Staff

Ryan Turner, Artistic Director

Raised in Texas and educated at Southern Methodist University, Turner arrived in Boston in 1995 to study for a Masters Degree at The Boston Conservatory. Since then he has consistently demonstrated his excellence and versatility as a conductor, singer and educator.

Now 37, Turner is currently in his fifth year as Director of Choral Activities at Phillips Exeter Academy. In 2009 he was the Acting Director of the SongFest Bach Institute in California that was founded by Craig Smith and from 2001 to 2010 he served as Music Director of the Concord Chorale and Chamber Orchestra. In addition, Turner has served as Assistant Director of Choral Activities at the University of Rhode Island, Interim Director of Choral Activities at Plymouth State University, and as Music Director of the Concord Chorus (MA).

Since 1997, Turner has been a member of the Emmanuel Music Chorus, a tenor soloist and, since 2006, a regular guest conductor. During his tenure he has conducted repertoire that includes Bach, Palestrina, Primosch, Schein and Schütz.

As a singer, Mr. Turner has maintained an active solo career in oratorio, recital and opera. Highlights include Handel L’Allegro with the Mark Morris Dance Group, six seasons at the Carmel Bach Festival, Ferrando in Cosi fan tutte with Opera Aperta conducted by Craig Smith and over 40 Bach cantatas with Emmanuel Music. Additionally, Turner made his Carnegie Hall debut in a performance of Handel’s Messiah in December of 2008. Mr. Turner's discography includes Bach BWV 76 with Emmanuel Music for KOCH, the role of Metagenes in Kapsberger's Apotheosis with Ensemble Abendmusik for DORIAN and works by Praetorius with Apollo's Fire for KOCH.

Turner lives in Exeter, NH and Andover, MA with his wife, soprano Susan Consoli and their son, Aidan.