William Kempster, Conductor
Dr. Kempster is a conductor and scholar based in southern Colorado and central France. He has directed over 2000 performances all over the world, concentrated in Australia (1983–1996), Canada (1996–2009) and the USA (1999–present), and has produced 16 albums covering repertoire from the late 15th century through to very recent works, amongst which are over 50 world premiere recordings. Dr. Kempster was the founding director of the acclaimed Canadian chamber choir Ensemble de la Rue, and after a career of teaching at the University of New Hampshire – where he was promoted to the rank of Full Professor in 2012 – he remains the director of the U.S. east-coast-based ensemble Cappella Nova Mundi.
Dr. Kempster also organised and directed eight international tours for his choirs, and is the only conductor in the world to have progressed two different choirs from two different countries to the final stage of the world's most prestigious chamber choir competition, the International Chamber Choir Competition Marktoberdorf, held in the town bearing that name in Bavaria, Germany, every other year. Dr. Kempster's research interests are concentrated on the music of Renaissance master Pierre de la Rue, as well as the choral music of Australian composer Ross Edwards. His book on Edwards' music entitled A Singular Voice - The Choral Music of Ross Edwards was published by Wildbird Books in Australia in 2023, and he has published and presented articles on la Rue's music on the global academic stage. In September, 2020, he completed work on A 'Complete' Performing Edition of the Works of Pierre de la Rue, and his latest project is a website - echoraleditions - dedicated to new editions of Public Domain choral music from the Renaissance through to now.
Dr. Kempster is a conductor and scholar based in southern Colorado and central France. He has directed over 2000 performances all over the world, concentrated in Australia (1983–1996), Canada (1996–2009) and the USA (1999–present), and has produced 16 albums covering repertoire from the late 15th century through to very recent works, amongst which are over 50 world premiere recordings. Dr. Kempster was the founding director of the acclaimed Canadian chamber choir Ensemble de la Rue, and after a career of teaching at the University of New Hampshire – where he was promoted to the rank of Full Professor in 2012 – he remains the director of the U.S. east-coast-based ensemble Cappella Nova Mundi.
Dr. Kempster also organised and directed eight international tours for his choirs, and is the only conductor in the world to have progressed two different choirs from two different countries to the final stage of the world's most prestigious chamber choir competition, the International Chamber Choir Competition Marktoberdorf, held in the town bearing that name in Bavaria, Germany, every other year. Dr. Kempster's research interests are concentrated on the music of Renaissance master Pierre de la Rue, as well as the choral music of Australian composer Ross Edwards. His book on Edwards' music entitled A Singular Voice - The Choral Music of Ross Edwards was published by Wildbird Books in Australia in 2023, and he has published and presented articles on la Rue's music on the global academic stage. In September, 2020, he completed work on A 'Complete' Performing Edition of the Works of Pierre de la Rue, and his latest project is a website - echoraleditions - dedicated to new editions of Public Domain choral music from the Renaissance through to now.
Elizabeth Bowman, Alto
Originally from Central Massachusetts, Elizabeth holds Bachelor Degrees in both Music Education and Vocal Performance from the University of New Hampshire. She took Masters-level classes in Early Music Performance Practice at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio studying with Ellen Hargis and Aaron Sheehan. Liz lives in Central Maine with her wife, Max and 6 fur babies.
Originally from Central Massachusetts, Elizabeth holds Bachelor Degrees in both Music Education and Vocal Performance from the University of New Hampshire. She took Masters-level classes in Early Music Performance Practice at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio studying with Ellen Hargis and Aaron Sheehan. Liz lives in Central Maine with her wife, Max and 6 fur babies.
Sam Bradley, Baritone
Sam lived in rural New Hampshire before coming to the University of New Hampshire (UNH) to study music. Having completed his undergraduate degree in 2014, Sam then went on to pursue graduate studies in Musicology, where his particular interest initially focused on pitch content and manuscript transmission in the music of the Renaissance. He is an active singer and clarinet player, and graduated with a Master of Arts from UNH in May, 2015. Sam is currently in the final stages of study for his PhD in Music at Boston University.
