schöpfung, and Handel’s Messiah. Brody has preformed leading roles in The Tender Land, Le Nozze di Figaro, and Die Fledermaus. Brody has also sung with The Mirandola Ensemble, South Dakota Chorale, and Coro da Camêrata Antiqua de Curitiba (Brazil). Brody was a soloist for Mankato Symphony Orchestra in a concert version of West Side Story and Handel’s Messiah. In Germany, he recorded Handel’s Alexander’s Feast with Vox Orchester and Chor under a Deutsche Harmonia Mundi label. Other engagements included the Weimar Bachkantaten Akademie under the direction of Helmuth Rilling and Bachwoche Stuttgart under the direction of Kathy Saltzman Romey and Hans-Christoph Rademann. Brody and his partner live in Delhi, India.
Carli Kuehn, soprano
Carli Kuehn holds a B.A. in music education with an emphasis in both voice and piano from Augustana University. She will complete her Masters of Education through Augustana in July of 2024. When she's not performing, Carli can be found weightlifting, flower gardening, organizing, reading, or writing her next concert. Both she and her husband John enjoy hiking trips, Pizza Fridays, and listening to Hozier.
Frederick Matthews, baRITONE
Baritone Frederick Matthews has been praised by audiences and critics alike for his appearances on the operatic and concert stages. International recognition came while on tour singing the role of “Jake” in Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” when it was reported, “Matthews projected evenly-balanced singing and left an exquisite stage impression.” (Neue Presse-Augsburg, Germany). Before relocating to South Dakota in March of 2021, he retired from the San Francisco Opera Chorus after 39 years of service. While at San Francisco Opera, he performed and covered a variety of roles. Of note are “Fasolt” in Wagner’s “Das Rheingold,” “Ein Diener” in Berg’s “Lulu,” “Marschallin Lackey” in Strauss’ “Der Rosenkavalier,” “Registrar” in Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly.” and “The Corporal” in Donizetti’s “La Fille du Régiment.” Of these performances, critics wrote, “Frederick Matthews magnetized attention and was particularly affable…and strikingly mellifluous!”
Juan Carlos Mendoza, tenor
A native of Muscatine, IA, Juan Carlos Mendoza has been seen on stage in the dual roles of Aarón/Javier in the world premiere of Tienda (Moya/Vincent) produced by The Schubert Club, Freddy in My Fair Lady with the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra, and Tigranes in the North American premiere of La Doriclea (Cavalli) at The Juilliard School. His concert works include The Messiah (Handel) with the Des Moines Community Orchestra, Magnificat (Bach), Ascension Oratorio (Bach) Requiem (Mozart), and Passio (Pärt) with the Chamber Singers of Iowa City, Bolts of Melody (Ford) with the Grinnell Symphony Orchestra, and a featured soloist in El Mesias (Handel/Ramirez) with Border CrosSing/Minnesota Orchestra. As an ensemble singer, Mendoza has sung with Transept, Lyric Opera of Chicago Chorus, Grant Park Music Festival Chorus, and Border CrosSing. As a recitalist, he regularly performs throughout the Midwest, programming the Spanish-language vocal music of Latin America. His research of this repertoire led to the production of his debut album with pianist Jessica Monnier, Finding A Voice: Mexican Song Cycles After 1920(MSR Classics MS 1772), highlighting song cycles from México following the Mexican Revolution. Mendoza received a Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Arts degree from The University of Iowa, a Bachelor of Music degree from The Juilliard School, and attended the Aspen Music Festival and School. He is also a member of the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), and serves as the Education Director of Source Song Festival.
Mason Meyer, bass
Mason Meyer is a music educator and adjudicator from Sioux Falls where he works as the Assistant Director of vocal music at Roosevelt High School. A native of Cedar Falls Iowa, he holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Northern Iowa, as well as a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Florida State University, where he studied with André Thomas and Michael Hanawalt. While at FSU he directed FSU Vocal Jazz and the FSU Opera Chorus, and was an assistant director of the FSU Women’s Glee Club. He lives with his wife, Hailey, their son, Holden, and their two dogs, Penny and Harley.
