ANASTASIA INNISS
Current Residence - Ireland
+353 (0)83 0434121 | [email protected] | anastasiainniss.com | LinkedIn
Current Residence - Ireland
+353 (0)83 0434121 | [email protected] | anastasiainniss.com | LinkedIn
SUMMARY
Visionary arts executive and cultural strategist with over 20 years of experience in senior artistic administration, founding and leading complex cultural organizations rooted in community and positioned at the intersection of artistic excellence, organizational rigor, and public engagement. Known for building sustainable infrastructures that support ambitious artistic work, advance equity-centered leadership, and help shape the next chapter of the arts in Europe.
PROFESSIONAL OVERVIEW
- Build and lead production and administrative infrastructure across festivals, concert series, and productions with responsibility for end-to-end artistic administration and on-the-ground operations.
- Lead recruitment, contracting, and professional development of personnel, including artists, technical staff, administrative teams, freelancers, and volunteers.
- Plan, develop and deliver diverse artistic programmes, including festivals and masterclasses, while facilitating structured mentorship pathways between emerging talent and established professionals.
- Embed community engagement at the core of organisational strategy and lead impactful community programmes, ensuring artistic provision responds directly to local needs and fosters meaningful access for regional populations.
- Establish and maintain extensive international professional networks with artists, agencies, theatres, managers, festivals, and industry leaders across Europe; represent organisations at national and international levels.
- Curate a wealth of repertoire knowledge in a wide spectrum of musical styles and genres, as well as industry trends.
- Build and manage financial and funding infrastructure from inception, including budgets, accounting, payroll, and reporting; secure public and private funding while overseeing grant relationships and bid compliance.
- Lead organisational development initiatives encompassing venue sourcing and strategi planning; drive transitions to hybrid delivery models and achieve institutional accreditation.
- Create and implement organisation-wide policies and compliance frameworks, including safeguarding, codes of conduct, and equal pay policies; establish initiatives to support artists from under-represented communities; convene public-facing panels on discrimination in classical music and anti-discriminatory practice.
- Design and deliver educational and outreach initiatives, including curricula and delivery models for in-person online engagement with diverse audiences.
- Build and lead production and administrative infrastructure across festivals, concert series, and productions with responsibility for end-to-end artistic administration and on-the-ground operations.
- Lead recruitment, contracting, and professional development of personnel, including artists, technical staff, administrative teams, freelancers, and volunteers.
- Plan, develop and deliver diverse artistic programmes, including festivals and masterclasses, while facilitating structured mentorship pathways between emerging talent and established professionals.
- Embed community engagement at the core of organisational strategy and lead impactful community programmes, ensuring artistic provision responds directly to local needs and fosters meaningful access for regional populations.
- Establish and maintain extensive international professional networks with artists, agencies, theatres, managers, festivals, and industry leaders across Europe; represent organisations at national and international levels.
- Curate a wealth of repertoire knowledge in a wide spectrum of musical styles and genres, as well as industry trends.
- Build and manage financial and funding infrastructure from inception, including budgets, accounting, payroll, and reporting; secure public and private funding while overseeing grant relationships and bid compliance.
- Lead organisational development initiatives encompassing venue sourcing and strategi planning; drive transitions to hybrid delivery models and achieve institutional accreditation.
- Create and implement organisation-wide policies and compliance frameworks, including safeguarding, codes of conduct, and equal pay policies; establish initiatives to support artists from under-represented communities; convene public-facing panels on discrimination in classical music and anti-discriminatory practice.
- Design and deliver educational and outreach initiatives, including curricula and delivery models for in-person online engagement with diverse audiences.
LEADERSHIP ROLES
Founder & Artistic Director, Nikolova-Wyma GbR — Germany, 2018-2025
Accredited by the Senatsverwaltung für Kultur und Europa & Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung. Founded with the goal of establishing a multi-format high quality educational programs for professional musicians, bridging conservatory training with a career in the performing arts. We did this through two main programs-
Dramatic Voices Program Berlin: a program which prepares musicians for the competitive world of classical music through highly intensive training with world-class faculty and unmatched performance opportunities. The only institution of its kind to produce full Wagner and Strauss, R. operas with orchestra, alongside an international Lieder Festival, welcoming artists from over 30 countries with no age limit.
Opera Programs Berlin: An organization for high-quality, affordable online and on-demand continued education for professional singers, facilitating the development of the complete artist.
● Set and led strategic artistic direction and development; managed educational and administrative operations
● Secured EU and local grants; built relationships with funding partners; prepared proposals and final reports
● Designed full program concepts, wrote curricula, created session formats and schedules
● Managed budgets, accounting and tax reporting ensuring financial sustainability and compliance
● Designed and executed physical and digital marketing with national and international outreach
● Sourced and secured venues, negotiated rental rates and contracts, maintained venue relationships
● Directed recruitment and contract negotiation for faculty, creatives, technical teams, orchestra, interns, and administrators; recruited and managed volunteers
● Directed programs on the ground and online; led creative, tech and administration teams
● Created safeguarding and governance policies, including codes of conduct, Equal Pay policies, and DEI compliance frameworks
● Cast and produced full scale opera productions with orchestra and multiple casts
● Planned and produced a full scale art song festival; created thematic programming; taught and presented
Notable accomplishments:
● Transitioned programs online during COVID-19 pandemic and restructured back to hybrid formats post-pandemic
● Hosted public-facing panels on discrimination in classical music; promoted anti-discriminatory practices
● Implemented long-term financial support initiatives for artists from marginalized or under-represented communities
● Achieved institutional accreditation from German government ministries for education and culture
● Created, developed and grew the organisation from zero, intentionally decoupling infrastructure and daily operations from founder dependency, and achieving a sale at an approximately 80,000% ROI after seven years
Founder & Executive Director, Lanzarote Opera Festival & Academy — Spain, 2022- 2024
The first initiative of its kind on the Canary Islands, Spain. Founded in 2022 in cooperation with the Lanzarote Ensemble Orchestra and Centro Insular de Enseñanzas Musicales (CIEM), and with the financial support of Centros de Arte, Cultura y Torismo Lanzarote (CACT) in the form of a grant. The academy mentored emerging international artists on a partial scholarship basis, sponsored accommodations and provided various additional financial and career support. The academy culminated in a full-length festival with twelve concerts with orchestra at the UNESCO protected Jameos del Agua Auditorium.