Sam lived in rural New Hampshire before coming to the University of New Hampshire (UNH) to study music. Having completed his undergraduate degree in 2014, Sam then went on to pursue graduate studies in Musicology, where his particular interest initially focused on pitch content and manuscript transmission in the music of the Renaissance. He is an active singer and clarinet player, and graduated with a Master of Arts from UNH in May, 2015. Sam is currently in the final stages of study for his PhD in Music at Boston University.
Lianne Bunting, Alto
One of the founding members of CNM, Lianne is currently a music teacher at Billerica Memorial High School in Billerica, MA, where she teaches a variety of general music courses as well as serves as the primary accompanist for both the theater and music departments. Outside of teaching, Lianne maintains an active schedule as a freelance pianist and music director, and is also a member of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, which performs regularly with the Boston Pops and Boston Symphony Orchestras. Lianne received her B.M. in Music Education from the University of New Hampshire in 2003, and an M.M. in Choral Conducting form the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2005.
One of the founding members of CNM, Lianne is currently a music teacher at Billerica Memorial High School in Billerica, MA, where she teaches a variety of general music courses as well as serves as the primary accompanist for both the theater and music departments. Outside of teaching, Lianne maintains an active schedule as a freelance pianist and music director, and is also a member of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, which performs regularly with the Boston Pops and Boston Symphony Orchestras. Lianne received her B.M. in Music Education from the University of New Hampshire in 2003, and an M.M. in Choral Conducting form the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2005.
Mike Bunting, Baritone
Mike has served as Choral Director at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School since 2010. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Berklee College of Music and a Master’s of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Southern Maine. Mike also sings with the Tanglewood Festival Chorus and is a cat person.
Mike has served as Choral Director at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School since 2010. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Berklee College of Music and a Master’s of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Southern Maine. Mike also sings with the Tanglewood Festival Chorus and is a cat person.
Ryan Burke, Tenor
A Wethersfield, CT native, Ryan Burke is currently a professional in the pharmaceutical industry and is studying for a Masters in Engineering Management at Tufts University. Ryan graduated with his Bachelors in Biochemistry from the University of New Hampshire (UNH) in 2012. While attending UNH he studied voice with Dr. David Ripley for four years and was a member of the Chamber Singers and Concert Choir under the direction of William Kempster. As a member he participated in an international choir competition in Austria. At UNH, Ryan performed the roles of Tamino (Mozart, “Die Zauberflöte”), Ferrando (Mozart, “Cosi fan tutte”), Pooh-Bah (Gilbert and Sullivan, “The Mikado”), Lysander (Britten, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”) and was the tenor soloist in Bach’s “St John Passion”. Ryan currently cantors at St Clement Eucharistic Shrine in Boston, MA.
A Wethersfield, CT native, Ryan Burke is currently a professional in the pharmaceutical industry and is studying for a Masters in Engineering Management at Tufts University. Ryan graduated with his Bachelors in Biochemistry from the University of New Hampshire (UNH) in 2012. While attending UNH he studied voice with Dr. David Ripley for four years and was a member of the Chamber Singers and Concert Choir under the direction of William Kempster. As a member he participated in an international choir competition in Austria. At UNH, Ryan performed the roles of Tamino (Mozart, “Die Zauberflöte”), Ferrando (Mozart, “Cosi fan tutte”), Pooh-Bah (Gilbert and Sullivan, “The Mikado”), Lysander (Britten, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”) and was the tenor soloist in Bach’s “St John Passion”. Ryan currently cantors at St Clement Eucharistic Shrine in Boston, MA.
Albert Craig, Bass-Baritone
Albert holds a Master of Music degree in Voice Pedagogy and Performance from Penn State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in vocal performance from the University of New Hampshire. He is currently on the voice faculty at Bridgewater State University and the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth where he teaches classical and jazz voice. Albert has focused on and continues to hone his teaching in the areas of musical theater, classical, jazz, and contemporary music. As an avid singer, Albert enjoys singing in various oratorio, choir, and solo engagements. He currently sings with the historic King’s Chapel Choir in downtown Boston.
