Vocal Piano & Interpretation
John Churchwell enjoys a career on the concert stage as well as in the nation's leading opera houses. Formerly associated with Seattle Opera, the Wolf Trap Opera Company, Berkshire Opera, the Minnesota Opera, and the Minnesota Orchestra, he is an assistant conductor for the Metropolitan Opera and San Francisco Opera. 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 upcoming 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 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 a doctorate from the University of Minnesota and holds a bachelor of music degree in piano from New England Conservatory, a bachelor's degree in French from Tufts University, and a master of music degree in accompaniment from the University of Minnesota.
He has been a member of the Music Academy faculty since 2000.