● Provided fiscal oversight for the entirety of the initiative: budgeting, accounting and tax reporting
● Cultivated relationships with partners and sponsoring bodies; represented festival locally and internationally
● Created concept and built on the ground organizational infrastructure for the festival and academy
● Recruited and supervised faculty, administrative and technical staff, orchestra; negotiated pay and contracts
● Designed curriculum, session format and schedules; led academy and festival on the ground
● Created festival’s thematic concert programming
Notable accomplishments:
● Secured partnerships with Centro Insular de Enseñanzas Musicales (CIEM) and Lanzarote Ensemble Orchestra
● Secured a grant from Centros de Arte, Cultura y Turismo Lanzarote (CACT), never before awarded to a foreign applicant
EU Operations Leader, CS Music — U.S. (remote, on consultancy basis), 2022-2025
The largest platform for vocal arts world-wide, publishes a quarterly printed magazine and a monthly online magazine.
● Recognized and curated European opportunities for vocal artists
● Organized and led industry panel auditions in Germany, Austria and the UK
● Reviewed recorded application materials for CS Music industry panel auditions and CS Music competitions
● Recognized topics of interest for CS Music publications
● Conducted interviews with trailblazing European leaders in the arts, write articles and editorials
Notable accomplishments:
● Created one-year timeline for strategic release of European content in all CS Music publications
● Cultivated long-standing relationships with EU opera theatres, agencies, managers, festivals and casting personnel
Founder & Artistic Director, Berlin Song Festival — Germany, 2016- 2019
The first art song festival in Berlin to offer full-length concert programming, a fully-funded educational module for international emerging artists, and a series of community events and outreach initiatives. The festival featured six mainstage concerts by internationally established artists, who also served as mentors to emerging artists and prepared them for a public performance as part of the festival’s programming. The Berlin Song Festival was fully funded through private philanthropic support.
● Designed and developed festival concept and infrastructure
● Created budgets and led funding campaigns; created relationships with sponsoring organizations and individual donors
● Recruited internationally established artists; negotiated pay rates and contracts
● Led emerging artists masterclass program recruitment and selection
● Curated thematic programming in collaboration with artists
● Managed all administrative and on-site festival operations
Notable accomplishments:
● Facilitated ongoing mentorship between emerging and established artists
Director of Educational Programs & Industry Auditions, The Opera Stage — Germany | U.K. | Sweden, 2015-2018
Organisation producing educational programs and Europe-wide panel industry auditions.
● Designed curricula, schedules, program descriptions and application requirements
● Created program budgets and managed accounting; negotiated venue rates and faculty contracts and pay
● Reviewed applications and managed correspondence in multiple languages
● Organized and led industry panel auditions in Germany, Austria and UK
Notable accomplishments:
● Established and expanded a network of contacts within EU theatres, agencies, managers and casting personnel
● Collaborated with programming team to re-design and re-built company software in line with artistic and industry requirements and needs
Founder & Artistic Director, Nikolova-Wyma GbR — Germany, 2018-2025
Accredited by the Senatsverwaltung für Kultur und Europa & Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung. Founded with the goal of establishing a multi-format high quality educational programs for professional musicians, bridging conservatory training with a career in the performing arts. We did this through two main programs-
Dramatic Voices Program Berlin: a program which prepares musicians for the competitive world of classical music through highly intensive training with world-class faculty and unmatched performance opportunities. The only institution of its kind to produce full Wagner and Strauss, R. operas with orchestra, alongside an international Lieder Festival, welcoming artists from over 30 countries with no age limit.
Opera Programs Berlin: An organization for high-quality, affordable online and on-demand continued education for professional singers, facilitating the development of the complete artist.
● Set and led strategic artistic direction and development; managed educational and administrative operations
● Secured EU and local grants; built relationships with funding partners; prepared proposals and final reports
● Designed full program concepts, wrote curricula, created session formats and schedules
● Managed budgets, accounting and tax reporting ensuring financial sustainability and compliance
● Designed and executed physical and digital marketing with national and international outreach
● Sourced and secured venues, negotiated rental rates and contracts, maintained venue relationships
● Directed recruitment and contract negotiation for faculty, creatives, technical teams, orchestra, interns, and administrators; recruited and managed volunteers
● Directed programs on the ground and online; led creative, tech and administration teams
● Created safeguarding and governance policies, including codes of conduct, Equal Pay policies, and DEI compliance frameworks
● Cast and produced full scale opera productions with orchestra and multiple casts
● Planned and produced a full scale art song festival; created thematic programming; taught and presented
Notable accomplishments:
● Transitioned programs online during COVID-19 pandemic and restructured back to hybrid formats post-pandemic
● Hosted public-facing panels on discrimination in classical music; promoted anti-discriminatory practices
● Implemented long-term financial support initiatives for artists from marginalized or under-represented communities
● Achieved institutional accreditation from German government ministries for education and culture
● Created, developed and grew the organisation from zero, intentionally decoupling infrastructure and daily operations from founder dependency, and achieving a sale at an approximately 80,000% ROI after seven years
Founder & Executive Director, Lanzarote Opera Festival & Academy — Spain, 2022- 2024
The first initiative of its kind on the Canary Islands, Spain. Founded in 2022 in cooperation with the Lanzarote Ensemble Orchestra and Centro Insular de Enseñanzas Musicales (CIEM), and with the financial support of Centros de Arte, Cultura y Torismo Lanzarote (CACT) in the form of a grant. The academy mentored emerging international artists on a partial scholarship basis, sponsored accommodations and provided various additional financial and career support. The academy culminated in a full-length festival with twelve concerts with orchestra at the UNESCO protected Jameos del Agua Auditorium.
