Spoleto Festival USA is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Amanda Quist as Music Director of the Spoleto Festival USA Chorus, beginning with the 2026 Festival. Dr. Quist brings a wealth of experience, a distinguished academic background, and a dynamic vision for the future of choral music at the Festival.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Amanda Quist to the Spoleto Festival USA family,” said Spoleto Festival USA General Director and CEO Dr. Mena Mark Hanna. “Her profound musicality, innovative programming ideas, and commitment to nurturing the next generation of professional singers align perfectly with the Festival's artistic mission. Amanda will build upon Joe Miller’s legacy at Spoleto and continue to lead the Festival Chorus to new heights of artistry and excellence.”
Dr. Quist is an associate professor and director of choral activities at Western Michigan University. Her educational foundation includes a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting and a Doctoral Cognate in Voice Pedagogy and Science from the University of North Texas, as well as an MM in Choral Conducting from Western Michigan University. Her rich professional journey includes nearly a decade of teaching at Westminster Choir College, where she collaborated with past Festival Choral Directors Dr. Joseph Flummerfelt and Dr. Joe Miller.
"Passing the baton to Dr. Amanda Quist is a moment filled with both reflection and immense excitement,” says Dr. Miller. “As one of the leading choral conductors of her generation, she will bring exceptional vision, leadership, and artistry ensuring the Chorus continues to thrive and enrich the Festival for years to come."
Quist’s work at Westminster introduced her to Spoleto; in 2013, she prepared Westminster singers to perform as the as the chorus in the American premiere of Toshio Hosokawa’s opera Matsukaze. She previously served as Director of Choral Studies for the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami and currently serves as Director of Interlochen’s Choral Conducting Academy. This comprehensive training and extensive experience underscore her deep understanding of both vocal performance and choral artistry. Dr. Quist’s professional engagements include serving as Director of the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Chorus Master with the New York Philharmonic, New World Symphony, Palm Beach Symphony, Dresden Staatskapelle, and guest conductor for Seraphic Fire. Quist’s honors include the James Mulholland National Choral Award and the Audrey Davidson Early Music Award. She is the recipient of Westminster Choir College’s Distinguished Teaching Award. Quist was invited to serve as a clinician in Indonesia, Australia, and to participate in the International Exchange Program in South Africa through the American Choral Directors Association.
Dr. Quist's vision for the Spoleto Festival USA Chorus is deeply rooted in fostering a powerful connection between performers and audience. She aims to create deeply engaging experiences through her programming, which will seamlessly blend historic and contemporary works.
“I am honored and incredibly excited to join Spoleto Festival USA,” said Dr. Quist. “I look forward to leading this incredible professional choir program and building on the tremendous legacy of world-class choral music at Spoleto. My goal is to cultivate the Festival Chorus as a vital platform for emerging professional singers, allowing them to hone their craft at the highest level across a great diversity of musical opportunities. I envision a chorus that not only delivers breathtaking performances but also inspires a broad audience, making the Festival known to everyone across America and the world.”
Dr. Quist's tenure begins after the departure of Dr. Joe Miller, who led the Festival's choral activities for 19 years. Miller succeeded his mentor, Dr. Joseph Flummerfelt, the Festival's founding choral conductor, in 2011. Dr. Quist now steps into this significant role as only the third person and the first woman to lead the Festival's Choral program.
For more information about Spoleto Festival USA, visit spoletousa.org.