Albert holds a Master of Music degree in Voice Pedagogy and Performance from Penn State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in vocal performance from the University of New Hampshire. He is currently on the voice faculty at Bridgewater State University and the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth where he teaches classical and jazz voice. Albert has focused on and continues to hone his teaching in the areas of musical theater, classical, jazz, and contemporary music. As an avid singer, Albert enjoys singing in various oratorio, choir, and solo engagements. He currently sings with the historic King’s Chapel Choir in downtown Boston.
William Farrell, Baritone
Since moving to the Greater Boston area in 2015, William Farrell has performed with various professional groups, including The Boston Camerata, The Tanglewood Festival Chorus, Canto Armonico, and St. Paul's Choir School. William graduated with a Master of Music in Early Music from the Longy School of Music in 2017. He loves to explore all types of historical performance, especially Renaissance polyphony and Baroque opera.
Since moving to the Greater Boston area in 2015, William Farrell has performed with various professional groups, including The Boston Camerata, The Tanglewood Festival Chorus, Canto Armonico, and St. Paul's Choir School. William graduated with a Master of Music in Early Music from the Longy School of Music in 2017. He loves to explore all types of historical performance, especially Renaissance polyphony and Baroque opera.
Meg Grazian, Soprano
Meg grew up in the California Bay Area, where she frequented Sweet Adelines rehearsals with her mom from a young age and started voice lessons as soon as she could. Throughout high school and college, she performed and competed both as a soloist and in various choirs. She graduated from George Fox University in Oregon with a B.A. in English and Elementary Education and now works as a news editor in Massachusetts. In her spare time, she likes to cook, play video games and hang out with her husband and their pets.
Meg grew up in the California Bay Area, where she frequented Sweet Adelines rehearsals with her mom from a young age and started voice lessons as soon as she could. Throughout high school and college, she performed and competed both as a soloist and in various choirs. She graduated from George Fox University in Oregon with a B.A. in English and Elementary Education and now works as a news editor in Massachusetts. In her spare time, she likes to cook, play video games and hang out with her husband and their pets.
Ruth George, Mezzo-Soprano
A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, Ruth holds a B.A. in Linguistics and a minor in French. She studied voice with her grandfather during high school and college, and was actively involved in UNH's choral and opera programs, touring Austria, Germany, and Ireland with the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, before joining CNM in 2013. She currently sings with Amare Cantare (Durham, NH) and as a guest soloist for church services, chamber performances, and in educational workshops. Ruth also enjoys spending time in the recording studio as a session singer, and has performed with seacoast NH-based bands Cold Engines, Elroy, and The Rockingham Groove.
A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, Ruth holds a B.A. in Linguistics and a minor in French. She studied voice with her grandfather during high school and college, and was actively involved in UNH's choral and opera programs, touring Austria, Germany, and Ireland with the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, before joining CNM in 2013. She currently sings with Amare Cantare (Durham, NH) and as a guest soloist for church services, chamber performances, and in educational workshops. Ruth also enjoys spending time in the recording studio as a session singer, and has performed with seacoast NH-based bands Cold Engines, Elroy, and The Rockingham Groove.
Heather Guilfoyle, Soprano
Heather graduated from the University of New Hampshire in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. Heather currently teaches at Massabesic High School in Waterboro, Maine, where she is the Choral Director, as well as also teaching guitar and piano classes. She loves singing at every opportunity she gets and is very excited to be performing with all the amazing musicians of Cappella Nova Mundi.
Heather graduated from the University of New Hampshire in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. Heather currently teaches at Massabesic High School in Waterboro, Maine, where she is the Choral Director, as well as also teaching guitar and piano classes. She loves singing at every opportunity she gets and is very excited to be performing with all the amazing musicians of Cappella Nova Mundi.