● Provided fiscal oversight for the entirety of the initiative: budgeting, accounting and tax reporting
● Cultivated relationships with partners and sponsoring bodies; represented festival locally and internationally
● Created concept and built on the ground organizational infrastructure for the festival and academy
● Recruited and supervised faculty, administrative and technical staff, orchestra; negotiated pay and contracts
● Designed curriculum, session format and schedules; led academy and festival on the ground
● Created festival’s thematic concert programming
Notable accomplishments:
● Secured partnerships with Centro Insular de Enseñanzas Musicales (CIEM) and Lanzarote Ensemble Orchestra
● Secured a grant from Centros de Arte, Cultura y Turismo Lanzarote (CACT), never before awarded to a foreign applicant
EU Operations Leader, CS Music — U.S. (remote, on consultancy basis), 2022-2025
The largest platform for vocal arts world-wide, publishes a quarterly printed magazine and a monthly online magazine.
● Recognized and curated European opportunities for vocal artists
● Organized and led industry panel auditions in Germany, Austria and the UK
● Reviewed recorded application materials for CS Music industry panel auditions and CS Music competitions
● Recognized topics of interest for CS Music publications
● Conducted interviews with trailblazing European leaders in the arts, write articles and editorials
Notable accomplishments:
● Created one-year timeline for strategic release of European content in all CS Music publications
● Cultivated long-standing relationships with EU opera theatres, agencies, managers, festivals and casting personnel
Founder & Artistic Director, Berlin Song Festival — Germany, 2016- 2019
The first art song festival in Berlin to offer full-length concert programming, a fully-funded educational module for international emerging artists, and a series of community events and outreach initiatives. The festival featured six mainstage concerts by internationally established artists, who also served as mentors to emerging artists and prepared them for a public performance as part of the festival’s programming. The Berlin Song Festival was fully funded through private philanthropic support.
● Designed and developed festival concept and infrastructure
● Created budgets and led funding campaigns; created relationships with sponsoring organizations and individual donors
● Recruited internationally established artists; negotiated pay rates and contracts
● Led emerging artists masterclass program recruitment and selection
● Curated thematic programming in collaboration with artists
● Managed all administrative and on-site festival operations
Notable accomplishments:
● Facilitated ongoing mentorship between emerging and established artists
Director of Educational Programs & Industry Auditions, The Opera Stage — Germany | U.K. | Sweden, 2015-2018
Organisation producing educational programs and Europe-wide panel industry auditions.
● Designed curricula, schedules, program descriptions and application requirements
● Created program budgets and managed accounting; negotiated venue rates and faculty contracts and pay
● Reviewed applications and managed correspondence in multiple languages
● Organized and led industry panel auditions in Germany, Austria and UK
Notable accomplishments:
● Established and expanded a network of contacts within EU theatres, agencies, managers and casting personnel
● Collaborated with programming team to re-design and re-built company software in line with artistic and industry requirements and needs
OPERATIONS, DATA & ORGANISATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Strategic Data, Systems & Change Leadership
EU Director of Content & Data, Gracenote — Germany | USA, 2011–2015
● Built and led the first European entertainment metadata acquisition team across all major languages
● Partnered with global HQ to ensure software compliance with European language and data protection standards
● Designed and optimised metadata workflows, integrating machine learning and innovative acquisition methods
● Fostered cross-team collaboration, mentorship, and talent development
Notable accomplishments:
● Developed and implemented the company’s first organisation-wide quality control framework
● Collaborated with HR HQ to establish the company’s first European HR policies
● Led the European team through Sony acquisition and organisational restructuring
Administrative & Institutional Operations
Executive Assistant to the Administrative Dean — School of Arts & Sciences, Harvard University, USA, 1999–2003
● Managed senior leadership calendars, travel, and administrative operations
● Reviewed administrative applications and maintained confidential files, records, and databases
● Managed expense reporting, invoicing, and budget tracking
● Supported faculty HR training initiatives in collaboration with the Registrar’s Office
● Oversaw internal communications between the Dean’s Office and university departments
Strategic Data, Systems & Change Leadership
EU Director of Content & Data, Gracenote — Germany | USA, 2011–2015
● Built and led the first European entertainment metadata acquisition team across all major languages
● Partnered with global HQ to ensure software compliance with European language and data protection standards
● Designed and optimised metadata workflows, integrating machine learning and innovative acquisition methods
● Fostered cross-team collaboration, mentorship, and talent development
Notable accomplishments:
● Developed and implemented the company’s first organisation-wide quality control framework
● Collaborated with HR HQ to establish the company’s first European HR policies
● Led the European team through Sony acquisition and organisational restructuring
Administrative & Institutional Operations
Executive Assistant to the Administrative Dean — School of Arts & Sciences, Harvard University, USA, 1999–2003
● Managed senior leadership calendars, travel, and administrative operations
● Reviewed administrative applications and maintained confidential files, records, and databases
● Managed expense reporting, invoicing, and budget tracking
● Supported faculty HR training initiatives in collaboration with the Registrar’s Office
● Oversaw internal communications between the Dean’s Office and university departments
PRODUCTION AND CASTING DIRECTION
● Strauss: Ariadne auf Naxos (3 casts + cover cast, with orchestra), Nikolova-Wyma GbR
● Strauss: Elektra (3 casts + cover cast, with orchestra) , Nikolova-Wyma GbR
● Wagner: Die Walküre (3 casts + cover cast, with orchestra), Nikolova-Wyma GbR
● The Folk Songs Project for soprano & steel drum (world premiere), Deutscher Musikrat
● Wagner: Die Walküre (multi-media film, 3 casts, with piano), Nikolova-Wyma GbR
● Robert Brown: The Last Five Years (2 casts, with a band), Die Etage Schule für Darstellende Künste
● Learning Elektra (digital scenes version of the opera, with piano), Nikolova-Wyma GbR
● Wagner: Das Rheingold (2 casts + cover cast, with orchestra), Nikolova-Wyma GbR
● Geboren Alma Schindler (theatre piece with music by G. Mahler, world premiere), Berliner Opernverein
● AIDS Quilt Songbook: Berlin edition (world premiere), Berliner Aids-hilfe
● Strauss: Ariadne auf Naxos (3 casts + cover cast, with orchestra), Nikolova-Wyma GbR
● Strauss: Elektra (3 casts + cover cast, with orchestra) , Nikolova-Wyma GbR
● Wagner: Die Walküre (3 casts + cover cast, with orchestra), Nikolova-Wyma GbR
● The Folk Songs Project for soprano & steel drum (world premiere), Deutscher Musikrat
● Wagner: Die Walküre (multi-media film, 3 casts, with piano), Nikolova-Wyma GbR
