Hudson Community Choruses appoints new artistic team

Hudson Community Choruses welcomes new artistic leadership as it heads into its 36th season. Jon C. Petersen was named artistic director in late May, succeeding longtime HCC Artistic Director Nathaniel Duvuvuei who moved from the area. Peterson is joined by Angela Perrine, director of Children’s & Youth Choruses, and Anne Dalby, collaborative pianist. 

Peterson received doctoral and master’s degrees in choral conducting with a doctoral minor in historical musicology from The University of Arizona and Southern Methodist University. A Texas native, he currently serves as the director of Music Ministries at First Congregational Church Hudson and has directed the All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir since 2017. Prior to joining FCCH, he was associate professor of music at Malone College in Canton and served in a similar capacity at Bluffton University.

“I am humbled and thrilled to be joining the team at Hudson Community Choruses,” he said. “I look forward to making inspiring music and lifelong memories with the amazing people that come from all over the region to sing with us or attend our concerts.”

Perrine is a lifelong music educator. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education in vocal music as well as a Master of Music in Choral Conducting both from Louisiana State University. Since 2015, Perrine has served as an elementary music teacher at Rushwood Elementary School in Sagamore Hills as well as co-directing the Northeast Ohio Regional All-State Children’s Choir.

“Our voice is our original instrument that we learn and share. Singing gives expression to our souls and connection for our hearts. Singing with others gives us one of the highest joys and purposes our lives offer,” Perrine said when asked about her commitment to vocal education.

Dalby joins the choruses with a variety of professional credits as a collaborative pianist.  She is a graduate of Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, with a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, where she was the winner of its Young Artist Concerto competition. She completed masters level private piano study at Kent State University.

“We are delighted to welcome these three seasoned professionals to lead the Hudson Community Choruses into the future,” said HCC Board President Kathy Sluzewski.

The Hudson Community Chorus is one of the area’s oldest continuing community choruses.  Formed in 1988 by two Hudson residents, its twice-yearly concerts and community outreach events offer area singers an opportunity to learn choral literature, expand their musical knowledge and sing with music lovers from Hudson and more than a dozen surrounding communities while giving area audiences the opportunity to hear outstanding choral music in their own backyard. 

The Youth and Children’s Choruses, begun as an effort to expand choral music education in the area a decade ago, offers musical skill building, the opportunity to build confidence and performance skills and make friends through music.  

All three choruses are non-audition and meet from August through May of each year.  For more information on the Hudson Community Choruses, registration information or upcoming events, please go to hudsonsings.org. ∞