Andrew Hankinson, Baritone
Andrew Hankinson originally hails from northern Vermont and now resides in Rockport, MA with his husband and three small dogs. He studied at Oberlin College, before moving back east to find his calling. Andrew has performed with choral groups and theater companies in the Midwest, mid-Atlantic and all over New England and has enjoyed his time with Cappella Nova Mundi immensely.
Andrew Hankinson originally hails from northern Vermont and now resides in Rockport, MA with his husband and three small dogs. He studied at Oberlin College, before moving back east to find his calling. Andrew has performed with choral groups and theater companies in the Midwest, mid-Atlantic and all over New England and has enjoyed his time with Cappella Nova Mundi immensely.
Sarah Hunter, Soprano
Sarah Hunter is a graduate of New England Conservatory and University of Missouri with degrees in voice performance. For the last 21 years, Sarah has served as the soloist and section leader at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Marblehead, MA. Sarah also taught voice for many years, both in private studio and as a developing member of the Harvard, MA community music school as well as an adjunct at Salem State University. She also enjoys creating and performing recital programs and has especially enjoyed working with local composers to debut their songs and song cycles. When not performing, Sarah serves as the Assessment and Project Management Librarian at Boston University Libraries.
Sarah Hunter is a graduate of New England Conservatory and University of Missouri with degrees in voice performance. For the last 21 years, Sarah has served as the soloist and section leader at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Marblehead, MA. Sarah also taught voice for many years, both in private studio and as a developing member of the Harvard, MA community music school as well as an adjunct at Salem State University. She also enjoys creating and performing recital programs and has especially enjoyed working with local composers to debut their songs and song cycles. When not performing, Sarah serves as the Assessment and Project Management Librarian at Boston University Libraries.
Zoe Jost, Mezzo-Soprano
Zoe is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire with Bachelor degrees in Music Education and Voice Performance. She spent the last ten years teaching music and theater, and is currently working on her new career as a nurse. She spends her spare time with her husband, playing oboe and piano, reading, and romping with her dogs.
Zoe is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire with Bachelor degrees in Music Education and Voice Performance. She spent the last ten years teaching music and theater, and is currently working on her new career as a nurse. She spends her spare time with her husband, playing oboe and piano, reading, and romping with her dogs.
Dustin Lindsey, Baritone
Dustin hails from coastal Maine, and currently resides in Hanover, Massachusetts where he is the K-4 General Music and Chorus director at Center/Sylvester Elementary. As a performer, Dustin has been a soloist with the University of New Hampshire Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, in various liturgical settings throughout New England, and with the Boston Choral Ensemble. On his “days off,” Dustin enjoys spending his time outdoors playing tennis and golf, hiking, and fly-fishing throughout New England. He holds a B.M. in Music Education from the University of New Hampshire (’12) and is pursuing his M.M. in Music Education from Gordon College in Wenham, MA.
Dustin hails from coastal Maine, and currently resides in Hanover, Massachusetts where he is the K-4 General Music and Chorus director at Center/Sylvester Elementary. As a performer, Dustin has been a soloist with the University of New Hampshire Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, in various liturgical settings throughout New England, and with the Boston Choral Ensemble. On his “days off,” Dustin enjoys spending his time outdoors playing tennis and golf, hiking, and fly-fishing throughout New England. He holds a B.M. in Music Education from the University of New Hampshire (’12) and is pursuing his M.M. in Music Education from Gordon College in Wenham, MA.
Matt Livernois, Baritone
Matt Livernois is a vocalist and trombone player with a degree in Music Education from the University of New Hampshire. While at UNH he studied voice and sang with the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers. He has been a member of Cappella Nova Mundi since 2014. Matt currently resides in Gilmanton, New Hampshire, working in the field of live sound and audio engineering, in addition to bartending. He spends much of his free time digging through used records anywhere he can find them.