Ben Newman, tenor
Ben Newman lives in Rapid City, SD where he is an auditor at Casey Peterson, Ltd. Ben graduated from the University of South Dakota with a Master's of Professional Accountancy in 2021. He last sang with Transept in 2023 and is delighted to be a part of this performance.
Jacob Noordermeer, bass
Jacob Noordermeer, Sioux Falls, SD is in his fourth year as Assistant Choir Director at Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls where there are three curricular choirs, six elective ensembles, and an extracurricular jazz choir. He earned a B.M. in Vocal Music Education from St. Olaf College. In recent years, he has sung in the St. Olaf Choir, Magnum Chorum, Transept, and the SD Symphony Chorus. Jacob also has professional experience in arts management and marketing and has served as a church choir director.
Clara Osowski, Mezzo-soprano*
Mezzo-soprano Clara Osowski, who sings “from inside the music with unaffected purity and sincerity” (UK Telegraph), is an active soloist and chamber musician throughout the United States and Europe. Recognized for her excellence in Minnesota, Clara was a recipient of the prestigious 2018-2019 McKnight Artist Fellowships for Musicians administered by MacPhail Center for Music. Known particularly for her interpretation of art song, Clara has been awarded several international prizes in Lieder, most notably the first ever American prize winner at Thomas Quasthoff's Das Lied Competition, and both the Franz Schubert and Ralph Vaughan Williams prizes at Wigmore Hall's prestigious song competition in London. HIghlight performances include Mendelssohn's Elias with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde for chamber orchestra with Salastina, debuts with both the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and Minnesota Opera, and her Wigmore Hall debut recital with pianist Julius Drake. Upcoming engagements include Elgar's Dream of Gerontius and her appointment on faculty at SongFest. In addition to performing, Clara serves as the Artistic Director of Source Song Festival, a week-long art song festival in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This festival strives to create and perform new art song, and cultivate an educational environment for students of song, including composers, vocalists, and collaborative pianists. Please see www.claraosowski.com for more information.
Jared Ostermann, organ
Jared Ostermann is the Director of Music and Organist at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Sioux Falls, SD. At the Cathedral he oversees an active music program comprised of three adult choirs, with repertoire ranging from Gregorian chant and Renaissance polyphony to modern compositions and choral-orchestral major works. He also serves as Artistic Director of the Cathedral Sacred Arts Series, which regularly brings outstanding local, national, and international talent to Sioux Falls in the superb acoustic of the Cathedral. He holds degrees from the University of Kansas (BM, DMA), and Notre Dame (MSM). As a concert organist he has received prizes from numerous competitions, including the Canadian and Miami International Organ Competitions, the Rodland scholarship competition, and the Augustana National Undergraduate Competition. Jared lives with his wife Barbara and their three children in Sioux Falls, SD.
Kyle Pederson, Composer
Kyle Pederson (b.1971) is a Minneapolis-based composer, lyricist, pianist, and educator. Kyle was awarded the ACDA Genesis Prize in 2020 and the American Prize in Choral Composition in 2019. His work has been commissioned and performed by All State/Honors choirs, and youth, church, college, and professional choirs around the world. Kyle enjoys working at the intersection of the sacred and secular, and his lyrics and music invite the choir and audience to be agents of hope, grace and compassion in the world. Kyle has an undergraduate degree from Augustana University, a Masters Degree in Educationfrom University of St. Thomas, and an MFA in Music Composition from Vermont College of Fine Art. His work is published by Walton, Santa Barbara, ECS, Alfred, Hal Leonard, Beckenhorst, Gentry, Hinshaw, and Carl Fischer music publishers. Additional information and links to Kyle’s music can be found at KylePederson.com.
