The Frost School of Music at the University of Miami congratulates Dr. Amanda Quist, Director of Choral Studies for her rave reviews as Chorus Master of the Philadelphia Symphonic Chorus, performing with the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra’s production of Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis with famed Maestro Yannick Nezet-Sequin.
Praised for her "impressive immediacy and vigor" on the solemn mass, which is rarely performed due to its sheer magnitude and complexity, this rejuvenating production added a new visual component by trailblazing artist Refnik Anadol, who uses digital media, data, and machine intelligence to create stunning visual masterpieces.
Music critic David Patrick Stearns of The Philadelphia Inquirer said, "The Philadelphia Symphonic Choir seemed transformed, under director Amanda Quist," and Rick Perdian of New York Classical Review stated, "The chorus' energy never flagged in the great fugues, which conclude both the Gloria and the Credo. The latter, so fast and furious, that it left the audience breathless.”
The performances took place April 7, 9, and 10 in Philadelphia’s Verizon Hall and April 8 at New York’s Carnegie Hall. Jennifer Rowley, soprano; Karen Cargill, mezzo; Rodrick Dixon, tenor; and Eric Owens, bass-baritone performed in the starring roles. Current Frost doctoral conducting candidate Scott AuCoin was hired to sing tenor in the chorus.
Quist served as the Chorus Master for the Philadelphia Orchestra for two prior productions: Giancarlo Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors with Maestro Bramwell Tovey in 2018, and Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 3 with Maestro Yannick Nezet-Seguin in 2017. "The opportunity to work with Yannick Nezet-Seguin, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Philadelphia Symphonic Chorus in this capacity once again are inspiring,” says Quist. "Each time I make music with this organization, I feel renewed. Beethoven's Missa Solemnis is grand in every sense, and it was an honor to play a part in bringing it to people in Philadelphia and New York. The opportunity was a blessing for all involved, and I enjoyed bringing what we had learned back to our students and colleagues at the Frost School."
More About Amanda Quist
Dr. Amanda Quist is the Associate Professor and Director of Choral Studies at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. She served previously on the faculty of Westminster Choir College of Rider University where she was the Carol F. Spinelli Conducting Fellow and the recipient of the 2014 Distinguished Teaching Award and 2018 Mazzotti Award for Women’s Leadership.
Her other honors include the James Mulholland National Choral Award and the Audrey Davidson Early Music Award. An active guest conductor and clinician, her recent and upcoming appearances include the NAfME All-National Honor Choir, All-State High School & Collegiate Honor Choirs throughout the country, and serving as a headliner for music conferences in the US and abroad. Dr. Quist is the National ACDA Repertoire & Resources Coordinator for Collegiate Activities, and her choral series is published through Walton Music.
