Concentus Members

Conductor

Gwen Gassler, conductor Buffalo native Gwendolyn Hall Gassler earned a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from the Eastman School of Music, where she studied with Donald Neuen. Her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Colgate University included conducting studies with Marietta Cheng, organ performance with Mary Ann Dodd, and an Early Music seminar in Switzerland.

Ms. Gassler has worked as a professional church musician in both Buffalo and Rochester. She currently serves as the assistant conductor of the Rochester Oratorio Society. She co-founded Concentus in 2001 with Edna Huelsenbeck, who is now based in California, where she is founder and director of Pacific Women's Chorus.

Accompanist

Gordon Porth is the Director of Music at First Universalist Church of Rochester. Since moving to Rochester 2 years ago, Gordon has flourished as a piano accompanist for choirs in Pittsford schools, ballet classes at the Draper School of Dance, the Eastman Community School and the Vocal Arts Collaborative.

A native of Vancouver, British Columbia, his formal studies were in piano, organ and Jazz at the University of British Columbia, Pacific Lutheran University and the Phil Mattson School of Music.

Before moving to Rochester, Porth spent seven months at sea playing the piano on cruise ships in the South Pacific, Caribbean, Hawaii, Alaska and the Panama Canal. Concentus is thrilled to be collaborating with Gordon!

The Singers

  • Leah Bourne
  • Glenda Brayman is an attorney in the Rochester area, specializing in criminal law. She is a charter member of Concentus, and studies voice with Patricia Alexander. She has three children.
  • Kathy Cronin, a graduate of New England Conservatory, Kathy has performed opera and oratorio works in Switzerland, France and across the USA.  A founding member of “The Three Sopranos” of Hot Springs, AR, Kathy has sung with ROS, ERC and Madrigalia, leads services launch programs for Xerox Global Services.
  • Sara Culhane received her BA in Music from SUNY Fredonia, studying french horn performance and composition.  Having pursued work in the social services field since graduating, she is thankful for the opportunity to sing with Concentus and integrate music into her life once again. Sara looks forward to her new life in Irondequoit with her fiancé Alexander, following their wedding this summer.
  • Linda DelaCruz forms one half of our Librarian Team, which at times holds this group of women together! Also a member of Eastman Rochester Chorale, Linda works for Total Information, supplying books to corporate and academic libraries. Linda is a Charter member of Concentus.
  • Tansy Deutsch is a psychologist in independent practice. She and her partner of 20 years live in the city, where they garden, raise seahorses, make music, and dream of travel.
  • Abby Halpin
  • Cathy Heckert is a Registered Nurse practicing in the field of developmental disabilities. Cathy and her husband, George are active members of the Open Door Baptist church. She has two children and has spent most of her life in the Brockport community. We are happy to have Cathy as our musical colleague. 
  • Donna Himmelberg is a high school chemistry teacher in Fairport, where she lives with her husband, John, and two sons, Andrew & Joe. Very active in the community, Donna has also sung with Rochester Oratorio Society and is involved with athletic and musical activities of her family.  She is excited and proud to be finishing her second full year as a member of Concentus. 
  • Dede Holmes is the bee’s knees, and brings enthusiasm and joy to every project. A graduate of Syracuse University (Go Big Orange!) and Nazareth College, she is an anchor member of our alto section. Dede has directed the Children’s Choirs at First Presbyterian, and sings not only classical music, but also jazz, blues and rock and roll. 
  • Kara Juszczak is a child therapist, and lives with her husband and son in North Chili. Kara studied vocal performance at SUNY Geneseo with Pamela Kurau, and joined Concentus to fuel her passion for singing after graduate school. Kara serves Concentus as rehearsal and concert manager and Board of Directors Secretary, and sings any voice part required excellently! 
  • Rebecca Kolstad, Soprano, lives with Paul and their Daughter Sarah in Pittsford. She works with her family owned business as a Manufacturer's Representative in the construction market. Rebecca enjoys spending her free time singing with Concentus. She has also sung locally with Eastman Rochester Chorus and the Opera Theatre of Rochester.
  • Karen Kral is a Charter member of Concentus, and makes up the other half of our Librarian Team. She also sings with the Rochester Oratorio Society and is in happy enjoyment of the most spectacular garden in the city with her husband, Jerry.
  • Michelle Newkirk has the best job in town. She is a visiting LPN in pediatrics and has created a private practice devoted to Bach Flower Therapy and emotional and physical wellness for all. She is a staff member of Center of Hope Training Junction.
  • Katherine Sanford
  • Katherine Schumacher has served the arts and cultural community of Rochester in many board and community leadership positions, including the Hochstein Music School, RPO, Friends of Eastman Opera and Concentus. A welcome member of the soprano section, Katherine also sings with the Rochester Oratorio Society and the Third Presbyterian church choir. She and her husband Jon live in Pittsford.
  • Judith Van Ness creates music with Concentus, the Rochester Oratorio Society, and previously with Madrigalia. A mixed media artist, her garden and community activities in the South Wedge are also a source of pride and accomplishment.
  • Susan Walsh has extensive solo recital experience and is excited about adding her voice to Concentus. Susan teaches music at Craig Hill Elementary School in Greece, directs the youth choir at Rochester Christian Reformed Church and studies privately with Dr. Robert McIver at the Eastman School of Music.
  • Janice Whaley is the founder and owner of a firm that provides outstanding medical transcription services. A core member of our alto section and Concentus charter member, Janice has formerly sung with Rochester Oratorio Society and Rochester Chapter of the Sweet Adelines.
  • Denise Young has flexibly and gleefully sung in both our alto and soprano sections. Denise also serves as Chair of the Concentus Board of Directors, and is an Education Specialist in the Public Employees Federation, AFL-CIO.