Savannah Porter, soprano*
Ms. Porter is a native of Fort Worth, Texas and current resident of New York City. Recent appearances with BYU Opera Theater include the title role in Handel’s Theodora, Pamina in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, Adele in J. Strauss’ Die Fledermaus, and Zémire in BYU’s production of André Grétry’s Zémire et Azor. She has been singing in the award- winning BYU Singers since 2016, and with Utah’s early music ensemble Sound of Ages since 2017; and has performed with both ensembles in national conferences of the American Choral Directors Association. Savannah was the Utah District winner of the 2019 Metropolitan Opera National Council Award Competition, and later received the Encouragement Award from the Rocky Mountain (Denver) Region. Recent accolades at BYU include winner of the 2020 Concerto Competition as well as the 2021 Young Artist Competition, where she was named “Singer of the Year,” and recently returned home from a successful tour of the Baltic countries with the BYU Singers. Savannah appeared in March of 2021 as a member of the professional chorus for the concert film version of Rob Gardner’s Lamb of God, and this past April she performed in the chorus of three live performances of the work with the original film cast. She has also sung two seasons with the Santa Fe Desert Chorale under the direction of Joshua Habermann and performed with the American Soloist Ensemble directed by E.J. Yoon and produced by the National Chorus of Korea this past summer.
Andrew Ridder, Tenor
Andrew Ridder, a Sioux Falls native, received his undergraduate degree in philosophy and music performance from Creighton University, and his medical degree from University of South Dakota. While in residency and fellowship at the University of Michigan he was a tenor with the Choral Union, performing with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony under Leonard Slatkin, and with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra during their residency there. After returning to Sioux Falls as a neurologist in 2018, he has performed with the Goodnight Theater collective and has sung with the South Dakota Symphony Chorus and with Transept since 2021. He is grateful for the wonderful support of his wife, Mary, and their children Gabe, Evie, Millie, Rose, Grace and Gideon
Andrea Ross, soprano
Andrea Ross is an internationally recognized vocalist, Broadway performer and recording artist. Ms. Ross began her career when she was discovered by legendary composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, who became her mentor and producer for several years. Andrew Lloyd Webber produced her solo album, Moon River, with Universal Classics and Jazz (UCJ), debuting on the top 50 UK Album Charts. Andrea Ross has starred in two Broadway National Tours; Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Whistle Down the Wind and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music. She most recently won the Gold Medal of the American Traditions Vocal Competition, earning recognition for her range and versatility. Andrea Ross is a regular soloist with symphony orchestras including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Utah Symphony Orchestra, Phoenix Symphony, South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, and many more. She has performed at UK venues including the Royal Albert Hall and Wembley Stadium, where she was a guest artist for Concert for Diana hosted by members of the Royal Family to commemorate Princess Diana. Andrea Ross has appeared at prestigious music festivals such as the Grand Tetons Music Festival, Lakes Area Music Festival and the Hampton Court Palace Festival. Andrea Ross now resides in Sioux Falls with her husband, who is Principal Cello of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, and she is on the voice faculty at Augustana University.
Kayleen Sánchez, soprano*
“Soprano Kayleen Sánchez has the perfect voice, pure and unshakably direct in delivery.... [her] purity of voice and total control of her instrument is utterly remarkable” (Fanfare Magazine, June 2017). Praised for her “keen technical virtuosity... her voice [that] thrills along the spine” (Sherod Santos, 2016), soprano Kayleen Sánchez is a recitalist, pedagogue, and recording artist with particular passion for early and new music. Recent CD releases on the Albany Records and Soundset Recordings labels include Magus Insipiens and West Meets East, featuring works by Paul Sánchez; Schubert’s Schwanengesang with fortepianist Johnandrew Slominski; and Died for Love, featuring Renaissance works performed by her lute-song duo Bedlam. Described as "the magical duo BEDLAM" (Colin Clarke, Fanfare Magazine), she and her duo partner, lutenist Dr. Laudon Schuett, have been praised by the Lute Society of America for their “subtle and delicate” interaction.” Her album Mysteria Fidei, featuring new music by David M. Gordon, was released on the Innova Records label in 2020. Her vocal precision and musicality - noted by Fanfare Magazine for its "light and full tone, ...complemented by a suppleness that renders each pitch precise, no matter the tuning" - have made her a favorite vocalist for composers including American composer David M. Gordon and British composer Graham Lynch. Both composers have written multiple new works for Kayleen, and have commissioned her to record their works on CD. Sánchez served on faculty at the College of Charleston in South Carolina. She studied with Rita Shane and Carol Webber at the Eastman School of Music.
