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

Anne marie Scotto, accompanistAnne Marie Scotto is an active collaborative pianist and choral accompanist. She is the instrumental coach/accompanist at SUNY Geneseo where she can be heard in chamber music recitals, competitions and other musical events with students and faculty. She is also the accompanist for the women's choir at Geneseo, The Carol Choristers. Dr. Scotto grew up in San Francisco where she studied with pianist Sari Biro, then moved to Seattle to attend the University of Washington. While a member of the University of Washington Contemporary Group, Scotto performed as soloist in works for piano and chamber orchestra, piano and tape, premiered new music, and recorded Milton Babbitt's Arie da Capo for the Journal Perspectives of New Music. Scotto moved to Rochester in 1997 with her two children and husband, composer Ciro G. Scotto. She has been the accompanist for Concentus since its birth in September, 2000.

The Singers

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Teri Kowiak is a graduate of Ithaca College with a degree in Vocal Performance. A flexible member of our Alto 1 and 2 sections, Teri teaches voice in her private studio in Fairport and tests softwear at Xerox.
  • 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.
  • After graduating from St. John Fisher College in 2002, Rita LaVeck married her college sweetheart, Rob, and the two established their home in Irondequoit. Rita works as a Sales Executive in the contact lens distribution business, servicing local Eye Care Practitioners in Upstate NY. She feels blessed and honored to be a part of such a dynamic group of talented women.
  • Musicologist Honey Meconi moved to Rochester in 2004 with her husband and son to join the faculty of the University of Rochester College Music Department and the Eastman School of Music. A lifelong choral singer, she is delighted to be part of a women's ensemble. Her writings include the online publication www.thechoralsingerscompanion.com.
  • 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.
  • Andrea Quercia has also performed with the Rochester Opera Factory, The Singers Workshop and the Rochester Oratorio Society. She is an attorney for Kodak, a cantor at St. Joseph's Church in Penfield, and studies privately with Jane Gunter McCoy. Andrea and Tony live in Pittsford with their children Jon, Allie and Maddie.
  • 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.