Staff
Christopher Richard, Director of the Contemporary Ensemble, holds a Bachelor's degree from Butler University and a Master's degree from the University of Southern California. While in the Chicago area, Chris has performed with DuPage Opera Theatre, Bowen Park Opera, Light Opera Works and Drury Lane Oak Brook. On a broader scope, he has appeared with Sarasota Opera Association, Indianapolis Opera, the Aspen Music Festival Opera, the Mexico National Chamber Orchestra, the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and the New World Symphony Orchestra. Although Mr. Richard has many credits in opera, he also enjoys the music theatre, cabaret and recital genres. In addition to his solo performing, Chris wears other hats including teaching private voice lessons at Oak Park & River Forest High School and as Music Director for OPRF productions, Triton College and Bowen Park Opera. In the fall of 2002 he was Music Director for the Sarasota Opera's Youth Opera Program and currently is Music Director for the Light Opera Works Summer Music Theatre Workshop. Recently he has been on the faculty of the Merit School of Music teaching Music Theatre.