ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Alexander Koppel is Associate Director of Choral Studies at the University of Iowa School of Music, where he conducts the University Choir and Voxman Chorale and teaches choral literature and conducting. Previously, he was Associate Director of Choral Studies at the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music, conducting the Soundscape and Resonance ensembles and serving as Opera Chorus Master.

A native of California’s central coast, Koppel earned a Doctor of Music in Choral Conducting from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, Master of Music in Choral Conducting from San José State University, and Bachelor of Music in Music Education, with emphases in voice and keyboard, from California State University, Fullerton.

An accomplished conductor, singer, organist, and pianist, Koppel has appeared at national ACDA and ECCO conferences, collaborated with award-winning ensembles, and led major works including Beethoven’s Mass in C, Fauré’s Requiem, and Poulenc’s Gloria. His teaching and research emphasize inclusive pedagogy, community-building, and Julius Herford’s score-study methodology.

ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR

Born and raised in State College, PA, Will Fecko recently earned his MA in Choral Conducting from the University of Iowa. He currently serves as the Director of Music at First Presbyterian Church of Iowa City, where he directs the Sanctuary Choir and the JuBellation Handbell Choir. Recent conducting highlights include Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Christmas Carols and Vivaldi’s Magnificat. During his undergraduate years at St. Olaf College, Will was deeply involved with handbells, directing two ensembles and performing in several others, including a handbell quartet he founded. Outside of music, Will enjoys hiking, biking, and walking in nature. He also enjoys spending time with his friends, family, his two cats, and his fiancée, Veronica.

COLLABORATIVE ARTIST

Lynda Hakken, organist and pianist, is a freelance musician and active solo performer and accompanist whose doctoral research is the basis for a beginning method of keyboard harmony.

Lynda holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Organ Performance and Pedagogy and a Master of Arts in Organ Performance from the University of Iowa. Her Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance is from Hope College in Michigan. She studied with Anthony Kooiker (piano); Huw Lewis, Delores Bruch, and Delbert Disselhorst (organ).