Matt Livernois is a vocalist and trombone player with a degree in Music Education from the University of New Hampshire. While at UNH he studied voice and sang with the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers. He has been a member of Cappella Nova Mundi since 2014. Matt currently resides in Gilmanton, New Hampshire, working in the field of live sound and audio engineering, in addition to bartending. He spends much of his free time digging through used records anywhere he can find them.
Stephanie Mailhot, Mezzo-Soprano
Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Education at the University of New Hampshire, graduating Summa Cum Laude in December 2013. Her primary instrument is saxophone, with a classical focus. While at UNH, she discovered her passion for singing through performing with the UNH Concert Choir. Stephanie taught instrumental music in Maine and Massachusetts from 2013-2017 before moving to the Colorado Rockies. She is currently taking courses to become a freelance proofreader and editor. On the side, she runs a small business selling handmade jewelry, prepares solo and multi-tracked repertoire on saxophone, and writes short pieces of literary fiction.
Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Education at the University of New Hampshire, graduating Summa Cum Laude in December 2013. Her primary instrument is saxophone, with a classical focus. While at UNH, she discovered her passion for singing through performing with the UNH Concert Choir. Stephanie taught instrumental music in Maine and Massachusetts from 2013-2017 before moving to the Colorado Rockies. She is currently taking courses to become a freelance proofreader and editor. On the side, she runs a small business selling handmade jewelry, prepares solo and multi-tracked repertoire on saxophone, and writes short pieces of literary fiction.
Paul Merrill, Tenor
Paul Merrill has a BA in music performance and an MA in music history from UNH. Paul is an active freelance trombonist, pianist, and organist. He studied trombone with Nicholas Orovich, piano with Christopher & Arlene Kies, organ with John Skelton and harpsichord with John Wicks. At UNH, he served as a staff accompanist for both David Ripley and Peggy Vagts' studios, Piano instructor, UNH Concert Choir accompanist, and was a member of the Hampshire Consort, and Alamire Consort. Currently he serves as accompanist for the UNH Theatre department, Oyster River Middle School, and trombonist for Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra. He has worked as conductor, musical director and pianist for Greenland Community Church, Hampton Playhouse, Leddy Center, Firehouse in Newburyport, Prescott Park Arts Festival, Player’s Ring in Portsmouth, and Oyster River Players. He has performed on organ in various churches in NH, ME, MA, Czech Republic, and Austria.
Paul Merrill has a BA in music performance and an MA in music history from UNH. Paul is an active freelance trombonist, pianist, and organist. He studied trombone with Nicholas Orovich, piano with Christopher & Arlene Kies, organ with John Skelton and harpsichord with John Wicks. At UNH, he served as a staff accompanist for both David Ripley and Peggy Vagts' studios, Piano instructor, UNH Concert Choir accompanist, and was a member of the Hampshire Consort, and Alamire Consort. Currently he serves as accompanist for the UNH Theatre department, Oyster River Middle School, and trombonist for Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra. He has worked as conductor, musical director and pianist for Greenland Community Church, Hampton Playhouse, Leddy Center, Firehouse in Newburyport, Prescott Park Arts Festival, Player’s Ring in Portsmouth, and Oyster River Players. He has performed on organ in various churches in NH, ME, MA, Czech Republic, and Austria.
Cathy Meyer, Mezzo-Soprano
Cathy is originally from Seattle, where she was raised in a very musical family; by the time she was 16, not only did she have her first church music position but also played trumpet in a professional big band. She earned her Bachelor’s of Music in Organ Performance from the University of North Texas and Master’s of Sacred Music from Boston University. She is the Minister of Music and organist for South Church (UCC) in Andover where she directs a large music ministry of choral and instrumental music. She performs regular recitals as conductor, pianist, and organist, and has been featured on the Great Organ at Methuen Memorial Music Hall and on the nationally-syndicated Pipedreams radio show. She is Sub-Dean for the Boston Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and is heavily involved with their Young Organist Initiative. She is a certified Orff-Schulwerk educator and also maintains a private organ studio.
