Catherine “Kitty” Beller-McKenna became the second music director of Women in Harmony in the fall of 1999, bringing to the group extensive experience in conducting both women’s and mixed choruses in community and collegiate settings.

She received her Bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College, her Master of Music in Choral Conducting from New England Conservatory, and her Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting from the University of South Carolina, where she explored a special interest in text/music relationships in the cantatas of J.S. Bach. She has taught at Bowdoin College, the University of Southern Maine and the University of New Hampshire. Recently, she was guest conductor with the Rochester Choral Society at the cathedral in Rochester, England.

A believer in the potential of both music and language to effect social change, Kitty is strongly committed to Women in Harmony’s tradition of singing out for equality and social justice. She is known for her innovative programming, her wide-ranging musical interests embracing a variety of styles and cultures, and her ability to work with adult volunteer singers from a wide variety of musical backgrounds.

In addition to conducting Women in Harmony, Kitty also directs Amare Cantare, a 25-voice mixed chamber chorus in Durham, NH, and is the former director of the Granite State Choral Society, a 65-voice mixed community chorus in Rochester, NH. Kitty is continually amazed at the power of music to build community and bring people together. She lives with her family in Durham, NH.

“Under the sure hand of their five-year conductor and musical director, Catherine (“Kitty”) Beller-McKenna, the group was confident and nuanced.” - Peter Allen, Face Magazine

“Under its new conductor, Catherine Beller-McKenna, [Women in Harmony] has reached an unaccustomed level of excellence.” - Christopher Hyde, Portland Press Herald

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