BETH PALMER
Beth Palmer, a Virginia native, studied piano at Appalachian
State University in North Carolina under Dr. Allen Kindt. After
her move to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue her Master's degree
at Vanderbilt University, she was a member of the Nashville
Symphony Orchestra and pianist for the Nashville Symphony
Orchestra Chorus. Ms. Palmer has lived in Connecticut since
1983, performing widely throughout the state where she is
eagerly sought as an accompanist on piano and harpsichord by
soloists, choruses, chamber ensembles and musical theater pit
orchestras. Her playing has been described as "mesmerizing" and
"entrancing". Additionally, Ms Palmer's keyboard expertise and
flexibility also extend to the organ, with her performances as
an ensemble organist with area orchestras and chamber orchestras
being enthusiastically received. She is best known for her work
with conductor, Dr. Carole Ann Maxwell and The Mendelssohn Choir
of Connecticut, of which she has been a member since 1985 and
accompanist since 1988. She has also accompanied the Fairfield
University Summer Festival Chorus since its inception in 1994.
She was the rehearsal accompanist for the Connecticut Grand
Opera and Orchestra and its Resident Chorus from 1990-2002, and
has also served as rehearsal accompanist for the Yale Opera
Chorus since 2000. Ms Palmer also has the privilege of being the
rehearsal pianist for the Greater Bridgeport Symphony Orchestra.
Other ensembles and soloists with whom she has had the privilege
to collaborate and perform over the years are too numerous to
mention but include frequent appearances with the Fairfield
University Glee Club and Chamber Singers, The Round Hill Chamber
Players, The Stamford Mastersingers, The Connecticut Gay Men's
Chorus, The Stratford Oratorio Society, Dr. Joe Utterback,
Edward Pleasant, Gunnar Sahlin and Sharon Gordon, to name a few.
In addition to performing, Ms Palmer also has an active teaching
schedule, serving on the faculty of the Ensign-Darling Vocal
Fellowship Program of the Bushnell Center for the Performing
Arts in Hartford, CT, as well as being an Instructor of Piano at
Fairfield University. She also regularly adjudicates in the
Young Musicians Festival sponsored by the Schubert Club of
Fairfield County. Ms. Palmer's musical skills also extend to
arranging orchestral scores for piano. In 2004, Ms Palmer
received the honor of being the first "Artist in Residence"
named by Trumbull High School, and as such, is actively involved
in the music education programs at THS, as well as the two
middle schools in Trumbull, Madison and Hillcrest. Ms. Palmer is
profoundly thankful for the mentoring and friendship she shares
with David Allen Wehr, Hillman Distinguished Professor of Piano
in the Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University.
Email: accompanist
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