● Robert Brown: The Last Five Years (2 casts, with a band), Die Etage Schule für Darstellende Künste
● Learning Elektra (digital scenes version of the opera, with piano), Nikolova-Wyma GbR
● Wagner: Das Rheingold (2 casts + cover cast, with orchestra), Nikolova-Wyma GbR
● Geboren Alma Schindler (theatre piece with music by G. Mahler, world premiere), Berliner Opernverein
● AIDS Quilt Songbook: Berlin edition (world premiere), Berliner Aids-hilfe
WORK IN EDUCATION
Teaching, Pedagogy & Student Development
● Delivered individual and group instruction in voice, diction, repertoire, vocal pedagogy, ensemble work, and audition preparation across conservatory, university, private studio, and online settings
● Prepared students for examinations, recitals, staged productions, and professional auditions
● Supported transgender singers through vocal transition and stabilization during hormonal therapy
Stage Direction & Production Practice
● Directed musical theatre productions and scenes programmes
● Created and managed production schedules; fulfilled stage management functions; maintained production documentation; delivered rehearsal and performance notes
● Designed costumes for opera productions
Educational Leadership, Administration & Outreach
● Served as Assistant Chair of a Musical Theatre Department and as Teaching Assistant to the Head of Voice Department, supporting vocal pedagogy instruction
● Designed and led orientation programmes for international students
● Led recruitment initiatives and advanced access and participation for transgender students
Masterclass Faculty
● River Nore Academy of Music, Kilkenny, Ireland, 2026
● IIMS, Balbriggan, Dublin, Ireland, 2026
● Centro Insular de Enseñanzas Musicales (CIEM), Lanzarote, Spain, 2023, 2024
● Scena Kameralna, Wroclaw, Poland, 2018
● Studio Knutson, Berlin, Germany, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022
● Berlin Song Festival, Berlin, Germany, 2017
● Fine Arts Chorale, Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 2007, 2008
Selected Appointments
● Assistant Chair Musical Theatre Department, Die Etage Schule für Darstellende Künste, Berlin, Germany, 2015–2019
● Assistant Stage Director & Costume Designer, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA, 2008–2009
● Vocal Pedagogue, Private studios (Germany, USA, Spain; online), 2003–2025
● Assistant, Head of Voice Department, Longy School of Music of Bard College, Cambridge, MA, USA, 1999–2003
Teaching, Pedagogy & Student Development
● Delivered individual and group instruction in voice, diction, repertoire, vocal pedagogy, ensemble work, and audition preparation across conservatory, university, private studio, and online settings
● Prepared students for examinations, recitals, staged productions, and professional auditions
● Supported transgender singers through vocal transition and stabilization during hormonal therapy
Stage Direction & Production Practice
● Directed musical theatre productions and scenes programmes
● Created and managed production schedules; fulfilled stage management functions; maintained production documentation; delivered rehearsal and performance notes
● Designed costumes for opera productions
Educational Leadership, Administration & Outreach
● Served as Assistant Chair of a Musical Theatre Department and as Teaching Assistant to the Head of Voice Department, supporting vocal pedagogy instruction
● Designed and led orientation programmes for international students
● Led recruitment initiatives and advanced access and participation for transgender students
Masterclass Faculty
● River Nore Academy of Music, Kilkenny, Ireland, 2026
● IIMS, Balbriggan, Dublin, Ireland, 2026
● Centro Insular de Enseñanzas Musicales (CIEM), Lanzarote, Spain, 2023, 2024
● Scena Kameralna, Wroclaw, Poland, 2018
● Studio Knutson, Berlin, Germany, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022
● Berlin Song Festival, Berlin, Germany, 2017
● Fine Arts Chorale, Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 2007, 2008
Selected Appointments
● Assistant Chair Musical Theatre Department, Die Etage Schule für Darstellende Künste, Berlin, Germany, 2015–2019
● Assistant Stage Director & Costume Designer, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA, 2008–2009
● Vocal Pedagogue, Private studios (Germany, USA, Spain; online), 2003–2025
● Assistant, Head of Voice Department, Longy School of Music of Bard College, Cambridge, MA, USA, 1999–2003
AUTHORSHIP & RESEARCH
Authorship, Editorial Leadership & Publication
● Conceived, structured, and authored a comprehensive book addressing the practical and artistic realities of working as a singer in Germany, including development of the full chapter framework, style guide, terminology, and formatting
● Conducted interviews with EU industry leaders and authored articles on a range of sector-related topics
● Managed the full publication process, including verification of legal, financial, and administrative details, and coordination with designers, editors, and reviewers
Research & Sector Analysis
● Conducted extensive research translating complex industry systems into accessible, practical guidance for artists
● Researched immigration pathways, financial planning and taxation, theatre system structures, public funding and financing models, and contractual practices
● Undertook detailed study of the German opera system, including repertoire traditions, casting tendencies, the Fach system, audition processes, management structures, and historical context
● Performed targeted research identifying gaps within the EU arts and cultural labour market
Selected Publications
● Author, Moving to Germany as a Singer: An Exhaustive Guide on All Practical and Artistic Aspects of Moving to, Working and Living in Germany as an Artist, Fach Sisters GbR, Berlin, Germany, forthcoming 2026
● Contributor, CS Music (remote) — quarterly print magazine and monthly online publication, 2024–present
Authorship, Editorial Leadership & Publication
● Conceived, structured, and authored a comprehensive book addressing the practical and artistic realities of working as a singer in Germany, including development of the full chapter framework, style guide, terminology, and formatting
● Conducted interviews with EU industry leaders and authored articles on a range of sector-related topics
● Managed the full publication process, including verification of legal, financial, and administrative details, and coordination with designers, editors, and reviewers
Research & Sector Analysis
● Conducted extensive research translating complex industry systems into accessible, practical guidance for artists
● Researched immigration pathways, financial planning and taxation, theatre system structures, public funding and financing models, and contractual practices
● Undertook detailed study of the German opera system, including repertoire traditions, casting tendencies, the Fach system, audition processes, management structures, and historical context
● Performed targeted research identifying gaps within the EU arts and cultural labour market
Selected Publications
● Author, Moving to Germany as a Singer: An Exhaustive Guide on All Practical and Artistic Aspects of Moving to, Working and Living in Germany as an Artist, Fach Sisters GbR, Berlin, Germany, forthcoming 2026
● Contributor, CS Music (remote) — quarterly print magazine and monthly online publication, 2024–present
MUSIC LEADERSHIP
Music Director & Choral Conductor, Swedenborg Chapel, MA, USA, 1999-2003
A vibrant worship and learning congregation opening its doors to various denominations.
