Kantorei Members
Kantorei draws its singers from state and national universities' finest choral alumni, and most of our singers are professional musicians or have degrees in vocal music.
Kantorei Singers
Singers' names link to brief biographies, below.
Kantorei Board of Directors
- Lynn LeMoine – President
- Raj Chaphalkar – Vice President
- Maggie Akhavan – Treasurer
- Kimberly Kuhl – Recording Manager
- Tom Vacek – Singer Liason
- Rachel Whitman – Marketing Manager
- Chad King – Database Manager
Kantorei Singers' Brief Biographies
Maggie Akhavan, alto,
joined Kantorei in 1994. She is from Ridgewood, NJ, and has a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Randolph-Macon Woman's College. She currently works in Worship Arts Sales at Augsburg Fortress Publishers, and has been married for 29 years to a graphic arts/web design guru. She has three daughters who share her love of music, but no longer share her house.
Michelle Amundson, alto,
joined Kantorei in 2000. She is from Grygla, MN, and has a B.A. in English and German with a minor in History from Bemidji State University, and an M.A. in English from St. Cloud State University. She is currently Senior Marketing Specialist for Jostens' OurHubbub group, and enjoys writing, photography, and spending time with Fletcher, her Welsh Corgi.
Michelle Blaeser, alto,
is a founding member of Kantorei. She is from Robbinsdale, MN, and has a B.A. from the College of St. Benedict, and an M.D. from the University of MN Medical School. She is currently a physician (dermatology) at Park Nicollet Clinic, and enjoys running, horseback riding, gardening, theatre, concerts, and spending time with her husband Ed, children Emma and Max, cats Nero and C.J., and bird named "Birdbrain."
Bill Blatzheim, bass,
joined Kantorei in 2008. He is from Apple Valley, MN, and has a B.A. in Vocal/Classroom Music Ed from St. John's University. He is currently Interim Assistant Vocal Music Director at Apple Valley High School, and directs the AVHS "JazzSingers." He enjoys arranging music, and is an active jazz piano and vocal solo performer.
Raj Chaphalkar, tenor,
joined Kantorei in 2008. He is from Lansing, MI, and holds a B.A. in vocal music from St. John's University. He is an alumnus of the National Catholic Youth Choir and the Lansing Eastern High School Varsity Swim Team. He works at the public relations firm Padilla Speer Beardsley, has a twin brother, and is a fan of Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
Anne Cowles, soprano,
joined Kantorei in 2007. She is from Apple Valley, MN, and holds a B.A. in music from The College of St. Benedict. She is currently working as a full-time Account Executive at Venture Bank in Eagan. In addition, Anne is a voice teacher at Son-Sheim Music School, a waitress for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and a voice student of Lila Olson.
Marlene Dingmann, soprano,
joined Kantorei in 1997. She is from Cold Spring, MN, and has a B.A. from the College of St. Benedict, and an M.A. from St. Mary's University. She is an elementary music specialist with the Sartell-St. Stephen School District, and enjoys hunting, fishing, and volunteering with her dogs at Assumption Nursing home in Cold Spring and the St. Cloud Hospital. She is married and has four Golden Retrievers who are named after jazz musicians.
Stephanie Dunkirk, alto,
joined Kantorei this season. She is from Fargo, ND, and holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Minnesota State University – Moorhead. Stephanie currently works at the probate collections firm DCM Services as a client services liaison, has no children (but two cats and a niece), is a part-time amateur (or immature) comedian and rabid sports fan.
Jessica Edwards, soprano,
joined Kantorei in 2000. She is from Hoople, ND, and has a Physics degree from Gustavus Adolphus College, and an Electrical Engineering degree from the University of MN. She is currently working as an Electrical Engineer, and enjoys spending time with her husband, dog, four kittens, and over 20 chickens. Jessica is the "farm-fresh" egg supplier to Kantorei.
Mathew Ferche, tenor,
joined Kantorei in 2003. He holds a B.A. in Music Ed from St. John’s University, and taught middle school choir and music for three years. He is currently a law student at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. He also plays the oboe.
Karen Frericks, alto,
joined choir in 1989 – one year after the founding. She is from New Ulm, MN, and has a B.A. in Music and English from the College of St. Benedict. She is currently a Travel Planner for BI, enjoys reading, and claims to be addicted to several computer games. Karen is the proud aunt of four nieces and two nephews — all with great voices!
Vern Hamberg, tenor,
joined Kantorei in 2000. He is from South St. Paul, MN, and has a B.A. in Music and Mathematics from the University of MN. He is currently a Software Architect at RJS Software Systems in Burnsville. Vern enjoys reading, crossword puzzles, music, and spending time with his children, Paul and Ruth, and his wise cat, Smoky.