Paul Sánchez, piano
Twice GRAMMY®-nominated pianist and composer Paul Sánchez has been praised as a “great artist” (José Feghali; Cecilia Rodrigo), “the ideal interpreter... performing with clear virtuosity” (Fanfare Magazine), for his “clarity, sensitivity” (The New Yorker), and “prodigious technical capacities” (The Rehearsal Studio). Sánchez is a recording artist with ten CD releases as of 2024. His compositions have been recorded to critical acclaim: “This is hauntingly beautiful music... generously filled with melodic inspiration and evocative atmosphere” (Henry Fogel, Fanfare Magazine); “...one of the most beautiful discs in my collection” (Colin Clarke, Fanfare Magazine). Recent releases include Dreams of a New Day with Will Liverman (Cedille Records), which was BBC Music Magazine’s “Album of the Month” and reached number 1 on Billboard’s “Traditional Classical Albums” chart; Seria Ludo - Piano Music by Graham Lynch (Divine Art Records); and Mysteria Fidei (Innova Records) with Kayleen Sánchez, performing music of David M. Gordon. Dr. Sánchez served as Director of Piano Studies at the College of Charleston, on faculty at Baylor University and Wheaton College, and is co-founder of the San Francisco International Piano Festival. He studied with Tamás Ungár; with Maria Teresa Monteys and Alicia de Larrocha, as a Fulbright fellow; and with Douglas Humpherys at the Eastman School of Music. Sánchez is a Steinway Artist.
Paul Schimming, clarinet
Paul Schimming is an engaging and versatile Twin Cities-based clarinetist and has performed in concert with groups such as the Minnesota Orchestra, Minnesota Opera, Charleston Symphony, La Crosse Symphony, and with members of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. He has performed in touring ballet orchestras for the Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theater, Scottish Ballet, and others, as well as the touring Broadway production of Phantom of the Opera. Paul is a fierce advocate for new music and was a founding member of contemporary chamber ensembles Ensemble 61 and RenegadeEnsemble, in addition to performing in collaboration with Zeitgeist, 10th Wave, 113 Collective, and others. Paul holds a DMA in clarinet performance from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in addition to degrees from Arizona State University and Kansas State University. He maintains a private clarinet teaching studio and has previously held teaching positions at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, Southwest Minnesota State University, the University of North Dakota, Concordia University-St. Paul, and the MacPhail Center for Music. He currently serves as the Ensemble Librarian and Coordinator at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities School of Music, and previously worked in music performance libraries of the Minnesota Orchestra and the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies.
Spencer Smith, tenor
Spencer Smith has been the Minister of Music at Second Presbyterian Church in St. Louis since July 2022. At Second Church, Spencer directs adult choir, Second Church Chorale, handbell choir, and leads worship from both the organ and the piano. In addition to worship, he also directs the Couts Music Series, which includes programs in various genres of music that are free to the St. Louis Community. Outside of his duties at Second Church, Spencer is also a tenor, pianist, and conductor. As a singer he is a full member of the St. Louis Chamber Chorus, and has participated in projects with the South Dakota based choral ensemble Transept. As a collaborative pianist, Spencer has accompanied a variety of different ensembles including choirs, soloists, chamber music ensembles, and choral workshops at the high school and collegiate level. Smith is a member of area organizations including the American Guild of Organists. Spencer was previously the Director of Music & Arts Ministry at First Congregational Church in Sioux Falls, SD.
Shawn Stemsrud, bass
A native of Milbank, South Dakota, Shawn Stemsrud has earned regional and national recognition for his refined conducting gesture, musical direction, and rehearsal techniques. Recent recognitions include the American Choral Director’s Association’s 2021 National Conducting Masterclass winner, and the National Kennedy Center American Theatre College Festival’s Outstanding Achievement in Musical Theatre Direction. Ensembles under his leadership have consistently enjoyed successful and acclaimed performances. Stemsrud maintains an active performance schedule, singing with the South Dakota Symphony Chorus and Sioux Falls-based vocal ensemble Transept. He also enjoys frequent engagements as a collaborative pianist for soloists, ensembles, and casts throughout the region. He now serves as a Musical Director and Vocal Coach for the Prairie Repertory Theatre, Chancel Choir and Choral Scholars Program Director & Organist at Brookings First United Methodist Church, and Assistant Director of Choirs at Brookings High School in Brookings, South Dakota. Stemsrud’s students have been active in world-premiere choral commissions and have been featured on stages across the nation. Stemsrud earned his Bachelors of Music Education from South Dakota State University.