Cathy is originally from Seattle, where she was raised in a very musical family; by the time she was 16, not only did she have her first church music position but also played trumpet in a professional big band. She earned her Bachelor’s of Music in Organ Performance from the University of North Texas and Master’s of Sacred Music from Boston University. She is the Minister of Music and organist for South Church (UCC) in Andover where she directs a large music ministry of choral and instrumental music. She performs regular recitals as conductor, pianist, and organist, and has been featured on the Great Organ at Methuen Memorial Music Hall and on the nationally-syndicated Pipedreams radio show. She is Sub-Dean for the Boston Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and is heavily involved with their Young Organist Initiative. She is a certified Orff-Schulwerk educator and also maintains a private organ studio.
Jesse Parent, Baritone
Jesse recently graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2014 with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. He teaches music at Ledge Street Elementary School, and also teaches voice, piano, and accordion lessons at North Main Music School. Jesse has been involved with music since the age of six when he began playing the accordion. In ensuing years Jesse has added voice and piano to his areas of expertise. Jesse has often been told that he looks and sings like Josh Groban, which is pretty cool, and he is excited for future singing opportunities with Cappella Nova Mundi!
Jesse recently graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2014 with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. He teaches music at Ledge Street Elementary School, and also teaches voice, piano, and accordion lessons at North Main Music School. Jesse has been involved with music since the age of six when he began playing the accordion. In ensuing years Jesse has added voice and piano to his areas of expertise. Jesse has often been told that he looks and sings like Josh Groban, which is pretty cool, and he is excited for future singing opportunities with Cappella Nova Mundi!
Nate Ramsayer, Tenor
Nate Ramsayer is an accomplished professional singer in Boston, performing regularly with the BSO and Boston Pops. As a freelance artist he has sung backup for classical and Broadway greats such as Andrea Bocelli, Sarah Brightman, Audra McDonald, and multiple tours for Josh Groban. He has also performed as a singer for the international tours of The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses, Game of Thrones: Live Concert Experience, and Star Wars: In Concert. He frequently serves as a tenor and baritone ringer for community and church choirs all around the Greater Boston Area. An avid lover of musical theater, Nate has played numerous leading roles in various shows throughout New England in recent years. He serves nationally as an artistic consultant for Les Misérables, and has worked on 13 different productions of the show. Nate also performs at dozens of senior living communities, spreading the joys of jazz standards, musical theater, and holiday-themed programs. Additionally, Nate holds an M.A. degree in Hebrew Bible and the ancient Near East from Brandeis University, and is an archaeologist who has excavated at numerous sites in Israel, Russia, and the U.K. Other Nate fun facts: he sings in an award-winning barbershop quartet called Deadline, and is a former karaoke host, samurai sword tournament champion, and one of America’s top-scoring Ms. Pac-Man players.
Nate Ramsayer is an accomplished professional singer in Boston, performing regularly with the BSO and Boston Pops. As a freelance artist he has sung backup for classical and Broadway greats such as Andrea Bocelli, Sarah Brightman, Audra McDonald, and multiple tours for Josh Groban. He has also performed as a singer for the international tours of The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses, Game of Thrones: Live Concert Experience, and Star Wars: In Concert. He frequently serves as a tenor and baritone ringer for community and church choirs all around the Greater Boston Area. An avid lover of musical theater, Nate has played numerous leading roles in various shows throughout New England in recent years. He serves nationally as an artistic consultant for Les Misérables, and has worked on 13 different productions of the show. Nate also performs at dozens of senior living communities, spreading the joys of jazz standards, musical theater, and holiday-themed programs. Additionally, Nate holds an M.A. degree in Hebrew Bible and the ancient Near East from Brandeis University, and is an archaeologist who has excavated at numerous sites in Israel, Russia, and the U.K. Other Nate fun facts: he sings in an award-winning barbershop quartet called Deadline, and is a former karaoke host, samurai sword tournament champion, and one of America’s top-scoring Ms. Pac-Man players.
