Dr. Liza Calisesi Maidens is Assistant Professor and Director of Choral Activities at the University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC). Her research centers around expanding the choral canon, the choral music of Imogen Holst, and undergraduate student belonging in a college/school of music. Prior to her appointment at UIC, she was a member of the conducting faculty at Eastern Michigan University from 2015-2021, where she conducted EMU Vision (formerly Women’s Choir), EMU Voces, and EMU Express. Most recently, EMU Vision was invited to perform at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Michigan Conference and was the featured chorus in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s French Fest performance of Debussy’s Nocturnes at Orchestra Hall.
She serves as a board committee member for mirabai, a professional ensemble led by Dr. Sandra Snow to enhance the artistic expectations of women’s choral singing. She is also a board member of the Illinois-ACDA, has served on the board for Michigan-ACDA, and is an active guest conductor, clinician, and presenter. Dr. Calisesi Maidens has sung professionally with the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir, mirabai, and sounding light. She has presented nationally at the ACDA and College Music Society conferences, as well as the world conference of the International Society for Music Education.
She holds degrees from Michigan State University (DMA), Westminster Choir College (MM), and Central College (BA). To learn more, please visit: lizacm.com.