Stacie Handahl, soprano,
joined Kantorei in 2009. She is from St. Cloud, MN, and has a B.A. in International Management with an emphasis in Spanish from Gustavus Adolphus College. She currently is employed at the General Mills World Headquarters in Golden Valley. In her free time, Stacie enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, traveling, any outdoor activities, and going up north to the cabin.
Chris Jacobson, bass,
joined Kantorei in 2002. He is from Montevideo, MN, and has a B.A. in voice performance and music education from St. John's University. He is currently Director of Vocal Music at Cretin-Derham Hall. Chris enjoys hiking, swimming, serving in choir and as a cantor at the Basilica of St. Mary, and is a mean MarioKarter on Wii.
John Kelly, Bass Section Leader,
is a founding member of Kantorei. He is from Simsbury, CT, and has a B.A. in Music from St. John's University, and an MD from the University of MN Medical School. He is currently a pediatrician. John enjoys music, travel, reading, waterskiing, and dining out.
Mary Kremer, alto,
joined Kantorei in 1991. She is from St. Cloud, MN, and holds a BS in Physical Therapy from the College of St. Benedict and the Mayo School of Health Related Sciences, and a Masters in Manual Therapy from the Scollandets Institute. She is currently a Physical Therapist at the Institute for Athletic Medicine.
Kim Kuhl, soprano,
joined Kantorei in 2007. She is from Kearney, NE, and has a B.A. in Music with an emphasis in vocal performance and a minor in management from the College of St. Benedict. She is currently a Veterans Service Representative for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. She studies voice with George Smith, is soprano section leader at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Golden Valley, and enjoys singing, relaxing, and spending time with her husband Brian.
Lynn LeMoine, Soprano and Board President,
joined Kantorei in 1996. She is from Cross Plains, WI, and has degrees in German and Vocal Performance from Lawrence University, and an M.M. in Vocal Performance from Kansas State University. She is currently a Law Student at Hamline University School of Law (expected graduation May 2011). She enjoys camping, watching football (the Packers), and spending time with her husband Jeff, three daughters (Katrina, Mariah, Lydia), and cat named Sam. Lynn and Jeff's garage is the Oktoberfest capital of the Twin Cities.
Melanie McIvor, soprano,
joined Kantorei in 2001. She is from Golden Valley, MN, and has a B.A. in Music Education and a minor in Spanish from Gustavus Adolphus College, and a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning degree to be completed in 2009. She is an elementary music specialist at Clear Spring Elementary School in the Minnetonka School District, and is the director of the Tonka District Girls' Choir. Melanie enjoys the Packers, scrapbooking, US Weekly celebrity league, jogging, and spending time with her husband and their parrot, Maynard.
Kimberly Meisten, Alto
joined Kantorei in 2008. She is from Maple Grove, MN, and has a B.A. in Music with a minor in Math from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA, and an M.A. in History Museum Studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program at the State University of NY at Oneonta. She is currently Director of Community Engagement at VocalEssence, and enjoys reading, biking, cross-country skiing, movies, swimming, crocheting, and her cat Henry
Chris Milani, Tenor Section Leader,
joined Kantorei in 2004. He is from Hibbing, MN, and has a Bachelor and Master of Civil Engineering degree from the University of MN. He is currently a Structural Engineer with MBJ Consulting Structural Engineers, Inc. He spends much of his free time decorating his new house. Chris is an accomplished concert pianist, and enjoys playing with his cat, Pippin.
Cynthia Mortensen, alto,
returned to Kantorei this year, having sung previously with them during the 1996-97 season. Originally from Saint Paul, MN, she holds a B.A. in Organ Performance from the College of St. Catherine and a teaching certificate from the University of St. Thomas. Cynthia currently serves as Minister of Music at First Congregational Church of Minnesota, UCC, and teaches voice and piano. She enjoys gardening, reading, and playing with her dog, Ellie.
Gloria Narabrook, soprano,
joined Kantorei in 2008. She is from Colorado Springs, CO, and has a B.A. in Political Science and Russian Literature from St. Olaf College. She is currently working for the MN Reading Corps program (an AmeriCorps program) as a Literacy Coordinator at the World Cultures magnet school in St. Paul. She enjoys hiking, biking, canoeing, reading, birdwatching, and spending time with her husband Jeff and kitties Bart and Willa.
