Vocal Piano & Interpretation
In August John Churchwell will become the new head of music for San Francisco Opera. Prior to this appointment, he served as an assistant conductor for both the Metropolitan Opera and San Francisco Opera for 14 years. Mr. Churchwell has worked on more than 80 productions with such conductors as James Levine, Nello Santi, Nicola Luisotti, Donald Runicles, and Sir Charles Mackerras. A champion of American music, Mr. Churchwell has participated in the world premieres of John Harbison's The Great Gatsby, Jake Heggie's Dead Man Walking, Phillip Glass' Appomattox, and the recent collaboration between Stewart Wallace and Amy Tan, The Bonesetter's Daughter.
On the recital stage, Mr. Churchwell has partnered with some of today's most sought-after vocalists, including Joyce DiDonato, Diana Damrau, Carol Vaness, Dawn Upshaw, David Pittsinger, Patricia Schuman, and Jill Grove. He also appears regularly in chamber music concerts with members of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.
Mr. Churchwell earned his doctorate from the University of Minnesota and holds a bachelor of music degree in piano from the New England Conservatory, a bachelor of arts degree in French from Tufts University, and a master of music degree in accompanying from the University of Minnesota.
He has been a member of the Music Academy faculty since 2000.