Phoenix Chorale was limited to online appearances in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the 60-year-old organization will return to performing live this fall with a new leader at the helm.
After a six month nationwide search for more than 30 choir directors, Phoenix Chorale hired Nicole Belmont as managing director. Belmont was a unanimous choice of the search committee.
The soprano and media strategist replaces Jen Rogers, who stepped down in January after more than a decade at the downtown Phoenix organization.
“For me, choral music is the magical coming together of voice and space. Whether you encounter it in a tall cathedral or a resonant, bohemian room, it’s an art form that can only move the listener, ”Belmont said in a statement.
She added, “Ancient and contemporary composers have spoken to human existence through music and it enables us to explore our personal and collective thoughts, beliefs and emotions in a really healthy way.
“It is my passion to bring this transformative art form closer to people and to capture the people who make and design it.”
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The career of the Phoenix Chorale director Nicole Belmont
Belmont not only has experience singing in choral groups, but also leading them.
In New York she has performed with the Choral Society of Grace Church and the semi-professional choir of Choral Chameleon.
Most recently she was also the managing director of Choral Chameleon, where she was credited with contributing to “significant growth”. According to the press release of her attitude, she attracted new audiences with “production innovations” and by showcasing “the works of a wide range of composers, styles and collaborators from other disciplines”.
As a former senior strategist at the marketing communications company Dentsu International and the media communications network MDC Media Partners, Belmont’s expertise also lies in the development of business development and marketing strategies.
Christopher Gabbitas, Phoenix Chorale’s artistic director, said Belmont’s love of music was evident during their interviews.
“I look forward to further strengthening our excellent team at Phoenix Chorale and advancing our vision of creating community through song,” said Gabbitas in a press release.
Phoenix Chorales final quest for guidance
Gabbitas was part of the chant’s last great quest for guidance.
The artistic director of the choir has been in his position since May 2019. He auditioned for the job during the 2018/19 season, in which four guest conductors – and finalists – conducted four concerts.
He had previously played with the King’s Singers – a six-member ensemble at King’s College in Cambridge, England – for 15 years and won two Grammys during that time. Gabbitas replaced Charles Bruffy, who won two Grammy Awards with the choir before leaving the organization in 2017.
Led by Belmont and Gabbitas, the 2021-22 season – Phoenix Chorale’s 62nd – is set to begin on October 9th. The 28-part choir will give “an intimate one-time live concert for film” at Camelback Bible Church in Paradise Valley, which has limited attendance.
Details: Phoenix Choral, 100 W. Roosevelt St, Phoenix. 602-253-2224, phoenixchorale.org
Reach the reporter at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @kimirobin and Instagram @ReporterKiMi.
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