Dan Stratton, bass
Dan has a BA in Music: Vocal Performance from SDSU. He works full-time as a real estate agent with the Tyler Goff Group for the greater Sioux Falls area. He's currently serving in his 14th year in the South Dakota Army National Guard as a Warrant Officer in the Signal Corps of the 196th Movement Enhancement Brigade in Sioux Falls, where he's deployed on one tour to the Horn of Africa. He's husband of 8 years to Caitlin Stratton, and father to 11 month old Cliff.
Peter Tuff, baRITONE
Baritone Peter Tuff is a veteran of opera, concert, and recital. His nearly 40-year career has included many highlights in the U.S. and abroad in 30 leading opera roles and dozens of supporting roles in opera, oratorio, and musical theater. In Austria, Tuff sang for many years in the Vienna State Opera Chorus, in the Salzburg Festival, and in Vienna’s Imperial Chapel with members of the Vienna Philharmonic and the Vienna Boys Choir. In the U.S., he has sung with San Francisco Opera, West Bay Opera, Pocket Opera, Opera Theatre of the Rockies, Colorado Springs Philharmonic, The Rose Ensemble, and Minnesota Orchestra. He made his debut in Freeman's Schmeckfest this year, starring in State Fair by Rodgers and Hammerstein. He recently joined the faculty of Augustana University as adjunct voice professor. Tuff lives in Renner with his wife, portrait artist LeAnna Tuff, and their two rescue dogs Susie and Gracie.
Brandon Varilek, Tenor
Brandon Varilek, tenor, lives in Harrisburg, SD, and is an assistant professor of nursing for South Dakota State University. As an undergraduate student at Augustana College, he sang 4 years with the Augustana Choir and Augustana Chamber Choir under the direction of Drs. James Johnson, Weston Noble, and Paul Nesheim. Additionally, Brandon sang with the Opera Theatre led by Dr. Lisa Grevlos. Brandon continues to be an active tenor with the South Dakota Symphony Chorus.
Jered Waln
Jared waln is the director of Guitar at Southwest High School and director of Guitar at the University of St. Thomas. He is an award-winning classical guitarist. 1st place winner of the Thursday Musical International Classical Competition. Jared is a Union Musician, and solo, and chamber musician.
David Walton, tenor*
Praised for his “clean, clear voice,” David Walton has made numerous appearances across the country in leading operatic roles and concert performances. Recent highlights include the title role in Handel’s Acis and Galatea with Annapolis Opera and Tri-Cities Opera and Messiah with Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, and the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra. Other roles include Jaquino in Beethoven’s Fidelio with Atlanta Symphony Orchestra under the baton on Robert Spano, Belmonte in Mozart’s Die Entführung aus dem Serail with Madison Opera and Tamino in Die Zauberflöte with Minnesota Opera, where he sang as a resident artist for two years. He has sung the tenor solo in Orff’s Carmina Burana, Mozart’s Requiem, Bach’s Magnificat, Mattäus-Passion, and Cantata BWV 80, where Atlanta Arts Journal called him, “right down the line of a fine Bach tenor.” Other orchestral appearances also include the Minnesota Orchestra, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Virginia Symphony, Rogue Valley Symphony, the Minnesota Bach Ensemble and the Bach Roots Festival. He also sang with the mens vocal ensemble, Cantus in Minneapolis for three seasons. David was awarded regional finalist in the Metropolitan Opera competition, second place in both Opera Birmingham and the Marcello Giordani competitions, a William Matheus Sullivan grant, and recently placed 3rd in the 2021 Rochester Oratorio Society Vocal Competition.