Jayne Segedy, Soprano
Jayne Segedy is a singer and educator based in New England and Barcelona, Spain. She graduated with a degree in Music Education from the University of New Hampshire, where she specialized in piano, under the direction of Arlene Kies, and choral direction, with Dr. William Kempster. She has taught and directed choirs at John Stark Regional High School in Weare, New Hampshire as well as Shapleigh School in Kittery, Maine. She currently studies voice with Mónica Muñoz and sings with Cappella Nova Mundi and ARSinNOVA.
Jayne Segedy is a singer and educator based in New England and Barcelona, Spain. She graduated with a degree in Music Education from the University of New Hampshire, where she specialized in piano, under the direction of Arlene Kies, and choral direction, with Dr. William Kempster. She has taught and directed choirs at John Stark Regional High School in Weare, New Hampshire as well as Shapleigh School in Kittery, Maine. She currently studies voice with Mónica Muñoz and sings with Cappella Nova Mundi and ARSinNOVA.
Stephanie Slabon, Soprano
Stephanie graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2004 with a B. A. in Communication and Vocal Performance and later completed a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management. She is an avid organic gardener and loves restoring her yard to host native species of plants and wildlife, including renting native mason bees! She enjoys spending time with her family, cutie-pie nieces and friends, three kitties, and hitting the local river and waterways on her SUP (paddle board). Stephanie teaches beginner piano and voice lessons after her 'day-job' as an Assistant Property Manager and Human Resource Administrator. Stephanie has been singing with Cappella Nova Mundi since its inception, as well as performed with the Rockingham Choral Society, Amare Cantare, Sing Fourth, and as a soloist. She considers herself to be incredibly fortunate to sing with such talented musicians that comprise Cappella Nova Mundi and looks forward to future musical endeavors with the group.
Stephanie graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2004 with a B. A. in Communication and Vocal Performance and later completed a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management. She is an avid organic gardener and loves restoring her yard to host native species of plants and wildlife, including renting native mason bees! She enjoys spending time with her family, cutie-pie nieces and friends, three kitties, and hitting the local river and waterways on her SUP (paddle board). Stephanie teaches beginner piano and voice lessons after her 'day-job' as an Assistant Property Manager and Human Resource Administrator. Stephanie has been singing with Cappella Nova Mundi since its inception, as well as performed with the Rockingham Choral Society, Amare Cantare, Sing Fourth, and as a soloist. She considers herself to be incredibly fortunate to sing with such talented musicians that comprise Cappella Nova Mundi and looks forward to future musical endeavors with the group.
Erin Smith, Soprano
Originally from NJ, Erin attended the University of New Hampshire where she received her degree in Music Education. She taught music to grades 5–12 at several different schools in New Hampshire, Maine, and even Georgia. She's been a member of CNM since 2014 and sang with Voice of Twenty in 2019 and 2020. In 2022, she completely changed paths: now she is working on her PharmD degree at Husson University while working as a pharmacy intern at Shaw's and Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center. In what little free time she has, she likes to hike, spoil her pets, watch tv, or play the occasional video game.
Originally from NJ, Erin attended the University of New Hampshire where she received her degree in Music Education. She taught music to grades 5–12 at several different schools in New Hampshire, Maine, and even Georgia. She's been a member of CNM since 2014 and sang with Voice of Twenty in 2019 and 2020. In 2022, she completely changed paths: now she is working on her PharmD degree at Husson University while working as a pharmacy intern at Shaw's and Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center. In what little free time she has, she likes to hike, spoil her pets, watch tv, or play the occasional video game.
Thomas Smoker, Tenor
Thomas Smoker is a singer, pianist, and arranger who has earned a graduate degree in Vocal Performance from The Boston Conservatory. This fall he started as the new Choral Director for the Rockport Public Middle & High Schools, in Rockport, MA. Before that he served as an Assistant Professor of Voice at Berklee College of Music, as well as an adjunct faculty member in the performing arts department at Endicott College where he directed music ensembles and taught performing arts classes. Thomas has over 15 years of experience in performing, teaching, coaching, directing, leading workshops and symposiums, and is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), the A cappella Educators Association (AEA), as well as the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). He regularly music directs, composes and arranges for community and high school musicals, concerts and special events. Thomas also maintains a healthy performance career in opera, oratorio, musical theater, and solo concerts & cabarets as he is often sought after throughout New England and Mid- Atlantic.