John O'Brien, tenor,
joined Kantorei in 2004. He is from Worthington, MN, and has a B.A. from Augustana College, an M. Phil from Trinity College in Dublin, and a Ph.D from the University of Minnesota. He is currently Acting President of Century College and enjoys spending time with his spouse, Kathryn, and children, Nathan, Alex, and Thessaly.
David Pierce, bass,
joined Kantorei in 2005. He is from McFarland, WI, and holds a B.A. in music from Luther College in Decorah, IA. He is currently a purchaser at Quality Bicycle Products. David is married, and has also sung with the Minnesota Opera.
Katie Pearson, soprano,
joined Kantorei in 2002. She is from Duluth, MN, and has a B.A. in Music Education from Gustavus Adolphus College, and an M.A. in Vocal Music Education from the University of St. Thomas. She is Choral Director at Friendly Hills Middle School and Henry Sibley High School, and enjoys outdoor camping, hiking, and running with her Border Collie, Daisy.
Maryanne Poliseno, Soprano Section Leader,
joined Kantorei in 1988 (a founding member). She is from Little Falls, MN, and has a B.A. from the College of St. Benedict. She is currently a Municipal Bond Trader, and enjoys travel, gardening, reading, biking, and spending time with her cat, Cocoa.
Joe Polta, bass,
joined Kantorei in 1989, one year after the founding. He is from Willmar, MN, and has a B.A. from St. John's University. He is currently a legal professional at UnitedHealth Group – Ovations, and enjoys baking bread without a machine and riding his bike to work in the winter. He is Scoutmaster to 72 Boy Scouts, and enjoys spending time with wife Karen, and teen-aged sons Dan and Tom.
Jason Post, tenor,
Joined Kantorei in 2009. He is from Jackson, MN, and has a B.A. in vocal music and B.S. in Business Administration from Mankato State University. Jason is currently working in the financial services industry. He enjoys hiking, biking, traveling, and spending time with family, friends, and his cat named Shadow.
John Sauer, bass,
joined Kantorei in 1993. He is from St. Cloud, MN, and has degrees from St. John's University, Pontifical North American College in Rome, Italy, Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, and Pontifical Athenaeum of St. Anselm in Rome. He is currently Pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Owatonna, and Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Litomysl. Fr. John enjoys cooking, singing, and travel.
Julie Scott, alto,
joined Kantorei in 2003. She is from Northfield, MN, and has a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. She is currently a mom and a part-time student at Century College. Julie enjoys reading, watching for wildlife in her backyard, keeping her kids entertained, and experimenting with unique hair colors. She is married to Jim and has two children (Annika and Mia), and two dogs (Bully and Buster).
Ann Skemp-Cook, alto,
is a founding member of Kantorei. She is from LaCrescent, MN, and has a B.A. from the College of St. Benedict, a Teaching Certificate from Augsburg College, and an M.Ed. from Hamline University. She is currently a Language Arts teacher at Hopkins High School, and enjoys running, reading, skiing, helping her family build a cabin, and spending time with husband Tom, step-daughter Stella, and their Lab/Retriever, Angus.
Mike Steiner, bass,
joined Kantorei in 2005. He is from East Lansing, MI, and holds a BA in Choral Music from Michigan State University, an MA in Choral Music Ed from the University of Montana, and a BFA in Furniture Design from the Kendall School of Design. Mike is currently teaching vocal music at Orono High School and Middle School. He is married to Barbara (a long-time piano teacher), and has one son, Sean.
Mary Tadich, alto,
joined Kantorei in 1989. She grew up in Bloomington, MN, graduated from the College of Saint Benedict with a B.A. in English & German, and taught English at the high school level. She and her spouse, Michael Bauer, are the parents of four children, three born during 'the Kantorei years.'
Tom Vacek, bass,
joined Kantorei this season. He is from Grand Forks, ND, and holds a degree in Classics from Saint John's University. Tom is currently working toward a doctorate degree in computer science from the University of Minnesota. He is interested in aviation, history, and philosophy.
Jim Vogel, tenor,
joined Kantorei in 2007. He has been employed by the State of Minnesota for over 25 years, where he is currently a Training Coordinator. He has sung in the Holy Spirit Church choir for over 30 years, the Diocesan Choir of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, and is on the Board of Directors of The Chameleon Theatre Circle located in Burnsville. He is married to Jennifer Wagner.
Heidi Wolak-Faber, soprano,
joined Kantorei in 1998. She is from Staples, MN, and holds a B.A. in Communication from the College of St. Benedict, and a Master of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology from Minnesota State University Mankato. She is currently a speech language pathologist, is married to Todd Faber and has three little boys.