● Selected music; led weekly and all High Holiday services and rehearsals; conducted choirs
● Hired and supervised all music personnel
● Managed music budget, accounting, administration, and outreach
● Recruited volunteer instrumentalists from the congregation
● Established and led community initiatives: a free Sunday concert series, children's choir, amateur choir
Music Director & Choral Conductor, Swedenborg Chapel, MA, USA, 1999-2003
A vibrant worship and learning congregation opening its doors to various denominations.
● Selected music; led weekly and all High Holiday services and rehearsals; conducted choirs
● Hired and supervised all music personnel
● Managed music budget, accounting, administration, and outreach
● Recruited volunteer instrumentalists from the congregation
● Established and led community initiatives: a free Sunday concert series, children's choir, amateur choir
PERFORMANCE (w) - World premiere, (e) - European premiere, (s) - staged
Staged Works
2025, BARBER: Knoxville Summer of 1915 (s), SOLOIST, Bürgersaal Zehlendorf, Zehlendorf, Germany
2022, BARTÓK: Bluebeard’s Castle, JUDITH, Grimeborn Opera Festival, London, United Kingdom
2021, LARSON: Try me, good King! (s), SOLOIST, The Ballery Ensemble, Berlin, Germany, cancelled COV19
2018, DICKENS: A Christmas Carol, CAROLER, Berlin English Repertory Theatre, Berlin, Germany
2018, WAGNER: Das Rheingold, WOGLINDE, Berliner Wagner Gruppe, Berlin, Germany
2018, WAGNER, Lohengrin, ELSA, Berliner Wagner Gruppe, Berlin, Germany
2017, STRAUSS: Ariadne auf Naxos, ARIADNE, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh United Kingdom
2017, MOZART: Don Giovanni, DONNA ANNA, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
2014, BRITTEN: Turn of the Screw, GOVERNESS, Opera Seria, Manchester, United Kingdom
2011, PERGOLESI: La serva padrona, SERPINA, Berliner Philharmonie, Berlin, Germany
2008, BIZET: Carmen, MICAËLA, Central Florida Lyric Opera, Orlando, FL, USA
2009, VERDI: La Traviata, VIOLETTA, Fine Arts Chorale & Orchestra, Waltham, MA, USA
2005, VERDI: La Traviata, VIOLETTA, Central Florida Lyric Opera, Orlando, FL, USA
2004, LEONCAVALLO: Pagliacci, NEDDA, Central Florida Lyric Opera, Orlando, FL, USA
2004, BIZET: Carmen, MICAËLA, Central Florida Lyric Opera, Orlando, FL, USA
2003, MOZART: Le Nozze di Figaro, CONTESSA, Central Florida Lyric Opera, Orlando, FL, USA
New Works & Premieres
2023, VARIOUS: The Folk Songs Project for soprano & steel drum (w), Deutscher Musikrat, Neue Start Kultur Grant, Germany
2020, VARIOUS: The Life of a Woman (w), DEUTSCHE FRAU, Goethe Institut Grant, Tour, Germany, UK, India, cancelled COV19
2019, MAHLER: Geboren Alma Schindler (s, w), ANNA VON MILDENBURG, Berliner Opern Verein, Berlin, Germany
2018, VARIOUS: Multi-discipline: AIDS Quilt Songbook (s, w), SOLOIST Berliner Aids-hilfe, Berlin, Germany
2018, GALEANO: Pathologies Of The Image Installation (s, w), SOLOIST Grimmuseum, Berlin, Germany
2015, DJUPSTROM: hree Teasdale Songs (e), Specs On - International Music Festival, Berlin, Germany
2015, ELLIS: One Act Multimedia Opera: Darling (w), DARLING, One of Us Foundation, London, United Kingdom
2013, AGHABABIAN: Songs of the Swallow (w), National Radio Emerging Artists Recording, Bulgaria
2008, AGHABABIAN: Ernste Stunde: For Soprano & Orchestra (w), Pickman Hall, Cambridge, MA, USA
2008, HENNING: Matthew’s Passion (w), SOLOIST, Tremont Street Cathedral, Boston, MA, USA
2009, GILLIGAN: Cabaret Songs (w), Pickman Hall, Cambridge, MA, USA
2005, SAWYER: Our President (w), CHAMBER MEMBER, Composers in Red Sneakers, Boston, MA, USA
Cantatas & Oratorios
2022, MOZART: Requiem, SOLOIST, Berliner Dom, Berlin, Germany
2020, FAURÉ: Requiem, SOLOIST, Solanim Ensemble, Tour Germany, cancelled COV19
2019, HÄNDEL: Messiah, SOLOIST, Brandenburgisches Orchester, Tour, Germany
2017, MOZART: Requiem, SOLOIST, Berliner Dom, Berlin, Germany
2016, BACH, J.S.: Ich geh und suche mit Verlangen, SOLOIST, Galerieforum am Meer, Berlin, Germany
2012, HÄNDEL: L'Allegro, il Pensieroso ed il Moderato, IL PENSIOROSO, Berliner Philharmonie, Berlin, Germany
2012, MOZART: Requiem, SOLOIST, Berliner Philharmonie, Berlin, Germany
2011, PERGOLESI: Stabat Mater, SOLOIST, Berliner Philharmonie, Berlin, Germany
2011, MOZART: Exsultate, jubilate, SOLOIST, Berliner Philharmonie, Berlin, Germany
