Dr. Thea Kano
Artistic Director of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington
Dr. Thea Kano started playing piano at age four and began taking ballet soon after, a background that has a strong influence on her conducting. Dr. Kano’s graceful yet commanding presence on stage and the robust performances she obtains from her musicians have basis in her formal training as a dancer. She has conducted an extensive range of repertoire with several ensembles, including the Angeles Chorale, The Washington Chorus, and the New York City Master Chorale, which she founded in 2005. She now serves as the Artistic Director of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC, for which she also directs its acclaimed ensembles Rock Creek Singers and Potomac Fever. Dr. Kano received her doctorate in choral conducting from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2004. At UCLA, she studied under Donald Neuen, her professional mentor. For her dissertation on Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem, Dr. Kano completed research with L’Association Duruflé in Paris and studied privately with Paul Salamunovich. She holds a Master of Music degree from UCLA and a bachelor’s degree in choral music education and piano performance from Arizona State University.
