Berkshire Choral International has appointed its new artistic leadership team to succeed Music Director Frank Nemhauser, who is retiring from BCI after 38 seasons. Steven Smith, BCI’s President & CEO, stated, “As a stellar musician and human, Frank has literally defined the essence of the Berkshire Choral experience. As we thought about his succession plan, expanding the artistic team will help ensure we can continue to deliver world-class programs to our amateur singers as well as plan and innovate for the future.” Nemhauser, who retires August 2024 will take on the honorary role of Music Director Emeritus.

Dr. Anthony Trecek-King will step into the new role of Artistic Director, providing leadership to the organization for strategic direction and long-term artistic vision. Trecek-King will also advise on annual programming and repertoire selection and will be seen on the podium regularly as part of BCI’s rotating guest conductor roster. Anthony Trecek-King is a highly acclaimed choral conductor, scholar, pedagogue, and media personality with a career spanning over 20 years. He serves as a Resident Conductor (chorus) with Boston’s Handel and Haydn Society. As a conductor and clinician Trecek-King has worked with a variety of artists and ensembles including the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, The Houston Chamber Choir, Seraphic Fire, and Roomful of Teeth. He holds a B.M. in Cello Performance from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, an M.M. in Orchestral Conducting from Florida State University, and a D.M.A. in Choral Conducting from Boston University.

About the new role, Trecek-King said, “I’m thrilled to join the team at Berkshire Choral International, where I will strive to continue our mission of broadening singers’ horizons through musical and cultural exploration. I aim to build on the impactful legacy of Frank Nemhauser and others before me. Together, we’ll leverage the transformative power of music to inspire and unify a new generation of singers.”

Dr. Sean Taylor will be expanding his role at BCI, taking on the Director of Music position, having served as a frequent BCI faculty member over the past decade. In this role, Taylor will lead chorister education at all in-person programs, oversee artistic administration duties, and supervise music faculty and BCI’s acclaimed Apprentice Program. He is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley where he conducts the Master Chorale and Chamber Singers.  Taylor is also conductor of the Valley Symphony Orchestra Chorale in McAllen, TX, artistic director of Alium Spiritum, a vocal quartet based in Brownsville, TX and director of traditional music at First Methodist Church in Harlingen, TX. Taylor is also an alumnus of BCI’s Apprentice Program.

Taylor said, “Berkshire Choral International has been a cornerstone of my musical life for 17 years.  This summer, one BCI concert will feature Elgar’s The Music Makers, which includes Arthur O’Shaughnessy’s words ‘A breath of our inspiration Is the life of each generation’. Frank Nemhauser’s wit and wisdom inspired countless choristers, apprentices, faculty members, and conductors at BCI.  As Director of Music, I look forward to being part of his legacy by inspiring musicians to bring their very best to BCI.”

Both positions will begin effective September, 2024. Smith added, “We’re so excited to add Anthony and Sean to the team. Over the past three years BCI’s enrollment has grown by 30% and I know they will help us continue our expansion with new ideas, music, and connections as we reach the next generation of choral music singers.”