About us
Bel Canto is a women's choral ensemble from St. Louis, Missouri. We began in 2010 with three singers, a director, and an accompanist, who all had a simple desire to make beautiful choral music together. Bel Canto presented our first concert that same year with nine singers, and has since grown into a beautiful community of women who find joy, encouragement, and empowerment through our relationships and the music we create together. Except for a two-year break due to Covid, Bel Canto has continued to perform concerts each year, now with a membership of 25-30 singers.
Bel Canto is non-auditioned and comprised of all volunteer singers. Our members are teachers, attorneys, business and administrative professionals, stay-at-home moms, ministers, entrepreneurs, retirees, and more.
Our founding director, Mary Poshak, retired in 2024 and we transitioned to new leadership under the direction of Dr. Elizabeth Hogan. Mary created something very special with Bel Canto Women's Ensemble, and as one of our members said, "planted the seeds of greatness in us". We are very excited about the future of Bel Canto as we venture into this new era.
Artistic Director: Dr. Elizabeth Hogan
Having previously sung with Bel Canto and assisted with directing, Dr. Hogan began as our Artistic Director in the summer of 2024. She holds a Ph.D. in Learning, Teaching and Curriculum from the University of Missouri and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University. She brings many years of experience as a musician and music educator to our ensemble. Dr. Hogan is the founder of Elevated Harmonics and sings in mirabai, a professional women's ensemble. She also serves as the Director of Gathering Kids at the Gathering United Methodist Church.
Accompanist: Donna Pyron
Donna Pyron is an accompanist in the St Louis area. She has worked in the Parkway School District as well as Lindenwood University and UMSL. She enjoys reading and spending time with her grandchildren and husband of 51 years. Donna joined Bel Canto Women's Ensemble as our accompanist in the summer of 2022. Two of her daughters are members of the choir as well.
Making music accessible to all women.
I love being a part of a group that is serious and focused, but also irreverent, and funny, and silly, and always so supportive of each other.
-Jessica Campbell
We are a community of women united by our love of making music along with our love of friendship and the power of women's voices. We draw strength and inspiration from our varied backgrounds, professions, and life stories, finding support in one another through life’s struggles and joys. Our purpose is to create a welcoming and creative space that makes music accessible to all women and where every voice is valued. We foster personal growth and mutual encouragement as we strive for musical excellence. Through our performances and camaraderie, we aim to uplift our members and audiences alike, celebrating the transformative power of music.
Gallery
Location
We hold weekly rehearsals at Kirkwood United Methodist Church and perform many of our concerts there.
201 W Adams
St. Louis MO 63122
