Mary Jane Austin

Director

Mary Jane has been the conductor of the MRC since 2018 after a long tenure as its collaborative pianist. She is principal keyboardist of the Vermont Symphony, and in 2016 she was awarded the title of “Honorary Conductor” by the VSO. Currently the principal rehearsal pianist and chorus master for the Opera Company of Middlebury (OCM), she also co-founded Vermont Italian Opera with bass Erik Kroncke.  In addition to co-directing opera and operettas at the Unadilla Theatre in Calais every summer, they have also produced outdoor concerts at the State House in Montpelier among many other collaborations.  Mary Jane teaches piano and music theory at the University of Vermont, serves as the music director for the Youth Opera Company of OCM, is the organist at the Waterbury Congregational Church, and is the rehearsal pianist for Upper Valley Baroque, the South Burlington Community Chorus, and the Handel Society at Dartmouth College.

Alison Bruce Cerutti

Collaborative Pianist

Alison performs as a soloist and chamber musician throughout Vermont, in Canada with Elizabeth Reid, and as a collaborative pianist in the U.S. and France. Cerutti also performed with Counterpoint, and as an orchestra of one for Unadilla productions of HMS Pinafore, Mikado, and Pirates of Penzance, to name a few, as well as a collaborative pianist for the Winooski Valley Festival, the All-State Music Festival Scholarship Winners, and Music-COMP.

Erik Kroncke

Vocal Technique Coach

Erik has been described as “engaging…a bass of astounding depth and warm timbre…an important voice and artist…” He is in demand at opera companies and orchestras around the world as well as  giving recitals. He has a private voice studio and teaches voice at several local colleges and universities. A more complete biography as well as current and upcoming projects at www.erikkroncke.com