2023-2024 CHORAL FELLOWS

Grace Michalowski is from East Hampton, Connecticut. She is currently a student at Eastern Connecticut State University pursuing a BA in Music with a double concentration in Vocal Performance, Music Industry and Leadership, as well as a minor in Theater. Grace is a proud member of multiple ensembles at Eastern, including Eastern Concert Chorale, Eastern Chamber Singers, and Eastern’s 3 o’ clock Jazz Combo. She also supports the music department as vocal department assistant. Grace will be participating in Eastern’s production of ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ in the Spring of 2023. Grace is a student of Dr. Emily Riggs and Dr. Rebecca Barko Grace is so thankful to be able to take part in Vernon Chorale this semester as she is eager to make music with as many talented musicians as possible.

Kianna Mitchner is a Senior at Eastern Connecticut State University. She is currently pursuing a degree in music with a concentration in vocal performance. Kianna is a member of multiple ensembles at Eastern, including Chamber Singers, Opera Workshop and Concert Chorale. In
spring of 2022, Kianna was in the ECSU Opera Workshop production of Hansel and Gretel as a part of the Gingerbread Chorus, along with various roles from scenes such as Elisetta from Il Matrimonio Segreto and Mrs. Jones from Kurt Weill’s Street Scene. This past summer she attended a 6 week “Audition Boot-Camp” at the Music and Mentoring House in New York. During this time she had the privilege of working with established classical musicians such as Lauren Flannigan and Elizabeth Blancke Biggs, as well as attending masterclasses run by Mannes School of Music’s Chris Frisco. Kianna is a student of Dr. Emily Riggs and Dr. Lisa Williamson.

Aidan O'Connor is a senior at Eastern Connecticut State University majoring in music performance with a minor in psychology with plans to work in music therapy after graduating. In high school he participated in the Connecticut’s Northern Region High School auditioned chorus, worked with Hartford’s own professional Chamber Ensemble, VOCE, alongside renown composer Paul Mealor. He now sings in both the Eastern Concert Chorale and Eastern Chamber Singers at ECSU.  Aidan is grateful  to be awarded his second Choral Fellowship with The Vernon Chorale this season.