Artists in Residence

The Rockefeller Chapel Choir, directed by James Kallembach, is vocally anchored by artists in residence, who serve as section leaders and as soloists at concerts, ceremonies, and services.

Our 2023–24 Vocal Artists in Residence are Bethany Battafarano, Tiana Sorenson, Lauren Randolph, Matthew Dean, Keith Murphy, and Ian Morris. Biographies are below as they become available.

A tenor “setting the tone” (Pittsburgh Music Alliance) with “affecting line” (Boston Classical Review), Matthew Dean is a sought-after soloist, collaborator, and storyteller in ensembles and oratorios nationwide. As resident artist at Chicago’s Rockefeller Chapel since 2005, critic John von Rhein has praised his “firm vocalism and beautiful timbre.” As a Bach Evangelist, he has been called “stirring, always attuned to the narrative content” (Chicago Classical Review) with the Haymarket Opera Orchestra.

A University of Chicago-trained medievalist and folklorist acknowledged for “ringing sound, cantorial fluency, and elegance,” Mr. Dean has studied in Spain and Siberia, and served on faculty of the Madison Early Music Festival. He appears and records with The Newberry Consort, The Rose Ensemble, Bella Voce, Transept, and His Majesty’s Men. Building arts organizations and community, he is founding managing director for Naxos artist Schola Antiqua of Chicago and vocal ensemble The Rookery. He additionally serves as executive director of the Sounds of Faith initiative at the interfaith Harran Productions Foundation.

In 2021–22, Vocal Artists-in-Residence were soprano Elisabeth Marshall, mezzo Lauren Randolph, tenors Matthew Dean and Keith Murphy, and baritone Ian Morris, with special guest bass Mark Haddad.

In 2019–20, professional artists also included Keith Murphy, soprano Kaitlin Foley, countertenor Carl Alexander, and baritone / conducting associate Will Myers, a prior choral scholarship recipient.

Prior Rockefeller Artists-in-Residence include Andrew Schultze, Michael Hawes, Vince Wallace, Ann Vikstrom, Lon Ellenberger, Lindsey Adams Frank, Stephanie Schoenhofer, and Hyun-Suk Jang.