2025 Guest Teacher-Conductor
Dr. Anthony Trecek-King
Dr. Anthony Trecek-King (b. 1975) is an acclaimed choral conductor, scholar, pedagogue, and media personality with over 20 years of experience. He currently serves as a Resident Conductor with the Handel and Haydn Society and Artistic Director of Berkshire Choral International.
Renowned for his ability to create moving performances with a wide range of dynamics and depth of expression, Dr. Trecek-King excels at cultivating musicians of all levels. His collaborative rehearsal style bridges the gap between high art and humanity, captivating audiences while maintaining exceptional sonic quality.
Throughout his career, Dr. Trecek-King has collaborated with diverse artists and ensembles, including Leslie Odom Jr., Melinda Doolittle, the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, The Houston Chamber Choir, Seraphic Fire, Border CrosSing, the Minnesota Chorale, Keith Lockhart, John Williams, Gil Rose, Simon Halsey, Yo Yo Ma, and Roomful of Teeth. Ensembles under his direction have contributed to projects that won a Pulitzer Prize (Madam White Snake, Zhou Long), received a Grammy (Fantastic Mr. Fox, Boston Modern Orchestra Project), and earned the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award (Boston Children's Chorus).
Dr. Trecek-King has led performances in prestigious venues worldwide, including Boston Symphony Hall, the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, and the Sydney Opera House. Beyond conducting, he has hosted the classical radio show "The Silent Canon" on KNVO 90.7 and appeared on the Emmy award-winning WGBH television series "Sing That Thing," as well as delivering two TEDx Boston talks.
His academic credentials include a B.M. in Cello Performance from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, an M.M. in Orchestral Conducting from Florida State University, and a D.M.A. in Choral Conducting from Boston University.
Dr. Trecek-King resides in the Boston area with his partner Melanie (of Thinking is Power) and their cat.
Renowned for his ability to create moving performances with a wide range of dynamics and depth of expression, Dr. Trecek-King excels at cultivating musicians of all levels. His collaborative rehearsal style bridges the gap between high art and humanity, captivating audiences while maintaining exceptional sonic quality.
Throughout his career, Dr. Trecek-King has collaborated with diverse artists and ensembles, including Leslie Odom Jr., Melinda Doolittle, the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, The Houston Chamber Choir, Seraphic Fire, Border CrosSing, the Minnesota Chorale, Keith Lockhart, John Williams, Gil Rose, Simon Halsey, Yo Yo Ma, and Roomful of Teeth. Ensembles under his direction have contributed to projects that won a Pulitzer Prize (Madam White Snake, Zhou Long), received a Grammy (Fantastic Mr. Fox, Boston Modern Orchestra Project), and earned the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award (Boston Children's Chorus).
Dr. Trecek-King has led performances in prestigious venues worldwide, including Boston Symphony Hall, the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, and the Sydney Opera House. Beyond conducting, he has hosted the classical radio show "The Silent Canon" on KNVO 90.7 and appeared on the Emmy award-winning WGBH television series "Sing That Thing," as well as delivering two TEDx Boston talks.
His academic credentials include a B.M. in Cello Performance from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, an M.M. in Orchestral Conducting from Florida State University, and a D.M.A. in Choral Conducting from Boston University.
Dr. Trecek-King resides in the Boston area with his partner Melanie (of Thinking is Power) and their cat.
2025 Collaborative Pianist
Rhonda Kwiecien
We are pleased to announce the return of Rhonda Kwiecien of Carroll University as the 2023 NextDirection collaborative pianist!!
Rhonda Kwiecien is a widely recognized and highly respected collaborative pianist in the greater Milwaukee area. In her 23rd year at Carroll University, where she is the senior member of the collaborative piano team, she works with students, colleagues, and choral ensembles presenting recitals and concerts. Rhonda also serves as the University Organist, playing for convocations, Baccalaureate, and other special events.
In addition to her position with Carroll University, Mrs. Kwiecien is the Keyboard Artist for First Congregational Church in Wauwatosa and the Collaborative Pianist for the Choral Music Department of Muskego High School. She has shared the stage with featured ensembles from Muskego at several choral conventions.
During her career, Rhonda has worked with and premiered compositions by renowned composers Vijay Singh, Joseph Martin, Craig Hella Johnson, Eric Barnum, Jim Bassi, Robert Harris, Paula Foley Tillen, and Zachary Moore. As a pianist for the Wisconsin NATS competitions, she has traveled state-wide to play for both semi-finalists and finalists. Mrs. Kwiecien is also a board member for the Brew City Opera in Milwaukee. She and her husband are long-time residents of Waukesha.
Rhonda Kwiecien is a widely recognized and highly respected collaborative pianist in the greater Milwaukee area. In her 23rd year at Carroll University, where she is the senior member of the collaborative piano team, she works with students, colleagues, and choral ensembles presenting recitals and concerts. Rhonda also serves as the University Organist, playing for convocations, Baccalaureate, and other special events.
In addition to her position with Carroll University, Mrs. Kwiecien is the Keyboard Artist for First Congregational Church in Wauwatosa and the Collaborative Pianist for the Choral Music Department of Muskego High School. She has shared the stage with featured ensembles from Muskego at several choral conventions.
During her career, Rhonda has worked with and premiered compositions by renowned composers Vijay Singh, Joseph Martin, Craig Hella Johnson, Eric Barnum, Jim Bassi, Robert Harris, Paula Foley Tillen, and Zachary Moore. As a pianist for the Wisconsin NATS competitions, she has traveled state-wide to play for both semi-finalists and finalists. Mrs. Kwiecien is also a board member for the Brew City Opera in Milwaukee. She and her husband are long-time residents of Waukesha.