2011, BACH, J.S,: Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen, SOLOIST, Berliner Philharmonie, Berlin, Germany
2010, BACH, J.S.: Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen, SOLOIST, Berliner Philharmonie, Berlin, Germany
2010, BACH, J.S.: Missa Brevis in A, SOLOIST, Fine Arts Chorale & Orchestra, Waltham, MA, USA
2010, BACH, J.S.: Magnificat in D, SOLOIST, Fine Arts Chorale & Orchestra, Waltham, MA, USA
2010, MOZART: Requiem, SOLOIST, Fine Arts Chorale & Orchestra, Waltham, MA, USA
2009, BACH, J.S.: Mein Herze schwimmt im Blut, SOLOIST, Old North Church Chorus & Orchestra, Boston, MA, USA
2007, BACH, J.S.: Weihnachtsoratorium, SOLOIST, Old North Church Chorus & Orchestra, Boston, MA, USA
2004, HÄNDEL: Messiah, SOLOIST, College Park Chamber Orchestra, Orlando, FL, USA
2004, DUBOIS: The Last Words of Christ, SOLOIST, College Park Chamber Orchestra, Orlando, FL, USA
Concert Work
2026, STRAUSS: Vier letzte Lieder, Lanzarote Ensemble Orchestra, Lanzarote, Spain
2026, VARIOUS: Harlots & Queens (s), a program of female living composers, Inniss-Filardo Duo, National Tour & Recording, Ireland
2024, LISZT: Tre Sonetti di Petrarca, Jameo del Agua, Lanzarote, Lanzarote, Las Palmas, Spain
2024, VARIOUS: Rachmaninoff Songs, Jameo del Agua, Lanzarote, Lanzarote, Las Palmas, Spain
2022, VARIOUS: Liederabend, Schwartzsche Villa, Steglitz-Zehlendorf, Germany
2021, BERG: Sieben frühe Lieder (livestream), Studio Knutson, Steglitz, Germany
2021, VARIOUS: Save The Children Fundraiser (livestream), Studio Knutson, Steglitz, Germany
2021, VARIOUS: Liederabend, Bürgersaal Zehlendorf, Zehlendorf, Germany
2020, VARIOUS: CoronaCare Fundraiser Liederabend (livestream), Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler, Berlin, Germany
2020, VARIOUS: Italian Madness, Studio Knutson, Berlin, Germany, cancelled COV19
2020, VARIOUS: Liederabend, Studio Knutson, Berlin, Germany, cancelled COV19
2019, VARIOUS: Italian Opera Gala, Scena Kameralna, Wroclaw, Polen
2019, MAHLER: Rückert Lieder, Berlin Song Festival, Berlin, Germany
2019, STRAUSS: Vier letzte Lieder, Berlin Song Festival, Berlin, Germany
2017, VERDI: Viva Verdi! Opera Gala, Scena Kameralna, Wroclaw, Polen
2017, GRIFFES: Three Poems of Fiona MacLeod, Music-At-Hill Concert Series, London, United Kingdom
2016, VERDI: Viva Verdi! Opera Gala TV Broadcast, Teatr Zdrojowy, Szczawnie-Zdroj, Poland
2016, STRAUSS: Vier letzte Lieder, Walbrook Music Trust, London, United Kingdom
2014, STRAUSS: Vier letzte Lieder, Music Festival Schloss Kirchberg an der Jagst, Germany
2014, VILLA-LOBOS: Bachianas Brasilieras No.5, Music Festival Schloss Kirchberg an der Jagst, Germany
2014, TAVENER: Akhmatova Songs, Chamber Music Festival, Basel & Fribourg, Switzerland
2014, BERG: Sieben frühe Lieder, Music Festival Schloss Kirchberg an der Jagst, Germany
2014, SHOSTAKOVICH: 7 Romances on Alexander Blok Poems, Music Festival Schloss Kirchberg an der Jagst, Germany
Staged Works
2025, BARBER: Knoxville Summer of 1915 (s), SOLOIST, Bürgersaal Zehlendorf, Zehlendorf, Germany
2022, BARTÓK: Bluebeard’s Castle, JUDITH, Grimeborn Opera Festival, London, United Kingdom
2021, LARSON: Try me, good King! (s), SOLOIST, The Ballery Ensemble, Berlin, Germany, cancelled COV19
2018, DICKENS: A Christmas Carol, CAROLER, Berlin English Repertory Theatre, Berlin, Germany
2018, WAGNER: Das Rheingold, WOGLINDE, Berliner Wagner Gruppe, Berlin, Germany
2018, WAGNER, Lohengrin, ELSA, Berliner Wagner Gruppe, Berlin, Germany
2017, STRAUSS: Ariadne auf Naxos, ARIADNE, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh United Kingdom
2017, MOZART: Don Giovanni, DONNA ANNA, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
2014, BRITTEN: Turn of the Screw, GOVERNESS, Opera Seria, Manchester, United Kingdom
2011, PERGOLESI: La serva padrona, SERPINA, Berliner Philharmonie, Berlin, Germany
2008, BIZET: Carmen, MICAËLA, Central Florida Lyric Opera, Orlando, FL, USA
2009, VERDI: La Traviata, VIOLETTA, Fine Arts Chorale & Orchestra, Waltham, MA, USA
2005, VERDI: La Traviata, VIOLETTA, Central Florida Lyric Opera, Orlando, FL, USA
2004, LEONCAVALLO: Pagliacci, NEDDA, Central Florida Lyric Opera, Orlando, FL, USA
2004, BIZET: Carmen, MICAËLA, Central Florida Lyric Opera, Orlando, FL, USA
2003, MOZART: Le Nozze di Figaro, CONTESSA, Central Florida Lyric Opera, Orlando, FL, USA
