Dr. Debra J. Lynn

Dr. Debra J. Lynn (she/her), Artistic Director has 30 years' experience in academia as a voice and conducting pedagogue, opera director, and ensemble conductor. She has conducted at various locations throughout the world including Sacred Heart Basilica at Notre Dame University, Walt Disney World, the Vatican in Rome, the basilicas of San Marco in Venice and Saint Frances of Assisi in Italy, appearances in London and Austria, and multiple performances at Carnegie Hall in New York.

Debra holds a Doctor of Arts in Music degree with an emphasis in conducting and voice performance from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Prior degrees from Truman State University and William Jewell College include emphases in conducting, voice performance, and music education. She has worked with Metropolitan Opera legends Nicholas DiVirgilio and Mignon Dunn as well as Kathleen Smith Belcher from the MET’s current roster of stage directors. Dr. Lynn has studied conducting under the tutelage of maestros Paul Vermel, Douglas Amman, Fred Stoltzfus, Paul Crabb, and Arnold Epley.

As a composer, Dr. Lynn writes both instrumental and vocal music, and has received several commissions including Lily and Plowshares Foundation requests. She particularly enjoys collaborative projects and has most recently worked with Nathan Granner (tenor), Jamie Chamberlin (soprano), Daniel Belcher (Grammy-winning, baritone), Farrell Vernon (saxophone), and Elizabeth Mikautadze (choreographer) as well as composers Olav Luksengård Mjelva, Jon Silpayamanant, Dominique Le Gendre and Stewart Copeland (founder and drummer of The Police).

Debra is married to cellist, Robert Lynn. They reside in North Manchester, Indiana where they raised four offspring and are currently owned by three cats.