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The Artistic Team
Who We Are
Choral Arts Northwest
is a community of singers based in the Puget Sound area whose goal is to inspire, educate, and enrich the lives of others through the transformational power of choral music at the highest artistic level. As an ensemble of music educators, conductors, professional singers, and passionate choral artists, we aim to foster a world that is just, empathetic, and that values diversity and creativity. We celebrate our 30th anniversary with a vision to intentionally support important social causes and highlight the music of diverse groups of people. Recent composers in residence include Jessica French, Hyowon Woo, and Reena Esmail. We dedicate ourselves to ongoing learning and listening, and invite others to join us on that journey through programming, engagement, and collaboration.
Morning Star Cultural Center
was founded in 1985 under the direction of Jiyeon Chech with the purpose of teaching Korean dance, music, and heritage to those interested in sharing the Korean culture. Based in Lynnwood, Washington, Morning Star has continued to expand and diversify its repertoire, programs and services to the community. Today with the combination of its art preschool, library, dance and music classes, Morning Star serves over 1,000 members of all ages. Under the direction of Sinae Cheh, Morning Star’s mission is to promote cultural appreciation and encourage positive cultural exchange.
Hyowon Woo
composer
Hyowon Woo, ARI Project composer, has emerged as a formidable compositional voice blending traditional Korean musical elements with Western musical techniques. Ms. Woo has been composer-in-residence with the Seoul Ladies' Singers since 1996 and with the Incheon City Chorale, led by the world-renowned Hak-won Yoon, from 1999-2014. Ms. Woo's works have been featured at National ACDA conferences, at the IFCM choral symposium. Ms. Woo previously taught at the Seoul Theological Seminary and Hansei University, and is currently on faculty at the Chorus Center Academy in Seoul. Recent notable works include symphonic works commissioned by the Korean Ministry of Culture and premiered by the Korean National Chorus. Her music is published by Walton and the Seoul Chorus Center in South Korea.
Dr. MeeAe Nam
ARI Project Founder
ARI Project Founder and Professor of Voice at Eastern Michigan University, has established a highly respected performance career at the national and international levels. Known for her musical versatility, sensitivity, and genuine interpretation (the Denver Post), she has appeared as a soloist in major cathedrals and concert halls throughout the United States, Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, and South Korea. With her versatile performance experience and creative program offerings, she has undertaken several projects focusing on audience-centered performance and diverse cultural inclusion. As an artistic director, Dr. Nam has recently co-founded the Ari project with Hyowon Woo, composer, to birth a new choral stage work and unique performance platform introducing the history, spirit, and culture of South Korea.
Timothy Westerhaus
Conductor
Timothy Westerhaus is passionate about transforming humankind through choral music that fosters empathy, builds inclusive community, and deepens understanding through diverse programming and collaborations. He serves as the Director of Choral Studies at Northern Arizona University, where he directs the graduate choral conducting program. Since 2022, he has served as Artistic Director of Choral Arts Northwest in Seattle and Master Chorale of Flagstaff. From 2010 to 2021, he served as Director of Choirs and Vocal Studies at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington and was recently President of Northwestern ACDA. He has conducted choirs in Europe, Colombia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Korea. He performs professionally as a tenor, pianist, and continuo keyboardist. He received his degrees from the University of Saint Thomas and Boston University.