New Works & Premieres
2023, VARIOUS: The Folk Songs Project for soprano & steel drum (w), Deutscher Musikrat, Neue Start Kultur Grant, Germany
2020, VARIOUS: The Life of a Woman (w), DEUTSCHE FRAU, Goethe Institut Grant, Tour, Germany, UK, India, cancelled COV19
2019, MAHLER: Geboren Alma Schindler (s, w), ANNA VON MILDENBURG, Berliner Opern Verein, Berlin, Germany
2018, VARIOUS: Multi-discipline: AIDS Quilt Songbook (s, w), SOLOIST Berliner Aids-hilfe, Berlin, Germany
2018, GALEANO: Pathologies Of The Image Installation (s, w), SOLOIST Grimmuseum, Berlin, Germany
2015, DJUPSTROM: hree Teasdale Songs (e), Specs On - International Music Festival, Berlin, Germany
2015, ELLIS: One Act Multimedia Opera: Darling (w), DARLING, One of Us Foundation, London, United Kingdom
2013, AGHABABIAN: Songs of the Swallow (w), National Radio Emerging Artists Recording, Bulgaria
2008, AGHABABIAN: Ernste Stunde: For Soprano & Orchestra (w), Pickman Hall, Cambridge, MA, USA
2008, HENNING: Matthew’s Passion (w), SOLOIST, Tremont Street Cathedral, Boston, MA, USA
2009, GILLIGAN: Cabaret Songs (w), Pickman Hall, Cambridge, MA, USA
2005, SAWYER: Our President (w), CHAMBER MEMBER, Composers in Red Sneakers, Boston, MA, USA
Cantatas & Oratorios
2022, MOZART: Requiem, SOLOIST, Berliner Dom, Berlin, Germany
2020, FAURÉ: Requiem, SOLOIST, Solanim Ensemble, Tour Germany, cancelled COV19
2019, HÄNDEL: Messiah, SOLOIST, Brandenburgisches Orchester, Tour, Germany
2017, MOZART: Requiem, SOLOIST, Berliner Dom, Berlin, Germany
2016, BACH, J.S.: Ich geh und suche mit Verlangen, SOLOIST, Galerieforum am Meer, Berlin, Germany
2012, HÄNDEL: L'Allegro, il Pensieroso ed il Moderato, IL PENSIOROSO, Berliner Philharmonie, Berlin, Germany
2012, MOZART: Requiem, SOLOIST, Berliner Philharmonie, Berlin, Germany
2011, PERGOLESI: Stabat Mater, SOLOIST, Berliner Philharmonie, Berlin, Germany
2011, MOZART: Exsultate, jubilate, SOLOIST, Berliner Philharmonie, Berlin, Germany
2011, BACH, J.S,: Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen, SOLOIST, Berliner Philharmonie, Berlin, Germany
2010, BACH, J.S.: Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen, SOLOIST, Berliner Philharmonie, Berlin, Germany
2010, BACH, J.S.: Missa Brevis in A, SOLOIST, Fine Arts Chorale & Orchestra, Waltham, MA, USA
2010, BACH, J.S.: Magnificat in D, SOLOIST, Fine Arts Chorale & Orchestra, Waltham, MA, USA
2010, MOZART: Requiem, SOLOIST, Fine Arts Chorale & Orchestra, Waltham, MA, USA
2009, BACH, J.S.: Mein Herze schwimmt im Blut, SOLOIST, Old North Church Chorus & Orchestra, Boston, MA, USA
2007, BACH, J.S.: Weihnachtsoratorium, SOLOIST, Old North Church Chorus & Orchestra, Boston, MA, USA
2004, HÄNDEL: Messiah, SOLOIST, College Park Chamber Orchestra, Orlando, FL, USA
2004, DUBOIS: The Last Words of Christ, SOLOIST, College Park Chamber Orchestra, Orlando, FL, USA
Concert Work
2026, STRAUSS: Vier letzte Lieder, Lanzarote Ensemble Orchestra, Lanzarote, Spain
2026, VARIOUS: Harlots & Queens (s), a program of female living composers, Inniss-Filardo Duo, National Tour & Recording, Ireland
2024, LISZT: Tre Sonetti di Petrarca, Jameo del Agua, Lanzarote, Lanzarote, Las Palmas, Spain
2024, VARIOUS: Rachmaninoff Songs, Jameo del Agua, Lanzarote, Lanzarote, Las Palmas, Spain
2022, VARIOUS: Liederabend, Schwartzsche Villa, Steglitz-Zehlendorf, Germany
2021, BERG: Sieben frühe Lieder (livestream), Studio Knutson, Steglitz, Germany
2021, VARIOUS: Save The Children Fundraiser (livestream), Studio Knutson, Steglitz, Germany
2021, VARIOUS: Liederabend, Bürgersaal Zehlendorf, Zehlendorf, Germany
2020, VARIOUS: CoronaCare Fundraiser Liederabend (livestream), Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler, Berlin, Germany
2020, VARIOUS: Italian Madness, Studio Knutson, Berlin, Germany, cancelled COV19
2020, VARIOUS: Liederabend, Studio Knutson, Berlin, Germany, cancelled COV19
2019, VARIOUS: Italian Opera Gala, Scena Kameralna, Wroclaw, Polen
2019, MAHLER: Rückert Lieder, Berlin Song Festival, Berlin, Germany
2019, STRAUSS: Vier letzte Lieder, Berlin Song Festival, Berlin, Germany
2017, VERDI: Viva Verdi! Opera Gala, Scena Kameralna, Wroclaw, Polen
2017, GRIFFES: Three Poems of Fiona MacLeod, Music-At-Hill Concert Series, London, United Kingdom
2016, VERDI: Viva Verdi! Opera Gala TV Broadcast, Teatr Zdrojowy, Szczawnie-Zdroj, Poland