Thomas Smoker is a singer, pianist, and arranger who has earned a graduate degree in Vocal Performance from The Boston Conservatory. This fall he started as the new Choral Director for the Rockport Public Middle & High Schools, in Rockport, MA. Before that he served as an Assistant Professor of Voice at Berklee College of Music, as well as an adjunct faculty member in the performing arts department at Endicott College where he directed music ensembles and taught performing arts classes. Thomas has over 15 years of experience in performing, teaching, coaching, directing, leading workshops and symposiums, and is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), the A cappella Educators Association (AEA), as well as the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). He regularly music directs, composes and arranges for community and high school musicals, concerts and special events. Thomas also maintains a healthy performance career in opera, oratorio, musical theater, and solo concerts & cabarets as he is often sought after throughout New England and Mid- Atlantic.
Andrew Sokol, Tenor
New England tenor Andrew Sokol (UNH 2010) rarely emerges from his farm in the midst of the New Hampshire wilderness, but when he does, he is well-regarded as a versatile and enthusiastic singer in both solo and ensemble traditions. Andrew’s performance credits include both stage and concert performances across four countries, ranging from local American Music Festivals (Maine Festival of American Music with the Portsmouth Singers), to international touring stage productions (La Nozze di Figaro with Opera on the Avalon), to commercial live music (Bleed for the Throne with HBO/The Red Cross/SXSW Austin). When not making music, Andrew returns home to his farm in the woods of Deerfield, NH, where he and his girlfriend tend to an ever-growing menagerie of animals.
New England tenor Andrew Sokol (UNH 2010) rarely emerges from his farm in the midst of the New Hampshire wilderness, but when he does, he is well-regarded as a versatile and enthusiastic singer in both solo and ensemble traditions. Andrew’s performance credits include both stage and concert performances across four countries, ranging from local American Music Festivals (Maine Festival of American Music with the Portsmouth Singers), to international touring stage productions (La Nozze di Figaro with Opera on the Avalon), to commercial live music (Bleed for the Throne with HBO/The Red Cross/SXSW Austin). When not making music, Andrew returns home to his farm in the woods of Deerfield, NH, where he and his girlfriend tend to an ever-growing menagerie of animals.
Audrey Thompson, Soprano
Audrey Thompson is originally from New Hampshire and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of New Hampshire (2014). She is currently a music teacher in two elementary schools in central Mass, and directs the choruses there. She has also nearly completed a program in Masters in Music Education from Columbia University (2023). Audrey loves how music has become so collaborative with the power of the Internet, and seeing how popular culture influences social understandings of what music is and the possibilities what it could be.
Audrey Thompson is originally from New Hampshire and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of New Hampshire (2014). She is currently a music teacher in two elementary schools in central Mass, and directs the choruses there. She has also nearly completed a program in Masters in Music Education from Columbia University (2023). Audrey loves how music has become so collaborative with the power of the Internet, and seeing how popular culture influences social understandings of what music is and the possibilities what it could be.
Robert Tobin, Bass
Like many members of the choir, Rob attended the University of New Hampshire, where he studied political science and sang with the UNH Chamber Singers and the UNH Concert Choir. When he is not singing with Cappella Nova Mundi, Rob works as a sales data analyst in the life insurance industry. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, listening to Bach and Josquin, and exploring the New Hampshire seacoast with his wife and his young daughter.
Like many members of the choir, Rob attended the University of New Hampshire, where he studied political science and sang with the UNH Chamber Singers and the UNH Concert Choir. When he is not singing with Cappella Nova Mundi, Rob works as a sales data analyst in the life insurance industry. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, listening to Bach and Josquin, and exploring the New Hampshire seacoast with his wife and his young daughter.