OUR STAFF
DR. EMILY ISAACSON
Artistic Director
Named the 2018 Maine Artist of the Year and one of the 50 Mainers Leading the State, Dr. Emily Isaacson is an emerging leader in classical music and arts entrepreneurship. Isaacson’s performances have been heralded as “inventive, enlightening, and moving” (Portland Press Herald) and “virtually flawless...little short of phenomenal” (Maine Classical Beat). eisaacson.com
MARIA BELVA
Director - Horizon Voices
Maria Belva is a professional choral conductor and private voice teacher. She has a B.A. in Psychology and Education from the State University of New York at Potsdam and an M.M. in Choral Conducting from the University of Maine. She is a Certified McClosky Voice Technician, and in her voice studio focuses on technique and musicianship.
MEAGAN BRUS
Program Director
Meagan Brus is an artistic administrator with experience in marketing, event planning, project management, and content production. As a vocalist specializing in contemporary music, Meagan has premiered over three dozen works by living composers and can be heard on nine albums. She holds an M.M. from Manhattan School of Music and a B.M. from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music.
JULIA DILGER
Business Manager
Julia Dilger is a former elementary school teacher and brewery owner with experience in managing events, finances, and people. She comes to Classical Uprising through her childrens’ participation in Horizon Voices youth choirs. Julia has a B.A. in Psychology from Vassar College and a M.Ed. from Teacher’s College at Columbia University.
MIRANDA MACDONALD
Leader - Horizon Voices Circle Choir (K-1)
Miranda MacDonald holds a B.M. in Music Education from Rhode Island College. With a background as a former public school teacher, Miranda specializes in elementary music and choral singing. She is dedicated to nurturing musical talent and creating a vibrant, supportive environment for her students.
SCOTT WHEATLEY
Assistant Music Director - Oratorio Chorale
Baritone Scott Wheatley is on faculty at the University of Southern Maine and enjoys an active career as a coach and accompanist collaborating with both singers and instrumentalists. Scott holds a B.M. from the University of Missouri/Kansas City and a M.M from the University of South Florida.
EVAN CUDDY
Assistant Music Director - Horizon Voices
Evan Cuddy (he/him/his) currently serves as organist/accompanist at the First Parish Church UCC in Yarmouth and as the general music and chorus teacher at Longfellow Elementary School in Portland. Evan has also served as musical director at many local theaters, is a frequent substitute violist with the Bangor Symphony, and can be seen as a featured musician/extra in the movie Little Women. Evan holds degrees in music performance from Susquehanna University and the University of Southern Maine.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Michael Boyd, President
Peter Griffin, Vice President
Barbara Nash, Treasurer
Richard van Bergen, Secretary
Jane M. Abernethy
Paul Allen
Marshall Green
Anneliese Guzman-Bass
Dr. Izzy Lowell
Anne Nelson
Daniel Nitsch
Ryan O’Neil
John Todd