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WHO WE ARE

History​ of Master Chorus Eastside

 

Master Chorus Eastside (formerly the Issaquah Chorale) began in 1991 as a small, non-auditioned ensemble, and has since grown into a polished, fully auditioned chorus and one of the premiere arts organizations east of Seattle. We are  known for its innovative and imaginative programming, from our family-style "All-American Independence Celebration," featuring American music and historical tidbits, to large choral/orchestral works, a capella repertoire, multi-cultural explorations, and jazz and Broadway classics. Our four-concert season is enlivened by conductor Dr. Linda Gingrich's informative concert commentary. MCE performs on the Eastside, on the Argosy Christmas Ship, and across the greater-Seattle region. We have appeared in celebrations along the Columbia River as part of the 200th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, at the Jamestown celebration in 2007, and at the 2008 & 2010 Leavenworth Choral Festivals where Dr. Gingrich was the featured guest conductor. MCE has also performed with several area orchestras and dance troupes, at local service organization and private functions, and as part of KING FM broadcasts.

Photo by Shakespear Photography

DR. LINDA GINGRICH
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & CONDUCTOR
 

Linda Gingrich, long-time Issaquah resident, is the founder and conductor of Master Chorus Eastside. She received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree and Masters of Music degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington, and her Bachelor's degree in voice from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle. She is also a performing member of the Ladies Musical Club. She has many years experience with church choirs, in college and private teaching, as an arranger, lecturer and author. Dr. Gingrich is a published composer, and MCE has premiered a number of her works. Master Chorus Eastside's achievements are due primarily to Gingrich's inspiration. She has transformed a group of 25 rusty-voiced amateurs in 1991 into a talented 50-voice ensemble which sings with "zest and panache" (Eastsideweek). Dr. Gingrich has a passion for choral conducting, and according to reviewer Phillipa Kiraly (EastsideWeek, Arts Groups to Watch), is "musical to her fingertips." Dr. Gingrich's incomparable dedication and commitment to presenting enjoyable and inspired musical programs to the community east of Seattle is truly a gift shared by performers and audience members alike.

NATHAN SHIU
ACCOMPANIST

 

Nathan is a local pianist, singer, and music educator (specializing in teaching voice) based in Bellevue and serving the Greater Seattle Area. His interest in music began at an early age, starting with piano around the age of seven, and continuing to this day. Nathan earned a B.A. in Music (emphasis in Composition) from Whitman College in 2005. After graduating, he served as Staff Accompanist for Whitman College's Music Department for eight years, the last three years of which he also served as an Adjunct Voice Teacher. This experience of teaching singing spurred Nathan to pursue a Master's degree (emphasis in Vocal Pedagogy) which he earned in May of 2015 from Washington State University's School of Music. He has since moved back to the Greater Seattle Area and is slowly establishing his presence as a musician and music educator. 

In addition to his duties with MCE, Nathan accompanies the Bellevue Youth Choirs, is Church Musician at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church in Sammamish, teaches voice through Play at Work, and occasionally works as music director with Youth Theatre Northwest as projects come up.  Nathan also teaches and tutors piano, voice and music theory privately.

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