Kirsten Hedegaard

Kirsten Hedegaard has enjoyed a duel career as a singer and conductor. She has garnered critical praise for her singing: “the clarity and brightness of Kirsten Hedegaard’s soprano” (Splash Magazine), “seraphic soprano” (Chicago Tribune), “a voice that soars perfectly in the upper registers” (Barrington Quitessential),) and “glides angelically above the rest” (Austin 360). She has been a soprano soloist with many early music specialists including Nicholas McGegan, Paul Hillier, Ivars Taurins, Kenneth Slowik, and John Butt.  Ms. Hedegaard has sung with Philharmonia Baroque (founding member), Mercury Baroque, Ensemble viii, Baroque Band, Schola Antiqua, Newberry Consort, Ars Antiqua, Rook Ensemble, Callipygian Players, Elgin Symphony, Elgin Master Chorale, Bella Voce, Ensemble dal Niente and eighth blackbird.

Currently Director of Choral Activities at Loyola University, Ms. Hedegaard has taught conducting at Concordia University, River Forest and has conducted choirs and orchestras for various institutions including Eastman House, Chicago Children’s Choir, Gallery 37, Loyola Academy, and the University of California.  She was guest conductor with Chicago Choral Artists for the 2009-10 season and is the conductor for the Bella Voce Outreach program.  In 2000, she co-founded The Musical Offering, a nonprofit music school in Evanston where she held the position of Executive Director until 2005.  She also holds the position of Director of Music at the Presbyterian Church of Barrington.