James Kennerley | Artistic Director
James Kennerley began his musical career as a chorister at Chelmsford Cathedral in his native England at age 10. The English singing tradition is world-renowned and is responsible for producing some of the great musicians of today. James continued to study voice and vocal pedagogy to the graduate level and is delighted to perform and teach regularly in addition to his work as a conductor and keyboardist. James was Organ Scholar at Jesus College, Cambridge University, working with the children’s choir on a daily basis. James then took a position at Saint Paul’s Cathedral, London, and worked daily with the famous choir of men and boys and taught at the cathedral’s school. In 2006, James became Director of the Choir of Men and Boys at Christ Episcopal Church, Greenwich, CT, directing the boys’ and the girls’ choirs and creating a comprehensive vocal and music education syllabus. James continues to be actively involved with many children’ choruses, including the Choir of Saint Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue, and the New York Chamber Choirs. He is delighted to lead the NJSCC, continuing the excellent and inspiring work of Dusty Francis.
Dr. Nadezhda Christova | Accompanist/Chorus Manager
Born and raised in Bulgaria, Dr. Nadezhda (Nadia) Christova has been studying and performing piano since the age of six. She recently completed her doctoral studies at the University of Maryland, College Park under the tutelage of the renowned pianist and pedagogue Rita Sloan.
A devotee of choral music for adults and children, Nadia has accompanied the University of Maryland Concert Choir and the Washington Sängerbund, the oldest German singing society in the Washington DC area. She is presently working with the Brooklyn (NY) Youth Chorus as well as the Collegiate School and the National Children’s Chorus (both in NY, NY). Nadia is currently on the faculty of the Jubilee Enrichment Program in Manhattan’s Chinatown and works as an accompanist for Education Through Music. In addition, Nadia and her husband, pianist Sean Carmichael, recently opened a private teaching studio on the Upper West Side. She currently serves as accompanist for Ars Musica Chorale and as Minister of Music at Zion Lutheran Church in Maywood, NJ.