Blake Warner, bass
Blake Warner is an incoming Postdoctoral Fellow in Clinical Psychology at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. He specializes in diagnosis of autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. His clinical work focuses on social skills development in the UCLA PEERS® clinic. Blake will earn his PhD from the University of South Dakota in 2024 with a dissertation focused on social skills intervention in rural communities. While at USD, Blake sang with the USD Chamber Singers, where he served in leadership roles including choir president. Blake was a featured soloist in various works including Schubert’s Mass in G, and Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy Blake has sung under the direction of Dr. Timothy Campbell since 2014 at USD (Concert choir, Men’s chorus), in the community (South Dakota Symphony Chorus), and with Transept since 2018. In Los Angeles, Blake currently sings with the 2018 America’s Got Talent semifinalist choral group Angel City Chorale.
Elizabeth Whitehead, soprano
Elizabeth Whitehead is in her first year as the 6th-8th grade choir teacher at Tea Area Middle School and an adjunct voice professor at Augustana University. She taught K-5 elementary music for two years in Sioux Falls, SD after earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education with a specialization in voice from the University of South Dakota in 2018. Elizabeth graduated in 2023 with her Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting from USD where she was a graduate assistant for Dr. David Holdhusen, Dr. Timothy Campbell, and all University choirs. During her time at USD, Elizabeth was a selected soloist and conducted USD’s Chamber Singers, Symphonic Choir, Collegium Choir, and Symphony Orchestra at multiple concerts. She also worked with USD’s opera program as Chorus Master for their mainstage operas. In 2021, she was a co-event coordinator, singer, and soloist for the Symphonic Choir’s collaboration with the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and Chorus for their performance of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion. In the summer of 2022, Elizabeth was selected to sing and conduct at Baylor’s International Conducting Masterclass in Texas. Elizabeth is a regular member of Transept - a vocal ensemble of elite consort singers and select local musicians based in Sioux Falls, SD. She resides in Viborg, SD with her husband, Maxwell, and gives private voice and piano lessons to students in the area.
Maxwell Whitehead, tenor
Maxwell Whitehead is an ordained Lutheran minister serving two congregations in Viborg, SD. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of South Dakota and a Master of Divinity degree from Sioux Falls Seminary. While in undergraduate, Maxwell was highly involved in music programs such as the Sound of USD, the Chamber Singers, and the Concert Choir. Maxwell has sung under Dr. Campbell's direction during his undergraduate studies, the South Dakota Symphony Chorus, and several past Transept projects. He shares a love of music with his wife, Elizabeth, and is honored to sing with such a talented ensemble once more.
Alexa Worley, soprano
Alexa Worley graduated from the University of South Dakota with a Masters in Choral Conducting in May 2024. She is a long-time member of the USD Chamber Singers and was a Choral Scholar at the Cathedral of St. Joseph from 2018-2020. She has performed and conducted choirs all over the United States and Europe. Alexa will be teaching high school choir in the coming school year. She is very grateful for all the opportunities she has been afforded over the last few years and is looking forward to whatever the future holds!
Tim Worthington, bass-baritone
Tim Worthington is an ordained minister and recently retired as Director of Spiritual Care at Dow Rummel Village in Sioux Falls, SD. His passion for choral music spans over five decades! From a soprano in the Kansas Boys Chorus in 1964 to a baritone with Transept. Tim is a founding singer with the South Dakota Chorale. Tim’s spouse, Rev. Kathy Timpany, is retired and was senior pastor at First Congregational Church in Sioux Falls from 2005 to 2015.
Mataya Yilmaz, alto
Mataya Yilmaz, a Sioux Falls native, is currently in her sixth year of teaching. She taught 5th-12th instrumental music at the Avon and Tripp-Delmont school districts from 2018-2023. She is now the instrumental instructor at Freeman Academy. In the fall of 2017, Mataya received her Bachelor of Music Education from the University of South Dakota. In 2022, Mataya was the guest director for the Alcester-Hudson 5th and 6th grade honor band festival. She has previously performed with the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra in Verdi’s Requim and Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. She has also performed with the Sioux City Symphony in Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony No. 2. Mataya has been a part of past Transept performances including: Be Still my Soul, Radiant as the Sun, Divine Mystery, The Tudors, Cathedral Masterpieces, Venetian Glory, Invocation, and Darkness Fell.