2016, STRAUSS: Vier letzte Lieder, Walbrook Music Trust, London, United Kingdom
2014, STRAUSS: Vier letzte Lieder, Music Festival Schloss Kirchberg an der Jagst, Germany
2014, VILLA-LOBOS: Bachianas Brasilieras No.5, Music Festival Schloss Kirchberg an der Jagst, Germany
2014, TAVENER: Akhmatova Songs, Chamber Music Festival, Basel & Fribourg, Switzerland
2014, BERG: Sieben frühe Lieder, Music Festival Schloss Kirchberg an der Jagst, Germany
2014, SHOSTAKOVICH: 7 Romances on Alexander Blok Poems, Music Festival Schloss Kirchberg an der Jagst, Germany
GRANTS, AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS
2024, CACT Artist Grant, Centro de Arte, Cultura y Turismo, Lanzarote, Spain
2023, Dezentrale Kulturarbeit Grant, Reinickendorf Kunst, Berlin, Germany
2022, Neue Start Kultur Grant, Deutscher Musikrat, Germany
2021, Neue Start Kultur Grant, Deutscher Musikrat, Germany
2018, Scholarship Recipient under the tutelage of Angelika Kirchschlager, Meisterklassen Gutenstein, Gutenstein, Austria
2017, Scholarship Recipient under the tutelage of Angelika Kirchschlager, Meisterklassen Gutenstein, Gutenstein, Austria
2015, Scholarship Recipient, Crear Masterclass Residency, Scotland, United Kingdom
2024, CACT Artist Grant, Centro de Arte, Cultura y Turismo, Lanzarote, Spain
2023, Dezentrale Kulturarbeit Grant, Reinickendorf Kunst, Berlin, Germany
2022, Neue Start Kultur Grant, Deutscher Musikrat, Germany
2021, Neue Start Kultur Grant, Deutscher Musikrat, Germany
2018, Scholarship Recipient under the tutelage of Angelika Kirchschlager, Meisterklassen Gutenstein, Gutenstein, Austria
2017, Scholarship Recipient under the tutelage of Angelika Kirchschlager, Meisterklassen Gutenstein, Gutenstein, Austria
2015, Scholarship Recipient, Crear Masterclass Residency, Scotland, United Kingdom
EDUCATION
BA in Vocal Pedagogy, Plovdiv Conservatory of the Arts, Plovdiv, Bulgaria, exp. 2026
Mass Eye & Ear Infirmary Scholarship Recipient - Massachusetts General Hospital, Vocal Lab, Boston, MA, USA, 2005-2007
Resident Artist - Central Florida Lyric Opera Young Artist Program, Orlando, Florida, USA, 2003-2005
Undergraduate, Voice Performance (Janet Irving Award) - Longy School of Music of Bard College, MA, USA, 1999-2003
Percussion studies - Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA, USA, 1998-1999
BA in Vocal Pedagogy, Plovdiv Conservatory of the Arts, Plovdiv, Bulgaria, exp. 2026
Mass Eye & Ear Infirmary Scholarship Recipient - Massachusetts General Hospital, Vocal Lab, Boston, MA, USA, 2005-2007
Resident Artist - Central Florida Lyric Opera Young Artist Program, Orlando, Florida, USA, 2003-2005
Undergraduate, Voice Performance (Janet Irving Award) - Longy School of Music of Bard College, MA, USA, 1999-2003
Percussion studies - Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA, USA, 1998-1999
LANGUAGES
Native - English, Bulgarian
Working Knowledge - German (A2), Russian (A2)
Basic Knowledge - Italian (A1)
Additional Linguistic Expertise - Overall comprehension of Slavic languages, Phonetics, poetry analysis, and diction studies in: French, Catalan, Latin, Czech, Armenian
DIGITAL & TECHNICAL SKILLS
Productivity & Collaboration: Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, Mac & iOS, PC
Communications, Marketing & Platforms: Canva, Trello, Notion, Brevo, Mailchimp, Zoom, Web & E-commerce, Weebly, SquareOne, Wix
AI & Emerging Tools: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini
SOCIAL & DIGITAL CHANNELS
TikTok, Instagram, Threads, Facebook & Meta Business Suite, X, YouTube, LinkedIn, Discord
Native - English, Bulgarian
Working Knowledge - German (A2), Russian (A2)
Basic Knowledge - Italian (A1)
Additional Linguistic Expertise - Overall comprehension of Slavic languages, Phonetics, poetry analysis, and diction studies in: French, Catalan, Latin, Czech, Armenian
DIGITAL & TECHNICAL SKILLS
Productivity & Collaboration: Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, Mac & iOS, PC
Communications, Marketing & Platforms: Canva, Trello, Notion, Brevo, Mailchimp, Zoom, Web & E-commerce, Weebly, SquareOne, Wix
AI & Emerging Tools: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini
SOCIAL & DIGITAL CHANNELS
TikTok, Instagram, Threads, Facebook & Meta Business Suite, X, YouTube, LinkedIn, Discord
