Viri
Animarum Bios
Adam
Hall (tenor) graduated from The George Washington University in 2000 with a
degree in vocal performance. While attending GW, he performed with The Lassus
Singers, The University Singers, and directed and arranged music forthe Troubadours.
Adam frequently appears in various opera and musical theater productions and
as a solist for various choral groups. He recently received a positive review
in the "Washington Post." Since graduating Adam has sung with the
National Mens Chorus and The Washington Chorus. He currently sings with Cantate
Chamber Singers, Viri Animarum, and is the tenor soloist/section leader at Foundry
United Methodist Church. He currently directs Passing Notes, an a cappella group
he founded.
Matthew
Mehaffey (tenor) is Assistant Professor of Music and the Director of Choral
Activities at The George Washington University in Washington, DC where he conducts
the University Singers and the Chamber Choir. He holds degrees from Bucknell
University (BME), Westminster Choir College (MM in Choral Conducting) and the
University of Arizona (DMA in Choral Conducting and Historical Musicology).
He has also completed additional study in conducting at Lehrgang für Chorleitung
und Stimmbildung in St. Moritz, Switzerland. Dr. Mehaffey studied conducting
with Drs. Bruce Chamberlain, Joseph Flummerfelt, Volker Hempfling, James Jordan,
William Payn, and Maurice Skones and voice with Catherine Payn, Charles Walker,
and Martha Ellison. He currently serves as President-elect of The Maryland/DC
Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association.
Darren Perry
(bass/baritone) is an undergraduate Opera Performance Major at the University
of Maryland, College Park. Under the vocal direction of the renowned Swiss bass
François Loup, he is a seasoned performer. Last February, Darren sang
the baritone solo in Brahms' Ein Deutsches Requiem with the University
of Maryland Choirs and Symphony Orchestra. Last November Darren performed the
baritone solo in the Fauré Requiem with the Foundry Choir and
was a featured soloist at the annual Lessons and Carols at the University of
Maryland's Memorial Chapel in December. Recently, he performed The Messiah
at the Kennedy Center with the NSO. Darren was a first place winner in the Homer
Ulrich Competition in his division and overall. He was also awarded an honorary
membership to the Friday Morning Music Club. In July, Darren plans to study
opera in Austria for five weeks with Metropolitan Baritone, Dominic Cossa. He
is a member of the University of Maryland Chamber Singers, Men's Chorus, and
is the bass soloist at Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C.
Aaron
Torgerson (tenor/countertenor) completed his Bachelor of Arts Degree in music
at Frostburg State University with concentrations in Vocal Performance and Composition.
During his tenure at Frostburg he performed in the Collegium Musicum, the University’s
premiere vocal ensemble, as well as the Opera Workshop and University Chorale.
He graduated magna cum laude and was presented with the department’s Award
for Outstanding Academic Achievement in Music. Aaron is currently studying at
the University of Maryland, pursuing a degree in Computer Science. He performs
regularly with the University of Maryland Chamber Singers and the Schola Cantorum
of the Cathedral of Saint Matthew in Washington, D.C.
A native
of Buffalo, New York, Patrick Walders (baritone/countertenor) is currently acting
as Interim Director of Choral Activities at James Madison University, in Harrisonburg,
VA. A graduate of Fredonia State University and the Westminster Choir College,
Mr. Walders will earn a doctoral degree in Choral Conducting from the University
of Maryland- College Park in December 2004. He is the Artistic Director of the
National Philharmonic Singers, and Associate Conductor of the National Philharmonic
Chorale. Solo (baritone/countertenor) credits include New Jersey Symphony, Buffalo
Philharmonic, Westminster Symphonic Choir, University of Maryland Symphony Orchestra,
and the Princeton Chamber Players. Patrick has studied voice with Elem Eley,
David Evans and the late Bruce Gustafson. He has studied conducting with Joseph
Flummerfelt, Sir David Willcocks, and James Ross, amongst others, and is an
active conducting clinician at the Junior High, Senior High, Community, and
Collegiate levels.
Jonathan
Woody (bass) is a vocal performance major at the University of Maryland, College
Park. He studies voice under the tutelage of François Loup and has an
extensive choral background, performing under the direction of world-renowned
choral conductors. At the University he sings with the Chamber Singers, University
Chorale, and Men's Chorus.
