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Dr. Amanda Quist Appointed as New Music Director for Spoleto Festival USA Chorus

A captivating performance from the Spoleto Festival USA chorus amidst an enthusiastic crowd.

News Summary

Spoleto Festival USA has named Dr. Amanda Quist as the new music director for the festival chorus, set to take effect in 2026. Dr. Quist, an associate professor and director of choral activities at Western Michigan University, succeeds Dr. Joe Miller after his 19-year tenure. With her impressive background in choral conducting and voice pedagogy, Dr. Quist aims to elevate the festival’s choral performances and provide a platform for emerging professional singers. The festival continues to thrive as a premier arts event in the Lowcountry with its diverse artistic offerings.

Charleston, SC – Spoleto Festival USA has announced the appointment of Dr. Amanda Quist as the new music director for the festival chorus, effective in 2026. Dr. Quist, who currently serves as an associate professor and director of choral activities at Western Michigan University, will succeed Dr. Joe Miller, who led the chorus for 19 years before his departure.

Dr. Quist brings extensive experience to her new role, holding both a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting and a Doctoral Cognate in Voice Pedagogy and Science from the University of North Texas. Her expertise is expected to help advance the quality and reach of the festival’s choral performances.

The General Director and CEO of Spoleto Festival USA, Dr. Mena Mark Hanna, expressed enthusiasm about Dr. Quist joining the festival. Dr. Hanna pointed to her musicality and dedication to nurturing professional singers as key qualities that align with the festival’s goals. In response to her appointment, Dr. Quist conveyed her gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to build on the rich legacy of world-class choral music that the festival is known for. She aims to cultivate the Festival Chorus into a significant platform for emerging professional singers and to deliver inspiring performances to audiences.

Spoleto Festival USA is recognized as one of the major arts festivals in the Lowcountry, with its origins dating back to 1977. The festival is set to return for its 49th season, showcasing a diverse array of art forms ranging from opera to theater to dance. The upcoming festival promises to deliver more than 100 performances across multiple venues in Charleston, allowing attendees the chance to experience the vibrancy of live arts.

The 2025 festival raised anticipation amongst arts enthusiasts by featuring the artwork of Hadi Falapishi as the official festival poster. This selection of visual art serves as a representation of the festival’s commitment to promoting a fusion of different artistic disciplines. Tickets for the performances are available for purchase through the festival’s official website or at ticket kiosks located within local hotels, making it accessible for both local residents and out-of-town visitors. The Spoleto Festival USA season will run until June 8, providing a rich cultural experience over an extended period.

Dr. Quist’s appointment reflects the festival’s ongoing commitment to excellence in the performing arts and its reputation for nurturing the careers of artists. As she prepares for her new role, expectations are high for the contributions she will make to the Spoleto Festival USA chorus and its performances. The festival community looks forward to her leadership and the innovative direction she plans to take in promoting exceptional choral music, continuing the tradition of artistic brilliance that defines Spoleto Festival USA.