WHO WE ARE
History of Master Chorus Eastside
Master Chorus Eastside (formerly the Issaquah Chorale) was founded in 1991 as a small, non-auditioned ensemble. Over the decades, it has evolved into a distinguished, fully auditioned chorus and a leading arts organization serving the Eastside and greater Seattle area. Under the visionary leadership of founding Artistic Director Dr. Linda Gingrich, who led the ensemble from 1991 to 2025, Master Chorus Eastside became known for its innovative programming and dynamic performances spanning a wide range of musical styles, repertoires, and choral traditions.
Today, under the direction of Artistic Director Michael Miller, Master Chorus Eastside continues its commitment to musical excellence and artistic growth. The 2025–26 season will feature a diverse and engaging three-concert series, including beloved choral classics as well as contemporary works as we introduce audiences to composers whose cultures, backgrounds, and experiences expand the choral tradition. The chorus is also deeply committed to building meaningful connections within the community through inclusive programming, collaborative partnerships, and outreach initiatives.
Master Chorus Eastside performs regularly throughout the Eastside and the greater Seattle region. The ensemble has appeared with regional orchestras and dance companies, at civic and private events, and has been featured on Classical KING FM broadcasts.
Photo by Shakespear Photography
MICHAEL AUSTIN MILLER
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & CONDUCTOR
A choral conductor, church musician, composer, and educator, Michael Austin Miller brings decades of musical leadership and creative passion to his new role as Artistic Director of Master Chorus Eastside. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education with emphases in both instrumental and choral music, and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC, along with additional postgraduate coursework at the University of Washington.
Michael currently serves as Director of Music Ministries at Christ the King Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Snohomish and previously taught and conducted choirs at Trinity Lutheran College (formerly Lutheran Bible Institute, Issaquah), where he received the college's Excellence in Teaching award in 2011.
A published composer, Michael enjoys a wide range of musical styles and finds particular joy in crafting and arranging choral works. His compositions have been performed widely, including premieres with local ensembles, and are published by ECS Publishing and Oxford University Press. In 2018, Bob Chilcott, renowned composer and founding member of The King's Singers, â€conducted Michael's Virga Jesse Floruit for a recording produced by Oxford University Press and edited by the legendary John Rutter.
Raised in Charleston, South Carolina--Goose Creek, to be exact--and now based in Snohomish, WA, Michael's career has also included work as a guest conductor, clinician, composer, and author.
He served as co-editor and lead compiler for the book Continuing the Quest: Interviews with Outstanding Choral Conductors and is known not only for his musical skill but also for his warm storytelling style and ability to blend humor with heartfelt reflections, including through two published collections of short stories.
Since 2010, Michael has served as Artistic Director and Conductor of Bainbridge Chorale, where under his leadership the ensemble has grown in artistry, membership, and audience reach.
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.
